What is the AER Scholarship?

The AER is offering one annual scholarship for a student from an AER member region to undertake a course of study at Masters degree level in a topic related to regional democracy. The scholarship will cover tuition fees and living costs for a one-year course at a university in another AER member region in a foreign country.

The scholarship is available for a 1-year full-time Masters-level course, which is properly accredited by a recognised university, in any topic relating to the work of the AER. Eligible courses include: Regional Studies, Public Management, International Relations, European Studies and Politics. These are just examples; any course which has a regional aspect may be considered as eligible. In the case of general degrees such as Politics or European Studies, the student will be required to write their Masters thesis on a regional aspect of the topic.

The AER scholarship can be used in any department where the organisation is satisfied that adequate supervision for a thesis on regional issues exist. This is most likely to be those departments in which substantial research on regional issues has already been undertaken, and in which a specialisation on these issues has already been established. The total maximum value of the scholarship is €11.500.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants must be registered to vote in an AER member region. The AER would particularly welcome applications from candidates from (or going to) Central and Eastern European regions, ethnic minority and disabled candidates, as well as those from a socially disadvantaged background. The AER would also encourage applications from young people already working for a regional administration, who wish to improve their career prospects by undertaking a Masters Degree.

The scholarship is conditional on acceptance by the university department. If an offer of a place has been received by the time of application, this should be included. The successful candidate will in any case be asked to provide a copy of a letter of acceptance from their chosen institution before the award of a studentship can be confirmed and any funds dispensed.