Application Instructions for Asia Leaders Programme

IMPORTANT DATES

• Application Deadline:                      15 October

• Notification of Admission:                27 November

Admitted applicants will be notified through e-mail.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING AN APPLICATION

Your application represents you, so be sure that it is complete and accurate and that the essays and supplementary materials represent your own work. It is not acceptable to misrepresent one's accomplishments, to borrow from the works of others without proper acknowledgment, or to submit as one's own material that has been written, re-written or heavily edited by others. Breaches of these protocols will result in rejection of the application.

YOU MUST SUBMIT THE COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE containing all supporting documents. If you do not submit a complete application package (on-line application Form and supporting documents in hard copies) your application will not be reviewed.
Detailed instructions for completing the documents in the application are provided in the sections below. The information will help you complete all forms that will make your application package complete. Please read the guidelines carefully to determine which forms and documentation are needed.

1.          The application form must be filled out on-line. A printed hard-copy of the on-line application form is not required.

2.         A complete hard-copy (i.e. printed paper) application consists of all the following relevant materials:

1. Official Undergraduate Transcript (Original or certified true copy)
2. Certified True Copy of Diploma
3. Two letters of recommendation
4. Curriculum Vitae or Résumé
5. Statement of Purpose
6. English Proficiency Scores Report
7. Six Passport Size Photographs
8. Copy of Passport
9. Visa Form

Applicants are responsible for gathering hard copies of all these materials and for submitting them in one package to the UPEACE Department of Academic Administration (DAA) by the application deadline.

Letters of recommendation, English proficiency test scores, and transcripts must all be in sealed envelopes.

Please, send all materials to the following address by the Application Deadline:

University for Peace
Department of Academic Administration
Application for Asia Leaders Programme
P.O. Box 138-6100
San José, Costa Rica
ZIP Code: 10701

We will confirm receipt of application materials, once, by e-mail. No information will be provided by telephone or to third parties. If you wish to receive swifter verification of the receipt of materials, you should send them via registered mail or other receipt-requested service using the following address:

University for Peace
Department of Academic Administration
Application for Asia Leaders Programme
El Rodeo de Mora, Ciudad Colón
San José, Costa Rica
Tel: (506) 22-05-90-00

1. ON LINE application form

2. Official Undergraduate Transcript (original or certified true copy)

Original transcript of records must be of a four-year Bachelor’s degree (first University degree) with the official grading system in the original language and must come along with an official English translation, bearing the original signature of the Registrar and the school seal.

Transcripts of records of MA programmes are not accepted

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3. CERTIFIED TRUE COPY OF DIPLOMA

Diploma certified true copy must be in the original language and must come in its official English translation.

4. Two Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation or reference letters must be included in the application package.
These must be from faculty or others individuals qualified to evaluate your potential for graduate study must be included in the application package.

Each letter must be attached to the Letter of Recommendation Form

Some Valid referees or recommenders are:

• Former professors
• Faculty Deans
• Academic Advisors
• Immediate supervisors
• Research Project Managers
• Mentors

Letters from family members or close friends are not accepted.

Download here the Letter of Recommendation Form Letter of Recommendation Form

Forward Letter of recommendation form to recommenders

Have recommenders attach the form to the letter of recommendation.

Recommenders may:

• Post recommendation letter in a sealed envelop back to applicant
• Post recommendation letter directly to UPEACE

Note:
Letters of Recommendation are confidential.

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5. CURRICULUM VITAE OR RÉSUMÉ

The Curriculum Vitae or Résumé must clearly state the following information:

• Name of applicant
• Applicant’s birth date
• E-mail address
• Postal address
• Phone number
• Academic background (including institution name, graduation year and degree obtained)
• Working experience (including name of the institution, date of beginning, ending date and position
• Multicultural exchanges
• Any other relevant information

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6. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The statement of purpose must be between 500 and 1000 words, and must respond the following questions:

• Why have you decided to apply to the Asia Leaders Programme?
• What are your expectations for the Ma. in International Peace Studies?
• What are your career prospects after graduation?
• What type of multicultural exchanges have you experienced?

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7. PROFICIENCY TEST SCORES REPORT

An English Language Proficiency Test Report is required for all applicants. The following English Proficiency Tests are accepted:

UPEACE TOEFL Code: 7180

Notes:

a.Tests of more than two years old are not valid. Applicants who took the English Test more than two years ago must repeat the test.

b. If an “Applicant’s Score Confirmation Report” is available, you may send it with your application package, however, the official institutional score report sent by ETS is still required.

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8. PASSPORT SIZE PHOTOS

Photos must have the following characteristics:

• Six photographs
• In color and identical
• 35 by 45 mm (1.37 “ by 1.77”)
• Frontal view from head to shoulders
• Single colour background, preferably white
• Printed on photographic paper

Note:

• E-mailed photos are not valid
• Non passport size photos will not be accepted
• Album photo pictures are not valid either

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9. COPY OF PASSPORT

All applicants must provide a clear photocopy of their passport pages showing the following information:

• Name
• Photo
• Birth date
• Birthplace
• Issuance and expiration date
• The valid entry visa when needed. (after arrival at the Philippines)

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10. VISA FORM

All applicants must fill out the Visa Form, which can be downloaded here: Visa Form

Information about Costa Rican Consulates is available here >>

Questions about visas should be directed to: visas@upeace.org

Note that, Costa Rican Immigration Law demands that the passport expires six months after the end of the MA programme that the applicant will be pursuing at UPEACE.

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APPLICATION deadline: 15 October

Scholarships

All applicants admitted to the Asia Leaders Programme will receive a full scholarship from the Nippon Foundation which contemplates the following:

• Tuition
• Monthly stipend for living expenses
• Travel costs
• Learning materials

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