The University of Central Asia (UCA) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) are pleased to celebrate the third year of their partnership and provide full scholarships for Central Asian students to pursue doctoral studies at German universities in the fields of natural sciences and technology. The partnership addresses the critical need for science specialists in the region, and provides scholarships for Ph.D. students in the disciplines of biology, chemistry, biochemistry, applied physics, geology, applied mathematics, computing science, engineering sciences (environmental engineering, complex systems analysis and design), environmental sciences and environmental earth sciences, and natural resource management. Applications in the disciplines of archaeology, ethnography, economics and sociology will also be considered.
Graduates will be given preferential consideration for academic appointments in UCA’s Graduate School of Development and/or undergraduate School of Arts and Sciences. Students with a solid background in the sciences with an interest in pursuing doctoral studies are encouraged to apply.
Prerequisites for the programme include:
* “Diplom spetsialista”, Master’s Degree, or strong Bachelor’s Degree in one of the science disciplines;
* Demonstration of knowledge/ competency in chosen discipline;
* A sound research proposal addressing issues relevant to Central Asia;
* Proof of contact with a German university: (letter of admission from a Ph.D. programme or at least proof that the applicant is being considered for admission., or consent of a professor to act as personal supervisor of Ph.D. thesis,
* Excellent knowledge of English or good knowledge of German.
M.A. studies clearly serving as preparation to Ph.D studies can be supported. Applicants should, however, at the time of their application already have a solid research project.
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MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Board of Directors today approved a $500 million short-term loan to help Kazakhstan mitigate the negative impacts of the global economic crisis on Central Asia’s major economy.

Kazakhstan was the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to be directly affected by the crisis, due to its exposure in the banking sector. After a decade of rapid expansion at 9% real gross domestic product growth per year, the economy plummeted in the second half of 2008, growing only 3.3%. In 2009, GDP is expected to contract by 2%.

For more information:

http://www.adb.org/Media/Articles/2009/12978-kazakhstan-loans-approvals/