Academic semester in Development Studies
The Norwegian organization Kulturstudier (Culture Studies) is offering scholarships to Vietnamese nationals interested in attending the 10-week undergraduate social science course Studying Development in Hoi An, Vietnam.
Exciting scholarship opportunity with Kulturstudier
The programme is conducted in partnership with Oslo Metropolitan University (Oslo Met), which provides internationally transferable university credits (30 ECTS credits - European Credit Transfer System).
Between 40 and 90 students participate each semester, the majority of whom are from Scandinavia, with a few spots reserved for Vietnamese students. Applicants should have a keen interest in social science and international affairs.
Please note that you must be a Vietnamese national to apply. The programme is full-time and may not be combined with work, National Service, or other studies.
Semester overview
Please note that the application deadlines are 1 June for the autumn semester and 1 November for the spring semester.
The programme is divided into three periods.
- 1
Self-study period
The semester starts with a six-week self-study period. You familiarize yourself with the curriculum, and ultimately submit a short assignment. The goal is for you to come prepared to the teaching period. You can combine this period with work or travel.
- 2
Teaching period in Hoi An
The ten-week teaching period in Hoi An consists of lectures, seminars, excursions, and fieldwork. Renowned lecturers from around the world teach, and our dedicated seminar leaders organize the seminars. In the final weeks, you work on a group exam.
- 3
Take-home exam
You will be given an individual take-home exam after the ten weeks are over. You have three weeks to complete it before the exam is due. Many stay in Hoi An to write their exam or go backpacking during this period. Just remember to allocate enough time to work steadily on the assignment!
What is included?
The Scholarship includes the following:
- Tuition fees and course literature
- Lunch on weekdays
- Accommodation (in a room shared with one or two other students)
- Monthly allowance for basic expenses during the 10 weeks in Hoi An
How to apply
The application deadlines are 1 June for the autumn semester and 1 November for the spring semester.
See below to learn what you must include in your application.
Scholarship applications are accepted via email only. Please do not submit applications using the form provided on this website.
Send your application to mail@kulturstudier.no with "DEV1 Scholarship" as the subject line.
Requirements: CV and motivation letter
Applicants must submit their Curriculum Vitae (CV) along with a motivation letter. The motivation letter, written in English, should be approximately 500 words, and should address the following questions:
- What makes you a suitable candidate for the course?
- Why do you wish to study Development Studies?
- How do you envision this course affecting your future career, work, or life plans?
Finalists may be asked to submit an essay on a topic chosen by Kulturstudier.
Requirements: University eligibility and English proficiency
Candidates must demonstrate university eligibility by providing documentation of completed upper secondary school (high school) education and at least one year of higher education at a university approved in their home country.
Successful candidates must undergo an English proficiency test prior to the semester.
This is a prerequisite for acceptance into the programme. Kulturstudier will cover the test fee.
University eligibility
To document university eligibility, Vietnamese Students must present to Kulturstudier one of the following documents:
- Bầng Tú Tài Phồ Thông Trung Học
- Chung Nhan Thot Nghiep Phồ Thông Trung Học
- Bầng Thot Nghiep Phồ Thông Trung Học
- Bầng Thot Nghiep Phồ Thông Trung Học Chuyen Nghiep
- Bầng Trung Học Nghe
- Bầng Tú Tài Trung Học Chuyen Ban
English proficiency
If you are accepted, and have not already taken one of the accepted tests listed below, Kulturstudier will cover your test fee.
English tests must be taken on 15 December / 15 June at the latest. Please send your test scores to mail@kulturstudier.no.
Accepted tests:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 500 for a paper-based test, a score of at least 170 for a computer-based test or minimum 60 for an internet-based test
- International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) with a minimum score of 5.0.
- Advanced Placement International English Language examination (APIEL) with a minimum score of 3
- University of Cambridge examinations: First Certificate in English, Certificate in Advanced English or Certificate of Proficiency in English
Exceptions
You are exempt from taking the English proficiency test if you meet any of the following criteria:
- You have completed one year at a university in an English-speaking country, with English as the language of instruction.
- You have completed university education with English as the main subject of your course of study.
- You have obtained a Master's degree with English as the language of instruction.
