Welcome to Burma Trust Education

Consideration for grants is made on the basis of academic record; applicant’s long-term goals; and financial need. Specifically, grants are given to students who not only meet the programme criteria but who have demonstrated a willingness and commitment to utilise their academic knowledge to return to work on an ongoing basis for the democratic, social and economic rebirth of Burma, by whatever means they can.

The BEST programme has been specifically designed to provide a source of additional supplementary funds, to students who are enrolled in academic programmes at accredited colleges, universities, and community colleges leading to a degree (BA, MA, PhD, etc) You must let us know what other organisations you have applied to so that we can liaise with them directly.

This current programme provides funding for up to one year of study. Students who receive funding for the 2007/2008 academic year must reapply for subsequent years.

Students will be chosen by ability, in an open annual selection process, through an initial email questionnaire. If successful, you will be invited to apply in writing, submitting two essays. A panel of experts will make all grant decisions based on the quality of the application, academic records, a written statement outlining future goals, proven commitment to community-based education and development and recommendation letters.

Whilst BEST will work cooperatively with all other potential funders, the panel will reach its own decisions, based on the criteria expressed in this document. Decisions of the Panel are final!

BEST’s Supplementary Scholarship Grants are provided to help cover costs for one or more of the following categories:

Tuition fees: normally, not to exceed 10% of tuition and fees per academic year.
Living expenses: Students who have succeeded in funding their tuition, either through scholarships, academic bursaries/fee waivers, or through their own financial means will be eligible for additional, partial accommodation and living costs.
Other: Students who have secured all necessary funds but cannot afford additional expenses, such as books, materials, health insurance, transportation to and from school, will be eligible for additional funds. This may cover contribution towards the purchase of computer equipment, airfares or specialist equipment, but will not substitute essential funding, such as airfares, if these are not covered at least in part by your main sponsor. Sadly, we cannot grant assistance, to support an accompanying child or partner.

Scholarship grantees are required to maintain student status throughout the period of the grant. Scholarship grants will be distributed on a annual basis: upon proof of continued enrollment; G.P.A; a semester report; an accurate account detailing all the student’s income/expenditure as estimated in this application. Inform us immediately of any change to your address/email address!

In order to ensure that all money raised by BEST goes directly to support student scholarships, there is no administrative staffing for BEST. This means that it is impossible for BEST volunteers to answer individual queries from applicants, nor to confirm receipt of details sent by applicants. For information about BEST and other scholarship programmes, visit the ...