Objectives:
To conduct collaborative research on the following areas:

• The relation of the practice of religion and its political context
• Theologies as religious narratives focusing on the religious communities that created them in a particular social and political context
• The relation between religious and political histories
• The history of world religion and their involvement within particular social and political contexts
• Indigenous religious narratives and their influence in contemporary political issues such as indigenous rights, political activism and new social movements

This Programme intends to support up to 2 Burmese scholars per year for the three year duration of the research fellowship.

Who are eligible to participate in the “BEST Prospect”
St Andrews Scholarship?

The programme encourages academically qualified Burmese nationals with leave to remain in the UK, who meet the eligibility criteria to submit preliminary applications to BEST. They need not have a Masters degree, but must have proven academic aptitude for what will be a groundbreaking and challenging opportunity.

Highest priority will be given to the following categories of individuals:

• Pro-democracy activists from diverse ethnic backgrounds
• Refugee academics/researchers originally from Burma who are involved in the country’s pro-democracy movement
• Former political prisoners from Burma, both within and without the country
• Family members of political prisoners and political dissidents

BEST trustees in active consultation with other funders and Burmese democracy organisations will carefully review the completed applications including supporting documents re immigration status, using the following set of objective criteria in making selection decisions:

• Evidence of their involvement in the past and present struggles to restore democracy and human rights in Burma
• Evidence of completion of an undergraduate degree and evidence of successful intellectual accomplishments in the form of publications in English language
• Adequate English language proficiency (e.g., a minimum TOEFL score of 575)

BEST Trustees will then make initial recommendations of successful applicants to the Dean of the Centre for the Study of Religion and Politics at St. Mary's College in the University of St. Andrews, who in turn, will inform and assist the recommended individuals in seeking admissions, through a normal admissions process.

Admission and Application Process

Working in tandem with other funders, BEST Trustees, Prospect Burma and the University will work to provide the candidates who have been granted admissions with all necessary assistance, to secure funding for tuition fees, a stipend, and travel expenses. 

In cases where necessary, the University can offer concrete help in terms of English language preparation, academic skills training, cultural and university orientation, etc. in order to ensure relatively smooth transition of the candidates from non-academic settings into highly demanding academic and intellectual environment at one of the top British universities.

The applicant may be eligible for support from CARA - Council for Assisting Refugee Academics and SAAS – Students Award Agency for Scotland.

There is a small but active Burmese community in Edinburgh, who together with BEST can provide peer group and mother tongue support.

Final admissions decisions rest with admissions or selection committees at St Andrews University, but must come through BEST.

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