Are you a young Cameroonian woman passionate about coffee and looking to advance your education and career?

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with the Ernesto Illy Foundation is offering an exciting fully-funded scholarship opportunity for one outstanding female candidate from Cameroon to pursue a Master’s degree in Coffee Economics and Science in Italy.

Read on to learn how you can take your coffee expertise to the next level with this unique educational opportunity in Italy!

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In this Article:

Overview of the UNFPA Scholarship Program

Apply Now: UNFPA Offers Cameroonian Women Fully-Funded Master’s Degree in Coffee Economics at Italian Universities

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Cameroon, in collaboration with the Ernesto Illy Foundation in Italy, is offering a fully-funded scholarship for one female Cameroonian candidate to participate in the 14th edition of the International First Level Master Program in Coffee Economics and Science “Ernesto Illy” for the 2024-2025 academic year.

This master’s program is a collaboration between the University of Udine and the University of Trieste in Italy. It provides 60 CFU (Crediti Formativi Universitari) credits, which are equivalent to ECTS credits in the European system.

The scholarship aims to invest in developing the full potential of young people in Cameroon, foster innovation, and address the gender gap in higher education and the coffee industry. Cameroon is the seventh largest coffee producer globally, known for its unique Robusta and Arabica coffee varieties.Key Details of the Scholarship

Program: International First Level Master in Coffee Economics and Science “Ernesto Illy”
Universities: University of Udine and University of Trieste, Italy
Duration: 1 year (January 2025 – January 2026)
Format: Primarily online with a 4-5 week residential period in Trieste, Italy
Language of Instruction: English
Number of Scholarships: 1 fully-funded scholarship available
Target Group: Female Cameroonian graduates under age 24
Application Deadline: June 30, 2024 at midnight WAT

What the Scholarship Covers

This comprehensive scholarship provided by the Ernesto Illy Foundation covers the following:

100% of the university tuition fee (valued at 15,000 Euros)
All teaching materials (textbooks, handouts, lecture notes) for the residential period in Italy
Meals during class days in Italy
Accommodation for the 4-5 week residential period in Trieste
Round-trip airfare from Cameroon to Trieste, Italy
Public transportation pass in Trieste during the residential period
Airport transfers to/from Venice or Trieste airport

The UNFPA Cameroon office will also assist the selected student with:

Liaising with the Italian Embassy in Yaoundé for visa processing
Validation of the student’s university degree

Note: The scholarship does not cover passport fees, visa fees, personal expenses, or costs for a laptop and internet access for online classes. Students are responsible for these additional expenses.

About the Master’s Program

The International Master in Coffee Economics and Science “Ernesto Illy” is a unique, multidisciplinary program that provides comprehensive training on all aspects of the coffee industry. Here are the key details about the program structure and curriculum:

Program Structure

Total Duration: 1 year (January 2025 – January 2026)
Course Load: 400 hours of lessons
Credits: 60 CFU (Crediti Formativi Universitari)
Modules: 9 educational modules (5 on coffee economics, 4 on coffee sciences)
Format: Primarily online with a 4-5 week in-person residential period in Trieste, Italy

Curriculum Overview

The master’s program covers the entire coffee production chain, from cultivation to retail, including:

Coffee economics
Coffee sciences
Agronomy
Processing techniques
Logistics
International trade
Industrial processes
Hotel and retail sales

Program Schedule

January-November 2025: Online classes via Microsoft Teams platform
May/June 2025: 4-5 week residential period in Trieste, Italy
December 2025: Final exams and project work completion
January 2026: Online graduation ceremony

Assessment

9 module exams (57 CFU total)
Final project work (3 CFU)

Students will be assigned a project topic in the first month and work with a supervisor throughout the program.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this prestigious UNFPA scholarship, candidates must meet the following requirements:

Gender: Female applicants only
Nationality: Must be a Cameroonian citizen OR a refugee who has lived in Cameroon for at least 3 years
Age: Under 24 years old at the time of application

Education: Hold at least a bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields:Economics
Engineering
Sciences
Agriculture
Other related disciplines

Enrollment: Must be currently enrolled in a Cameroonian university in a program closely related to the master’s curriculum
Language: Proficiency in English (as the program is taught entirely in English)
Prior Funding: Must not have previously received this particular scholarship

Application Process

Interested candidates who meet the eligibility criteria should follow these steps to apply:

Prepare all required documents (see list below)
Combine all documents into a single PDF file
Email the PDF file to [email protected]
Submit your application by June 30, 2024 at midnight WAT

Required Application Documents

Your application package must include the following items:

Copy of valid passport and/or national identity card
Cover letter and statement of motivation
Up-to-date CV in European format (template available here)
Copy of current student ID card or university registration documents
Letter of recommendation from a professor or department head
One-page summary of your initial idea for the final project work

Make sure all documents are clear, legible, and in English or officially translated to English if originally in French.

Selection Process

The selection of the scholarship recipient will be conducted through a rigorous two-stage process:

Stage 1: Document Review

An evaluation committee will review all submitted applications, focusing on:

Academic qualifications
Relevance of background to the program
Quality and completeness of application materials

Stage 2: Interviews

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview to assess:

Candidate’s experience and skills
Motivation and interest in coffee economics/science
Understanding of UNFPA’s mandate
English language proficiency
Potential for academic success in the program

Evaluation Criteria

Candidates will be evaluated based on:

Academic qualifications and performance
Motivation and interest in the coffee industry
Alignment with UNFPA’s mission and goals
English language skills
Quality and feasibility of proposed project work idea

Timeline

Application Deadline: June 30, 2024 (midnight WAT)
Notification of Results: July 6, 2024
Acceptance Deadline: Selected candidate has 72 hours to accept or decline the scholarship offer

Tips for a Strong Application

To increase your chances of being selected for this competitive scholarship, consider the following tips:

Start Early: Begin preparing your application well before the deadline to ensure you have time to gather all required documents and craft a compelling personal statement.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize any academic or professional experience related to coffee, agriculture, economics, or international development in your CV and cover letter.
Demonstrate Passion: Clearly articulate your interest in the coffee industry and how this program aligns with your career goals in your motivation statement.
Showcase Leadership: Highlight any leadership roles, volunteer work, or community involvement that demonstrate your potential as a future leader in the coffee sector.
Research UNFPA: Familiarize yourself with UNFPA’s mission and programs in Cameroon. Explain how your goals align with their work in your application materials.
Craft a Compelling Project Idea: Put significant thought into your initial project work proposal. Choose a topic that is innovative, relevant to Cameroon’s coffee industry, and aligns with UNFPA’s goals.
Proofread Carefully: Ensure all your application materials are free of errors and present your ideas clearly and concisely.
Follow Instructions: Adhere to all application guidelines, including document formats and submission procedures.

Conclusion

The UNFPA Scholarship for Cameroonian Graduates offers a unique opportunity for a young woman to gain world-class education in coffee economics and science while contributing to the development of Cameroon’s coffee industry.

This fully-funded program not only provides academic knowledge but also valuable international experience and networking opportunities in Italy, a country renowned for its coffee culture.

By investing in the education and empowerment of young women, UNFPA and the Ernesto Illy Foundation are working to create a more equitable and sustainable future for Cameroon’s coffee sector.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about coffee and economic development, don’t miss this chance to take your career to the next level.

Remember, the application deadline is June 30, 2024. Start preparing your materials today and take the first step towards an exciting international educational journey in the world of coffee!

Additional Resources

To learn more about the organizations involved in this scholarship program and to stay updated on future opportunities, visit the following websites:

Good luck with your application!

Apply Now

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