Purpose

The aim of this scheme is to improve Human Resource Management in higher education in developing countries. For many universities, the recruitment, retention and development of staff are central to their future growth. This in turn requires an increasingly professional approach on behalf of managers.

The scholarships will be held at the Westminster Business School in central London and will be tenable for one academic year from September 2010 (date as yet to be confirmed).

Eligibility

The programme is intended for people currently working in Human Resources or Personnel departments in ACU member universities in developing Commonwealth countries. It is expected that recipients will return to their posts upon completion of the scholarship. Preference will be given to candidates who combine a strong record of achievement in their careers to date with clear plans for how the benefits of the scholarship would be used on their return.

Applicants should normally hold an upper second class degree and some relevant work experience. However, in exceptional circumstances professional qualifications or substantial work experience may be acceptable. Candidates are also required to show evidence of English Language ability in the form of an IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL score of 600.

Value

The scholarships will provide for full overseas tuition fees, accommodation expenses, a monthly stipend toward other subsistence expenses and airfares to and from the United Kingdom.

All candidates must:

• Complete a University of Westminster application form, a blank copy of which can be obtained from the Executive Head of their employing institution, or can be found at: http://www.westminster.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/23891/Application_Form.pdf
• Complete the The ACU’s Statement of Purpose  form.
• Complete the HR VC Declaration form - Each candidate must also be nominated for this award by the Vice-Chancellor or Executive Head of their employing ACU member university. The nominating authority must complete a copy of the declaration, which must be forwarded direct with the candidate's application to the ACU. Applications will not be considered unless accompanied by a declaration. Applications must not be sent to the University of Westminster.
• Candidates are also required to have a high level of English Language ability and may be required (after application) to show evidence of this in the form of an IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL score of 600.  

Applications should be sent to the ACU (and not to the University of Westminster) at:
Human Capacity Development Division (PAA)
Association of Commonwealth Universities
Woburn House, 20-24 Tavistock Square
London WC1H 9HF
United Kingdom

Applications sent by email must reach the Association not later than 30 April 2010.   Hard copies must follow within the week

Conditions of Award

Award holders must undertake to return to their employing university at the end of the scholarship. Each recipient will be expected to provide a report on his/her tenure of the scholarship which may, at the discretion of the ACU, be included in future publications of the ACU or of the other scholarship sponsors.