FAQ

Q:  The applications require a copy of valid passport. Unfortunately I do not have a passport at the moment yet as I am in the middle of application I expect to receive it in weeks. Could I apply for the PhD programme without the copy of passport now?
A:  Yes. You may apply without the passport for now and then send the information later.

Q:  I am from mainland China. Could I send a copy of "Permit for travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macau" instead of a copy of passport?
A:  A copy of the permit would be fine.

Q:  My former university indicates the English medium of instruction directly on the transcript. Do I still need to ask the university to provide another certificate?
A:  It is fine if the university indicates the English medium of instruction directly on the transcript.  Please include a note to this effect in your application.  In this case, you need not to provide score from IELTS or TOEFL tests.

Q:  I come from a strong social science background with both master and bachelor degrees. My research interest is in the area of development. Am I eligible for the PhD programme in ICT for Sustainable Development?  Is a computer science background a must?
A:  This PhD programme involves postgraduate level coursework and research in ICT.  So it is necessary to have a strong technical background in this area.

Q:  I have completed a bachelor degree in ICT, am I eligible for the scholarship position?
A:  Applicants must have a master degree.
 
Q:  Do you require reference letters to be submitted with the applications?
A:  You need only provide the contact information for the recommendation letters. UNU-IIST will contact your references directly.   
 
Q:  May I send the scanned copies of the required original documents? 
A:  It is best to send you application by email with scanned copies of documents (by the deadline) and then follow up with the original copies by mail.  We can screen your application based on the scanned copies of the documents you submit.  Since we cannot make a final official offer till we receive the official hard copies, it is best that you follow with those soon so that if a positive decision is made, we can move quickly with the formal offer.
 
Q:  Do I have to submit scores from both IELTS and TOEFL? 
A:  You need only submit one of the two test scores.
 
Q:  I believe this is a scholarship program but the costs are listed as well. Do successful applicants still need to pay?
A:  The costs are listed for those who are self paying or who are applying with externally funded scholarships.  The listed UNU-IIST scholarships cover all costs.
 
Q:  I notice that scholarships are not listed for all research programmes in UNU-IIST, for example ICT for poverty reduction. 
A:  For this September intake (2012) we do not have scholarships in all areas.  For those areas not covered this year it is likely that scholarships will be available next year. The institute does have a number of fellowships that provide diverse opportunities to become involved in research.  These are listed under “careers” on the webpage.