THE SBM EDUCATION FUND

ACADEMIC YEAR 2013/2014 Application for Undergraduate Scholarships

Applications are invited from students who would like to be considered for the award of scholarships including a full scholarship for students attending or admitted in undergraduate courses at post-secondary institutions in Mauritius, recognized by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). Scholarships will be awarded to meritorious students who come from a family whose household income does not exceed Rs 15,000 per month. The scholarships are offered by the State Bank of Mauritius through The SBM Education Fund under the above-mentioned scheme. In order to support measures to eradicate absolute poverty in Mauritius, a special consideration will be given to meritorious students who come from a family with a household income not exceeding Rs 6,200 per month and registered either at the National Empowerment Foundation or at the Social Register of Mauritius. In addition, students from Rodrigues Island and disabled students are also eligible for this Scholarship Scheme. We highly encourage students from these groups to apply. 2. Eligibility Requirements 2.1 Candidates must: be citizens and residents of the Republic of Mauritius meet the minimum entry requirements of the course proposed (e.g. a good HSC or equivalent for degree courses) come from a family whose household income does not exceed Rs 15,000 monthly NOT be children of SBM employees NOT have benefited from any other scholarship for the same course / programme 2.2 Candidates should hold a firm offer of a seat in a recognized higher education institution in Mauritius for a full-time programme of not less than the equivalent of one academic/full year of study. As far as possible, students should be admitted or hold a firm offer of admission to public Tertiary Education Institutions. In case a programme is not being offered in public institutions, students may enroll in private ones recognized by TEC. 2.3 Candidates should be less than 25 years of age by the closing date of submission of application and not be in employment. 3. Documents to be submitted: i) ii) iii) Application form duly filled in Letter of motivation Copy of birth certificate of applicant and his/her parents and their marriage certificate

SBM Scholarship Scheme 2013 - Terms & Conditions

iv) v)

vi)

vii) viii) ix)

Certified copies of results of SC/ O level and HSC/ International Baccalaureate or equivalent, and any other relevant qualifications held. Copy of letter of offer/Evidence of enrolment specifying nature of course and course title / Evidence of having secured a seat in a recognized higher education institution in Mauritius Testimonials from two referees, who know the candidate personally. At least one of the referees must be familiar with the academic record of the candidate. Evidence that his/her family household income does not exceed Rs 15,000 per month Proof of address (copy of a recent utility bill, less that 3 months old) Evidence from the Ministry of Social Security or the National Council for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (NCRD) that applicant benefits from a Basic Invalidity Pension (if applicable)

All documents should be submitted along with the application, by the Closing Date, Friday 30 August 2013. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered. 4. Conditions of Scholarship 4.1 The scholarship will cover the costs of tuition fees, library and examination fees, Student Union fees and other administrative fees levied by the institution up to a maximum Rs 30,000 per annum plus an allowance of Rs 12,000 per annum for books and other learning materials. Students from Rodrigues and the outer islands will receive a maximum additional amount of Rs 5,000 per month for Board and lodging and also a return airfare (economy) from their place of residence. In such cases the maximum scholarship would be Rs 102,000 plus the return economy airfare, if applicable. 4.2 Students will be eligible for one scholarship at the undergraduate level only. 4.3 Candidates holding another scholarship will not be eligible for a scholarship under this scheme. 4.4 The beneficiary of a scholarship will sign an undertaking that s/he will complete the course / degree programme, failing which, the Trustees reserve the right to recoup the disbursement already made. 4.4.1 The scholarship amount for the academic year will be disbursed at the beginning of each academic year as follows: for the first academic year, upon submission of evidence of registration. for subsequent academic years of study, upon submission of evidence of successful completion of the previous academic year.

4.4.2

A scholarship holder who has to repeat an academic year will do so at his/her own expense, the scholarship being withheld until evidence of admission to the following academic year of the programme is submitted. 2

SBM Scholarship Scheme 2013 - Terms & Conditions

4.4.3

A scholarship holder who has to repeat the final academic year of study will do so at his/her own expense. Clauses 4.4.2 and 4.4.3 shall not apply if a scholarship holder repeats an academic year due to medical reasons, and submits documentary evidence to that effect. Once a scholarship has been awarded, the following provisions shall apply: In the event a beneficiary changes programme of study within the same institution, the beneficiary will be bound to inform the Trustees immediately. The Trustees reserve the right to cancel the scholarship and recoup disbursements already made. In case of change in institution the refund of the disbursement would be mandatory

4.4.4

4.4.5

4.4.6

Applications will be considered on an on-going basis and subject to availability of funds for that particular year. All fees required to be paid to the Institution will be released directly to the Institution as they fall due The yearly allowance will be paid directly into the SBM bank account of the student subject to the submission of evidence of successful completion of the previous academic year, as mentioned in 4.4.1 above.

4.4.7

4.4.8

4.5 Other Terms & Conditions: The student should keep the Bank informed of all happenings such as any loss of property, change of address, change of contact details, illnesses etc In case of illness and absence from courses for a period of 4 days, or exceeding 4 days, the student should provide the Bank a medical certificate justifying his absences. The Bank should be kept informed and have a close follow-up on the academic progress and situation of the student. The latter should produce a copy of all semester examinations results for the inspection of the Bank. The student should have no political association, and do nothing that may impact the reputation of the Bank and be of any risk to it. The Bank keeps the right and authority of interrupting the scholarship in case of: o Any misconduct or behavior that the Bank considers as inappropriate or that may negatively impact the reputation of SBM, from the student. o In case of academic failure of the student o In case of the students results being below the expectations of the Bank 3

SBM Scholarship Scheme 2013 - Terms & Conditions

5. Termination of Scholarship 5.1 The scholarship will be terminated in the event a scholarship holder fails to complete the course / degree and enrolment is terminated by the Tertiary Education Institution / University for reasons of performance, or conduct, before the expiry of the duration of the programme. 5.2 In the event of termination of a scholarship already awarded, the Trustees reserves the right to recoup disbursements already made. 6. Selection 6.1 Eligible candidates will be called for interview (if required) after a shortlisting exercise. 6.2 Candidates are reminded that no application will be considered in absentia and that they should be present for the interview. 7. Mode of Application Applications must be made on the prescribed form that can be downloaded on www.sbmgroup.com 7.1 The completed form along with all supporting documents should be submitted to The Trustees, The SBM Education Fund, c/o DTOS Trustees Ltd, 10th Floor, Raffles Tower, 19 Cybercity, Ebene at latest by Friday 30 August 2013. Note: i) ii) iii) iv) v) vi) The Trustees of The SBM Education Fund reserve the right to change the conditions of the scholarship as it may deem fit from time to time. The Trustees of The SBM Education Fund reserve the right to call for interview only the best qualified candidates. Only successful candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application / Trustees will notify each applicant of their decision. The Trustees will make the final decisions of awards and reserve the right not to award any scholarship in a particular year. The decision of the Trustees is final and binding and at their sole discretion. The Trustees of The SBM Education Fund, the State Bank of Mauritius Ltd and/or its directors and/or its Officers, stand free from any liabilities arising out of this exercise. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.

vii)

SBM Scholarship Scheme 2013 - Terms & Conditions