Roadtown, Tortola - Government is inviting Virgin Islanders to apply for a scholarship to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Ecology and Conservation.

The scholarship for study at the Schools of Biological Sciences and Agriculture, Policy and Development at the University of Reading is being offered by the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA).

It is part of the Overseas Territories Training and Research Programme which is expected to contribute to capacity building in the Virgin Islands (UK) and other UK overseas territories.

The scholarship will include the payment of tuition; travel to and from the Territory and monthly allowances for accommodation and living expenses.

The three-year bachelor honours degree will allow the selected candidate to acquire the various skills of ecologists and conservation biologists, provide an opportunity for hands-on field-based learning and exposure to academics who are internationally recognised for their research.

Interested applicants should possess clear academic ability and be able to demonstrate a commitment to a career in conservation biology.

Applicants should be 18 years or older and be a citizen of the Virgin Islands or another UK overseas territory.

Applicants should complete the standard application procedure of UCAS, the organisation responsible for managing applications to tertiary institutions in the UK. They are also required to submit a letter expressing their interest to the Admissions Tutor for Applied Ecology and Conservation, their curriculum vitae with the names of two referees and an outline of no more than 500 words detailing why they think they should be awarded the scholarship.

The deadline for the receipt of applications is April 30, 2009. For more information, persons can contact the Premier’s Office at 468-3701, ext 2152, pick up additional material at the help desks in the Central Administration Building or visit the website www.ucas.ac.uk.