Requirements & Procedures
The 2008 International Road Federation Fellowship Program provides a US $15,000 financial grant that is applied toward the costs of graduate study at an accredited university in a highway‑related field. Recipients must be graduate engineers or graduates in other disciplines such as public administration, transportation economics, traffic engineering, transportation policy, structures, design, planning, highway maintenance, mechanical engineering, etc., which have application in a highway department or highway related organization or firm. They must possess a good working knowledge of the English language if studying in the United States.
Students are strongly encouraged to attend one of two Core Universities in the United States (University of Florida, Purdue University), and these procedures and requirements are written for those situations. However, in special situations, the International Road Federation also allows attendance in countries other than the United States. Students opting to attend universities outside the United States will be required to attend the orientation programs in the United States at their own expense. Should a student and the sponsor wish to consider this option, please notify the International Road Federation as soon as possible. International Road Federation Fellowships are normally offered through National Road Associations or Ministries of Public Works or Transport affiliated with the International Road Federation. Recipients are selected by these organizations in collaboration with regional or municipal counterparts and private sector firms. In all cases, the International Road Federation requires evidence that the applicant has an obligation to return to the sponsoring country after his studies, in order to apply the knowledge he has gained.
Note To Sponsors
In order that your nominee has a complete understanding of the International Road Federation Fellowship Program, please ensure that these Requirements and Procedures are given to the nominee as soon as possible.
Student Qualifications
The objective of the International Road Federation Fellowship Program is to assist nations in their road improvement efforts by arranging for advanced education of their most promising professionals from either the private or public sector. Upon receipt of a nomination the International Road Federation reviews both the nominee's professional record and his undergraduate academic record. The universities, however, tend to place greater weight on the previous academic record when reviewing an application for admission. Accordingly, to be admitted to an accredited university, it is essential that the nominee's undergraduate academic record be satisfactory. "Satisfactory" is the equivalent of an overall grade point average of "3.0" on a scale of 1 ‑ 4 (highest) for admission to a master's degree program, and only slightly less for admission to a non‑degree program. Particular attention should be paid to this requirement as admission to graduate schools is highly competitive, and an unsatisfactory academic record could cause the nominee's case to be rejected by the International Road Federation and/or the universities.
The TOEFL Examination
For admission of students from countries in which English is not the primary language, universities in the United States also require certification of the English language qualification of the applicant through the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) examination. A minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper‑based) or 213 (computer‑based) is currently required at most universities in the United States.
In most of the world's countries, the TOEFL is now computer‑based and is being administered continuously. When the nominee sits for the examination the code number of the institution to which the results should be sent is entered on the admission ticket. The nominee should enter the number 9314. This is the code number assigned to the International Road Federation and will ensure that the score will be sent to the International Road Federation without delay.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Virtually all universities in the United States now require that the standard Graduate Record Examination (GRE) be taken before admission will be considered, if the nominee wishes to pursue a Masters Degree program. The International Road Federation recommends that this examination be accomplished in addition to the TOEFL examination. Again, the institution code for THE INTERNATIONAL ROAD FEDERATION is 9314. If the GRE has not been successfully completed, it may still be possible for the candidate to obtain admission in a non‑degree‑seeking status until the GRE has been accomplished.
The International Road Federation Program
In order to be eligible for a grant, each International Road Federation Fellowship nominee is required to participate in the entire International Road Federation Program. This includes:
- A multiple part training and orientation program in the United States and possibly Canada with the International Road Federation and other selected transportation organizations. The costs of this special program are covered by the International Road Federation for students studying at the Core Universities in the United States.
- A minimum nine‑month period of study at the university where the student has been enrolled with International Road Federation approval.
Finances and the Grant
The International Road Federation grant is applied to the costs of the student’s education. It cannot be renewed or extended. The grant is typically paid to the student in two equal payments at the beginning of each of the first two semesters. Alternatively, at the option of the sponsor, the International Road Federation can directly pay university billings for tuition and fees within the limits of the grant.
All other funds, including the cost of round‑trip international air travel, must be arranged for by the student's sponsor. Cost of living and tuition vary widely among universities. Living expenses at universities in the United States currently are estimated at a minimum of US$1,000 per month. The student should have at least a portion of his or her maintenance funds with him or her on arrival to cover initial housing and food expenses.
At the time the student nominee applies for admission into the Fellowship Program his or her sponsor must certify in writing to the International Road Federation that sufficient funds are available beyond the International Road Federation grant to meet all financial obligations during the period of study. In countries with a highway project loan from an international lending institution, the sponsor may wish to consider use of a portion of the loan for this purpose. Academic training is an appropriate element of institutional development.
University Placement
The International Road Federation designates one of the Core Universities for the International Road Federation Fellows. However, if a student has already been admitted to an acceptable university, the International Road Federation may be able to honor his or her wishes. The International Road Federation cannot place students in a university; the student will need to follow the application procedures for any selected university(s).
Special Notes
The International Road Federation does not require that a candidate plans to study for an advanced degree to qualify for the Fellowship Program. However, if the student wishes to do so he or she should specify this intention on the application. It should be understood that an advanced degree typically requires more than one year of study, and that all funds necessary to complete the program must be arranged from non‑ International Road Federation sources. As future managers, prospective students are encouraged to consider including supplementary courses in public or business administration in their study programs. Details will be available at each university upon the student’s arrival.
Required Documents
The following documents are required by the International Road Federation:
- The Application for Admission form, completed carefully and in detail. A photograph should be affixed. These should be submitted electronically to the International Road Federation.
- Three letters of reference, at least one of which shall be written by a faculty member of the university where the nominee completed his or her undergraduate study.
- A statement noting date and place the TOEFL examination will be or has been taken. If available, the official TOEFL score report should be enclosed. If applicable, the same information concerning the GRE examination should be enclosed.
- A certified official transcript of previous university credits and grades, with English translation if appropriate.
- Sponsor's certification of availability of funds.
The completed forms should be forwarded to the International Road Federation by the nominee or the sponsoring organization at the earliest possible date, for each case requires many months to process at the university. The deadline for receipt of all documents for Fall admission is October 31st. Upon review of all documentation, the International Road Federation will select a university it deems appropriate for the nominee's study program. The nominee will then apply directly to the University Board of Admissions. Upon admission, the university will provide the necessary documentation to obtain a visa. Information on housing facilities and related administrative matters will be provided by writing directly to the university.
Schedule For Arrival
The Fellowship year typically runs from early August through the following May or June, depending upon the university selected. Students studying in the United States should plan to arrive at their schools at least two weeks prior to university registration to arrange housing.
Dependents
It is strongly recommended that dependents who plan to join the grantee delay their arrival until the grantee is settled at the university and has made arrangements for housing.