Students of PetrSU received the individual Oxford Russia Fund scholarship certificates

Individual scholarship certificates of the Oxford Russia Fund were received this academic year by students of six faculties of PetrSU representing the humanities and social and economic specialities. Certificates were handed over to ninety one scholars by the PetrSU Rector Professor Anatoly Voronin and Vice Rector for Education Associate Professor Anatoly Lopukha.

The Oxford Russia Fund (ORF) was set up in 2005 by a group of alumni of Oxford University who share an interest in Russian history and culture and who were looking for ways to support the universities of Russia.

The main aim the Fund is funding competitive scholarships and also a programme of research fellowships for young academics. The project has evolved rapidly and now works through a network of Coordinators in fifteen universities located right across the great landmass of the Russian Federation.

The scholarships and fellowships nominations are chosen by the universities. By 2008 there will be as many as 4,500 ORF scholars. The main aim of the scholarship program is to provide motivation to learn for intelligent and as well unemployed students to support them in their research activity. Students receiving grades of A and B, participate in scientific conferences, publish their research works, wins contests and competitions may apply for the scholarship.

The Oxford scholarship is paid for three years at most (that is up to the end of the scholar's education). Students completed two academic years may apply for participation in the competition. Granted scholarships are recommenced annually on the basis of the acknowledgement received from the Learned Council of the university. The ORF's scholarship makes 30 thousand roubles a year paid within 10 educational months, which is 3 thousand roubles a month. If the Learned Council of the university finds it expedient not to prolong the scholarship period for some students due to their poor progress, it can recommend the Fund other more successful students of the same academic level.

The first scholars of the Oxford Russia Fund in PetrSU were excited to receive their certificates. "You are our hope, - Anatoly Voronin noted in his greeting speech. - Be industrious, only the sky is the limit, and plan for the future!"