AKIPRESS.COM - Canada’s Seneca College on April 5 announced plans to award three different scholarships to a total of 12 Central Asian students pursuing undergraduate study at the University of Central Asia (UCA). The scholarships from UCA’s curriculum development partner reflect a shared dedication to providing access and affordability to promising students, regardless of their economic status, UCA said.

The Canadian postsecondary institution, which developed the curriculum for UCA’s Preparatory Programme, will award three types of scholarships to cover a portion of tuition for study at UCA. UCA has committed to covering up to 90 per cent of the cost of tuition based on student need.

"We believe that the ideals and goals of the University of Central Asia in offering high quality programmes to the youth of Central Asia closely resemble Seneca’s,” said Jos Nolle, Dean of Seneca International.

“It is our hope that deserving students who benefit from this financial assistance, in due time, contribute to the development of the communities in Central Asia, disseminate the knowledge and experience gained while at UCA and become pillars of their communities.”

Entrance scholarships will be awarded to four incumbent students. Four additional Merit Scholarships will be awarded annually following a student’s first year based upon Grade Point Average (GPA) and demonstrated community service; and four Post-Graduate Tuition Scholarships will be awarded to UCA alumni to pursue a one-year post-graduate certificate at Seneca in Canada.

“UCA is grateful that Seneca College, our curriculum partner, is committed to our inaugural class of undergraduates in Naryn. These scholarships support our shared belief that all hardworking students have a right to pursue the highest quality education, regardless of their economic background,” said Dr Ariff Kachra, Dean of Arts and Sciences.

The announcement comes as the University’s admissions campaign has extended its deadline for admission due to overwhelming student inquiries and requests for application support among prospective students in rural communities. To accommodate the broadest possible range of applicants, UCA will accept applications until 15 April 2016.

On 7 July 2015, UCA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Seneca to develop the English, mathematics and science curriculum for UCA’s first year Preparatory Programme. The partnership between UCA and Seneca was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada, provided through Global Affairs Canada and the Aga Khan Foundation, Canada.

Canada supports several UCA research and teaching initiatives in Central Asia and Afghanistan through Global Affairs Canada and the International Development Research Centre, including support to establish the University’s Institute of Public Policy and Administration (IPPA). Global Affairs Canada has also supported UCA partnerships with the University of British Columbia, Carleton University and the University of Alberta.