§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what aid his Department supplied to the Government of Malawi either directly or through other agencies since 1979.
Mr. JacksonThe Department of Education set up the overseas research students awards scheme (ORSAS) in December 1979 in recognition of the institutional and scholarly contribution made by overseas research students of outstanding merit. The first awards were made for the academic year 1980–81.
The only criteria for the awards are outstanding merit and research potential; other factors, such as means, nationality, proposed field and institution of study, will not be taken into account.
The scheme is administered by the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals of the Universities of the United Kingdom. The CVCP has appointed a special committee, composed of senior members of academic staff of academic institutions, to be responsible for the selection of awardholders and the detailed management of the scheme.
- 1980 1 award was offered to Malawi but was not taken up.
- 1981 2 awards were offered to Malawi but were not taken up.
- 1982 2 applications were made by Malawi, both were rejected.
- 1983 3 awards made to Malawi at a total cost of £6,818.
- 1984 4 awards made to Malawi at a total cost of £7,420.
- 1985 2 awards made to Malawi at a total cost of £5,556.
- 1986 2 awards made to Malawi at a total cost of £4,908.
- 1987 3 awards made to Malawi at a total cost of £8,257.
- 1988 2 awards made to Malawi at a total cost of £5,676.
Summary
- 1980–88 3 awards were not taken up by Malawi
- 2 applications for awards were rejected
- 16 awards were made to Malawi at a total cost of £38,635.