LSE-Sawiris Scholarship – FAQs
All You Need to Know About the LSE-Sawiris Scholarship- Executive Masters in cities.
We are pleased to announce the launch of the LSE-Sawiris Scholarship – Executive Masters in Cities. LSE-Sawiris Scholarship is a program of the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development. Newton Education Services has the honor of managing the application process for the scholarship, and we are here to answer all your questions. Below are a few of those that may come first to mind.
What is the LSE- Sawiris Scholarship and its benefits?
Sawiris Foundation offers two (2) scholarships for Urban Leaders working in the Public Sector or Third Sector in Egypt to obtain their executive MSc in Cities at the London School of Economics.
Scholarship Benefits:
Program fees, Travel (Cairo, Egypt – London, UK on Egypt Air), and Living costs in London (includes both accommodation and subsistence)
What is the Executive Masters in Cities Program and what does it include?
The Executive MSc in Cities brings together experts from across LSE and its wider global network to train the urban leaders of tomorrow.
The program builds upon the Centre’s extensive interdisciplinary urban research program, social science research methods and wide range of public and private sector advisory activities. It also harnesses LSE Cities’ substantial networks of global city policymakers and practitioners established through its Urban Age program over the last decade.
The program consists of five (5) short-term sessions as well as six (6) months Individual Consultancy.
What is the London School of Economics and Political Science like?
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a public research university located in London, regarded as an international center of academic excellence and innovation in the social sciences. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).LSE is ranked sixth in the current QS World Rankings.
The School regularly attracts leading public figures to give lectures, attend seminars and consult staff. LSE was founded in 1895 and joined the University of London in 1900.
The School’s academic profile spans a broad range of social sciences and is renowned for studying real world issues, from economics, politics and law to sociology, anthropology, accounting and finance.
Graduates can be found in senior positions in organizations and governments worldwide. Alumni and former staff include 18 Nobel Prize winners in Economics, Peace or Literature and 36 past or present Heads of State.
LSE has students from over 160 countries worldwide making the School a very international and cosmopolitan institution in which to study and their central location offers easy access to the vast cultural and social life that London has to offer.
LSE alumni benefit from bespoke careers services, a mentoring network, events and their Leadership Series – live streamed lectures with the world’s thought leaders.
You can explore the Executive Masters in Cities site and broader university site to learn more.
What are the benefits to my organization if I graduate from this program?
As an executive participant, your development on the programme will bring many valuable benefits to your organization:
IMMEDIATE IMPACT
Studying whilst working, you can immediately apply your newly gained knowledge, skills and strategies in your workplace, contributing to new and improved efficiency and effectiveness in your team. You will be able to demonstrate enhanced communication, negotiation and influencing skills and confidence with your contextual understanding of the problems facing urban environments. Supporting a participant from your organization offers instant return on investment.
DEVELOPING TALENT
Being a sponsored executive participant signals a strong interest in the development of the staff within your organization. Such a commitment to nurturing talent will increase motivation, loyalty and in turn strengthen the leadership of your organization.
CONSULTING FOR YOUR COMPANY
Through the choice of two final courses, the programme will be tailored to your organization’s specific business needs. This will be further developed during the six month consultancy project in which you will be expected to analyze specific challenges facing your business. With lectures and workshops led by world renowned faculty and a network of global urban thinkers, their leadership, knowledge and expertise flow directly into your organization.
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES
You will have access to high-profile urban leaders and researchers which will offer your organization the opportunity to tap into diverse new resources and knowledge. Your classmates will offer exposure to a wide range of professional and regional perspectives which will build your employer’s global mobility.
Am I eligible for the LSE-Sawiris Scholarship – Executive Masters in Cities Program?
If you are an Egyptian national residing in Egypt.
Primarily employed by an Egyptian governmental organization (local or national) or a non-profit organization (outside of higher education) that works to improve the wellbeing of people in Egypt. Employees of local / grassroots non-profit organizations are especially encouraged to apply.
Have a minimum of ten years of professional experience, ideally in an urban-related field.
Have a good first degree, equivalent to a UK 2:1 or higher or equivalent professional qualification. Equivalent to 80% or higher from an Egyptian University.
Able to demonstrate English language proficiency. Valid TOEFL or IELTS, exam date should be within two years of graduate program start. Minimum required scores: 100 ( TOEFL internet – based, minimum 23 Reading – 22 Listening – 24 Writing – 22 Speaking), or 7 (IELTS, minimum 6.5 on each section).
Able to demonstrate a commitment to work in Egypt for two consecutive years after completing the program.
So you are eligible to apply!
