PROCEDURE AND REQUIREMENTS

Complete the steps below to apply for a degree program at IRRI Training.

1. Fill in the Scholar Approval Form [download DOC file / ZIP file] and the Application Form [download DOC file / ZIP file or apply online].
   
   
2. Get an endorsement from :
   
   
   
   1. Head of the Institute/Employer - endorsement form [download DOC file / ZIP file], if you are currently employed. This states that upon completion of scholarship, you will return to your organization to work on rice or rice-related activities.
      
      
   2. Supervisor - endorsement form [download DOC file / ZIP file], if you are currently enrolled. This also states that upon completion of scholarship, you will return to your university to finish his/her graduate study.
      
      
3. Get an evidence of registration from the university of your choice. This can be a copy of your enrolment certificate, or a letter from the university confirming your registration.
   
   If you are applying for a thesis scholarship or research scholarship for thesis only, submit an evidence of completion of your course work from your University, as well as a copy of your thesis outline. The topic should be related to the mandate and priority program areas of IRRI.
   
   
4. Get an original and a photocopy of your transcript of records for your BS and MS (for PhD candidate).
   
   
5. Obtain a copy of the Memorandum of Agreement between the university and IRRI or a Letter of Agreement from the Head of the Department. This indicates an agreement on the intellectual property rights of both parties, and that thesis research will be conducted at IRRI under the supervision of an IRRI scientist.
   
   
6. Complete the Medical Form A [download DOC file / ZIP file].
   
   
7. Send these forms to the following address by fax, mail, or as email attachments.
   
   Office of Scholars Affairs Training Center
   International Rice Research Institute
   DAPO Box 7777
   Metro Manila, Philippines
   Fax: (63-2) 891-1292, (63-2) 580 5699
   E-mail: IRRITraining@cgiar.org
   
   
8. You are also required to submit a copy of all the form to the IRRI Representative or Liaison Scientist assigned in your country.
   
   
9. IRRI Training Center must receive all the requirements before 31 July of each year.

Notes:

• Based on established criteria, all applications are screened and scholarships are awarded before the end of each year. Applicants are informed of the status of their applications.
  
• Processing of Visas. Allow at least three weeks or more in processing your visa requirements. Specifically, if you are from Bangladesh, China, India, Iran, Pakistan, and Africa, processing of visa takes up a longer time.
  
  Send the following details as they appear on your passport.
  • full name
  • birth date and place
  • passport number, date and place of issue
  • address of the Philippine Foreign Service Establishment/Post (e.g., embassy or consul) nearest to your place of residence

  Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of expected departure to the Philippines. The information above will be included in the award letter from the Office of Scholars' Affairs (OSA). Complete the details to avoid delays.
  
  The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) determines the strict protocols, which at times vary between embassies. DFA procedures are set to ensure that all visas are issued to people who plan to return to their country.
  
  OSA requests the IRRI Travel Agency to send the note verbale to the Visa Section of DFA. Attached in the request letter are:

  • IRRI form for Request and Authorization for Official Travel (RAOT)
  • Copy of award letter
  • Passport details
  • Address of Philippine Foreign Service Establishment nearest your place of residence

  The types of visa requested are usually 9A for short term (less than 1 month) and 9E for more than 1 month training. You will be informed of the visa reference number as soon as it is available. With the visa reference number, you may now proceed in applying for the appropriate visa.
  
  If IRRI Country offices are lodged in your country, you may ask for their assistance in procuring a visa.
  
  Upon receiving your passport, note the type of visa given to you. Most importantly, remember that you should have a valid visa to be able to enter the country.