Increasing numbers of Mexican students looking to study or research in a foreign country has left the Mexican government scrambling to find sufficient funds for graduate scholarships. Although the monthly stipends available are low, there has been rocketing demand for access to them, with over 500 applying for 150 bursaries... Increasing numbers of Mexican students looking to study or research in a foreign country has left the Mexican government scrambling to find sufficient funds for graduate
scholarships. Although the monthly stipends available are low, there has been rocketing demand for access to them.
The
Council of Science and Technology announced that only 30% of applications for government grants are being met. This year, monthly stipends will be given of MXN 5,400 pesos (£265) over 12 months for specialist degrees, MXN 6,500 pesos (£319) over 24 months for Masters and MXN 8,500 pesos (£417) over 36 months for doctorates.
Even though demand has varied every year and between programmes, the Council has recorded an upward trend recently due to more people studying postgraduate degrees or involved in thesis research programmes looking for economic help.
"We haven't managed to predict the behaviour of demand with complete precision yet; it varies with every call [for applications]," said Jorge Villega Rodriguez, director of the Council's human resources and scientific innovation support. "In this occasion we had more than 500 solicitations for postgraduate scholarships and we give out around 150."
He added, "Demand continues to grow which is why we are making more effort to offer more scholarships, but there aren't enough funds to cope."
Scholarships are minimal but at least help students get set up in their destination countries
Rodriguez pointed out that scholarships are minimal but at least help students get set up in their destination countries. The scholarships are available starting from any point in the year as academic calendars vary for every country.
Currently the Council is reviewing the 500 applications to determine which best meet the prerequisites and can be supported through the resources available. Normally, scholarships are awarded twice a year.
Increasing numbers of Mexican students looking to study or research in a foreign country has left the Mexican government scrambling to find sufficient funds for graduate scholarships. Although the monthly stipends available are low, there has been rocketing demand for access to them.
The Council of Science and Technology announced that only 30% of applications for government grants are being met. This year, monthly stipends will be given of MXN 5,400 pesos (£265) over 12 months for specialist degrees, MXN 6,500 pesos (£319) over 24 months for Masters and MXN 8,500 pesos (£417) over 36 months for doctorates.
Even though demand has varied every year and between programmes, the Council has recorded an upward trend recently due to more people studying postgraduate degrees or involved in thesis research programmes looking for economic help.
“We haven’t managed to predict the behaviour of demand with complete precision yet; it varies with every call [for applications],” said Jorge Villega Rodriguez, director of the Council’s human resources and scientific innovation support. “In this occasion we had more than 500 solicitations for postgraduate scholarships and we give out around 150.”
He added, “Demand continues to grow which is why we are making more effort to offer more scholarships, but there aren’t enough funds to cope.”
Scholarships are minimal but at least help students get set up in their destination countries
Rodriguez pointed out that scholarships are minimal but at least help students get set up in their destination countries. The scholarships are available starting from any point in the year as academic calendars vary for every country.
Currently the Council is reviewing the 500 applications to determine which best meet the prerequisites and can be supported through the resources available. Normally, scholarships are awarded twice a year.