To apply for the LSE-Sawiris Scholarship, does my undergraduate degree need to be in a particular field?
No, many fields are relevant. A strong liberal arts education background and sound quantitative and analytical skills are recommended as best preparation for success in the program.
To apply for the LSE-Sawiris Scholarship, do I need work experience?
Applicants should demonstrate a minimum of ten years of professional experience in an urban related field. Currently working for a public or third sector organization in Egypt. This includes people who are employed by a local / national government or by a charity, a non-profit, or an NGO.
What is the LSE-Sawiris Scholarship second round 2023-2024’s timeline?
Call for Applications: January 10, 2023
Scholarship Application Deadline: April 7, 2023
LSE University Application Deadline: April 20, 2023
Interviews at SFSD: May, 2023
Awardees Announcement: June, 2023
Beginning of the study program October 2023
End of the program February 2025
What are the required documents for the LSE-Sawiris Scholarship application?
Application Form for the LSE-Sawiris Scholarship includes the following:
Statement of purpose (PDF)
Two professional reference letters (PDF)
Copies of your transcripts and degree certificates.
Updated CV/Resume (PDF)
Copy of your national ID
Copy of your Passport
TOEFL/IELTS Certificate
One Personal Photo
Do I have to submit one or two personal statements to the LSE-Sawiris Scholarship application?
You are asked to answer the following two questions each 500 words:
- Provide a personal statement describing your research interests along with professional goals․ Why is the Executive MSc in Cities at LSE suited to support your research interests and goals?
- How will the LSE Executive MSc in Cities help you contribute to your professional and nation-wide communities across Egypt?
How many reference letters are required?
Applicants should submit two references: two professional references, OR one professional reference and one academic reference.
To whom should I direct the recommendation letters?
recommendation letters should be directed to the scholarship.
How can I prove my English Language Proficiency?
The IELTS or TOEFL tests are among the LSE-Sawiris Scholarship- Executive MSc in Cities application requirements. Valid TOEFL or IELTS, exam date should be within two years of graduate program start. Minimum required scores: 100 ( TOEFL internet – based, minimum 23 Reading – 22 Listening – 24 Writing – 22 Speaking), or 7 (IELTS, minimum 6.5 on each section).
Find out more about these tests here:
IELETS Test Dates and Booking https://www.britishcouncil.org.eg/en/exam/ielts/dates-fees-locations
TOEFL Test Dates and Booking https://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/register
Is the LSE-Sawiris Scholarship application the only application that I need to complete?
No, Candidates should submit two separate applications on time to be considered for a scholarship:
1- LSE-Sawiris Scholarship Application due: April 7, 2023
2- London School of Economics Application due : April 20, 2023
What are the Required Documents for the LSE Application?
Application Form for the London School of Economics and Political Science includes the following:
CV/Resume (PDF)
A statement of purpose (PDF)
- The statement should describe your academic interest in, understanding of, and suitability for the Executive MSc in Cities programme, as well as your purpose and objectives in applying to the scholarship and programme
- Your statement(s) should be typed and no longer than two sides of A4 paper. There is no fixed word limit, but we expect statement(s) to be no longer than 1,000 – 1,500 words.
copies of your transcripts and degree certificates listed on your CV
Two references: You will need to nominate two referees as part of your application. The applicant should not upload any reference letters themselves. LSE will send your referees a form to complete, which the applicant will not have access to.
- There is an £80 application processing fee that applicants can have waived but is not guaranteed.
What happens after I submit my LSE-Sawiris Scholarship application?
After you submit your application, it will be reviewed by Sawiris Foundation for Social Development for initial screening. Applicants must submit the London School of Economics Application by April 20, 2023 to be considered for the LES-Sawiris Scholarship. Shortlisted candidates will be notified at the beginning of May 2023 of face to face interviews in mid May.
How do I know that I am accepted to this program?
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Does becoming an LSE-Sawiris Scholarship Scholar involve a commitment?
Yes, by accepting LSE-Sawiris Scholarship funding you are agreeing to work for at least two consecutive years in Egypt after graduation. Within those parameters you can decide what types of challenges you most want to tackle and what type of organization within the sector best fits your interests and abilities.
How do I find out more?
For questions, and more information on the LSE- Sawiris Scholarship- Executive MSc in Cities Program, please email: LSE-SawirisScholarship@sawirisfoundation.org, or call/WhatsApp @Newton Education Services at +201061455551.
Write to LSE-SawirisScholarship@sawirisfoundation.org or ask a question in the comment area below. Also, keep an eye on our upcoming social media posts to know more about the scholarship, scholars and any upcoming webinars.