EWC Graduate Degree Fellowship Frequently Asked Questions

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1. When does the East-West Center need to receive my application?
2. What do I need to apply for the East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship?
3. Do I have to apply separately to the University of Hawai'i?
4. How will I know whether my application is complete?
5. Is my application disqualified if my recommenders do not submit their letters by the deadline?
6. I studied at a university where English was the medium of instruction. Am I still required to take TOEFL or IELTS?
7. What is the absolute latest date that I can take the TOEFL or IELTS?
8. When will I know of the results of my application?
9. I am currently enrolled at the University of Hawai'i. Do I need to provide you with official documents — transcripts and test scores —  or will you accept photocopies?
10. If I want to be considered for other scholarships administered by the East-West Center, do I need to submit separate applications?

1. When does the East-West Center need to receive my application?
   You have until December 1 to apply online at www.eastwestcenter.org/applyGDF. The application website will automatically close at 11:59PM Hawaii Standard Time on December 1st. (Back to Top)
    
2. What do I need to apply for the East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship?
   Uploaded by December 1:
   - Curriculum vitae or resume.
   - Application Acknowledgment (screenshot or PDF of the notification you receive from UH upon submitting your online admission application to the university) for applicants applying simultaneously to UH [sample here].
   - Passport biodata page (for international students only).
   
   Received by January 10:
   - Official transcripts from each college or university you attended (see "Academic Transcripts" section of the Handbook for submission instructions);
   - An official IELTS or TOEFL score must be reported by the testing service if you are not a currently-enrolled University of Hawai‘i student and are required to provide proof of English proficiency. Please refer to the Handbook section regarding "Exams and Score Reports" for further instructions on how to report your results;
   - Three letters of reference, two of which address your academic abilities and professional objectives and the third which reflects on your involvement in any community service, civic engagement, or extra-curricular activities. The Letter of Reference form will be provided to your referee as a link when you complete your online application. (Back to Top)
    
3. Do I have to apply separately to the University of Hawai'i?
   Yes, you must submit your admission application to the University of Hawai‘i by December 1 if you are not already registered in a graduate degree program at UH. You should expect to receive an "Application Acknowledgment" after successfully submitting your online admission application to the university. Please upload a copy of that acknowledgment page to your EWC online application to confirm that you have applied to the university.
   
   Your application to the admissions office requires official transcripts and for certain international students, proof of English proficiency. Please be sure to check the UH Office of Graduate Education website (https://manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/) for complete details. You must complete your admission application by January 10.
   
   Certain academic programs may also require the submission of a departmental application which may include an application form, statement of objectives, letters of reference, GRE or GMAT test score report, and sample works. Please be sure to check with the academic program about these requirements. You must complete your departmental application by January 10. Failure to meet this requirement may result in your department not being able to provide EWC with a timely decision of admission and, subsequently, removal of your application from the pool of eligible scholarship applications. (Back to Top)
    
4. How will I know whether my application is complete?
   You will receive an email notification from the online system. (Back to Top)
    
5. Is my application disqualified if my recommenders do not submit their letters by the deadline?
   Yes, your application will not be reviewed without letters of reference. We strongly encourage you to check with your recommenders to urge them to submit the letters so that your application can be completed. (Back to Top)
    
6. I studied at a university where English was the medium of instruction. Am I still required to take TOEFL or IELTS?
   The University of Hawai‘i requires proof of English proficiency in determining your readiness for graduate level work. The University of Hawai‘i will grant an exception only if the following criteria are met: a) your academic program was in a country where English is the first language; b) you received a degree from that institution within the past five years. Please refrain from requesting EWC to grant an exemption as the Center is not in a position to overrule a University of Hawai‘i requirement. The Center will abide by the UH Admissions Office’s decision if an exemption is allowed. If you are in the process of applying to the university and are required to provide official TOEFL or IELTS scores, please note that the Center requires a minimum TOEFL score of 79, or a total band score of 6.5 for the IELTS (academic test). Currently-enrolled students need not submit a score report. (Back to Top)
    
7. What is the absolute latest date that I can take the TOEFL or IELTS?
   The EWC must receive your official score reports, sent directly to us from the testing service, by January 10. Please plan accordingly. (Back to Top)
    
8. When will I know of the results of my application?
   Applicants will be contacted by April 1 concerning the Center's decision on your application. The Center will email all applicants of the result. The Center will not disclose results over the telephone. (Back to Top)
    
9. I am currently enrolled at the University of Hawai'i. Do I need to provide you with official documents — transcripts and test scores —  or will you accept photocopies?
   Since you are already admitted to the University of Hawai‘i, it is not necessary for you to make arrangements with previous colleges or universities you attended to provide official transcripts. Photocopies of these documents issued by your academic program or the UH Records Office are acceptable. Please be sure to include a copy of your current UH grade report by uploading a copy of your Campus Report by Semester to your application. (Back to Top)
    
10. If I want to be considered for other scholarships administered by the East-West Center, do I need to submit separate applications?
    Yes, you must submit a separate online application for each scholarship. However, you may mail in just one set of required documents (e.g., transcripts, degree certificates, and TOEFL/IELTS results). Indicate in the recipient mailing address all the names of the scholarships for which you are applying, for example:  GDF, Obuchi, ADB-JSP, Taiwan GDF.
    Please note:  No separate application is needed for EWCA Alumni and Foundation scholarships; applicants for the Graduate Degree Fellowship will also be considered for those scholarships. (Back to Top)