Welcome to the CEE Regional Information Page!

Eligibility:

I don’t study in a 4-year program, but in a 3+2 year program. Am I eligible to apply?

If you study in the (3 years) Bachelor – (2 years) Masters system, and are considering applying, you should state in your application that you intend to continue your studies in the Masters program in the same field, after you finish your Bachelor Studies. Winners will only receive scholarship payments while they are enrolled in university.

I will continue my studies on the Masters level after I finish the Bachelor degree, but I want to do my Masters at a different university. Am I eligible to apply?

Students who continue on to a Master’s Program at a different university may be eligible to receive funding as long as the field of study is one of the following fields: economics, management, engineering and technology. Written requests must be made to, and will be approved by, IIE on a case-by-case basis.

I want to study abroad during my studies. Is this a problem?

If you study abroad in the same field then your program participation depends only on maintaining the required GPA and is not influenced by your temporary studies at another university, as long as you receive a degree from the university from which you were selected.

I study at a satellite campus of one of the participating universities. Am I eligible to apply?

Only students who study at the main site of the participating universities are eligible to apply. Unfortunately, we are not able to consider applicants from satellite campuses.

My university is not listed. Can I apply?

Only students studying in one of the listed universities can apply. Unfortunately, we are not able to consider applicants from other universities.

I am doing a joint degree and one of my fields falls into the eligible category, but the other does not. Can I apply for the scholarship?

Yes, as long as you will be awarded your first degree in one of the eligible fields of study.

I am studying one of the eligible fields at one of the eligible universities, however, I am also studying at another university, which does not participate in the program, where I am in my third year.

Yes, as long as you are in your second year at the participating university and meet the other eligibility criteria as well.

I am in my second year at one of the eligible fields at one of the eligible universities, however, I already have a degree. Am I eligible to apply?

Only students who do not have any degrees yet are eligible to apply. Unfortunately, we are not able to consider applicants holding a degree already.

Application Process:

What constitutes a complete application package?

• Printed copy of the application form

• Certification Page with original signature (downloaded from online application)

• A 1000-word essay (part of the application form)

• A curriculum vitae

• First two semesters university results (if available) – official copy, may be sent directly by university

• Two letters of recommendation (see instructions on form which can be downloaded from the online application).

Once I start an online application, can I save it and finish it at a later time?

Yes. In order to submit your application, you must complete all required fields. When there is a check mark next to each of the online sections at the “Review and Submit” section, you may submit your application. Until you click on the submit button, your application will remain available for editing. Once you have clicked the submit button, your application will be transmitted and you will not be able to return to it for editing. You may be able to return to your application to review each section and print the Certification Page and Letter of Reference Forms.

Is a reference required?

Yes. Recommendation letters accompanying the application are required. One letter should come from a university professor or instructor, ideally from your main field of study; the other letter may come from another university faculty member or an adult, non-family member who has supervised your education, work, or other extra-curricular activities, e.g., a counselor or employer.

Recommenders must attach a completed Reference Form (downloaded by the applicant from the application website) to their recommendations. Please send only TWO reference letters. Any additional letters will not be considered.

Both letters must be in sealed envelopes, and the person writing the recommendation must sign across the sealed area of the flap to ensure confidentiality. As stated on the Reference Form, the reference will be kept strictly confidential and must be given to you in a sealed envelope by the referrer. Mail the reference letter to IIE in the sealed envelope with your other application documents.

One of the people I am asking to write a reference letter is able to do that only after the deadline you set. Can I send it separately to your office within reasonable time?

References can be sent separately by the recommender or by you. If references are sent by you they must be in sealed envelopes, and the person writing the recommendation must sign across the sealed area of the flap. All application materials, including references should be postmarked by the application deadline.

One of my recommenders does not speak English. Can I send the recommendation letter in another language?

All program related material need to be in English. It is strongly encouraged that you find someone who can write the letter in English. If you absolutely cannot, then the recommender may write the recommendation letter in their native language, however, a translation has to be included with it in the same signed and sealed envelope.

When filling out my application form, may I use non-English characters?

Please refrain from using non-English characters.

My supporting documents are not in English. Do I need to provide a translation?

Yes, all non-English documents must be accompanied by an English translation. Unofficial translations are accepted.

What are the acceptable documents for proof of my university results?

Only official transcripts issued by the university are acceptable proof of results. Not acceptable documents include:

• Printed online gradebook not issued by the university
• Print screens
• E-mail with grades listed in the body of the message
• Photocopy of university results

Please make sure to attach an unofficial English translation (prepared on a separate page) if the transcript is not in English

Does the application have to arrive to your office by the indicated deadline or should it be posted by that time?

The application should be postmarked by the application deadline.

I have been identified as a semi-finalist. How should I prepare for the interview?

Students selected for the interview should take some time to prepare themselves. The purpose of the interview is to learn who you are, what motivates you, and why you should be selected to be a Scholar-Leader. For many, this interview may be the first one, so IIE has prepared the following helpful tips for you.

• Review your application thoroughly. Make sure you know what you wrote about in your application. The committee will surely make a reference to it.

• Review the Program Description carefully. Spend some time doing research on the GE Foundation, GE and IIE. It always helps make a positive impression if you can be specific about the company/program you’re interviewing with/for.

• Think about how you would use the scholarship money if you get it, and be ready to describe that convincingly.

• If your university has a career services office, go and visit it. They can help you with many things including CV writing, mock interviews, and individual career counseling.

• Appearance: Wear a suit, if possible, and take some time to present yourself professionally (tuck your shirt in, shave, avoid low-cut shirts).

• At the interview, give a firm handshake when you introduce yourself, maintain eye contact with your interviewers while you are talking, speak clearly and formally.
  

And More:

What is the Leadership Development Seminar?

As part of the GE Foundation Scholar-Leaders Program, winners will participate in a 3-day regional Leadership Development Seminar. The program is a unique opportunity for students from various Central European countries to come together to build their own regional network, thereby strengthening the human resources of the region. Students hear from leaders in the business, state, and not-for-profit sector about what it takes to be a leader. Furthermore, through interactive leadership workshops, career development sessions, and team building activities, students are exposed to valuable skills that will help them become confident and responsible leaders engaged in society.

What is the Community Service/Volunteer Project?

Winners of this scholarship program will be expected to perform community service annually as part of the award. Community service is a way for students to give back to their communities, as well as gain some practical work experience, which may help them when starting their working careers. Students will organize volunteer activities themselves. IIE will only approve the planned community service, and will supervise the process. They can join one of the projects of a volunteer organization for a certain period of time, or a group of winners can organize a project independently. In the latter case, students should think about how they can serve their communities, what projects would be helpful if carried out. IIE will assist with finding relevant areas of interest if necessary.

What is the Shadowing Opportunity with a GE manager?

Whenever possible, the GE Foundation and IIE are pleased to be able to incorporate activities with local GE offices into your GE Foundation Scholarship Program. Perhaps one of the most exciting parts of their involvement is that GE business leaders generously agree to spend a day with individual GE Foundation Scholar-Leaders, giving students an insight into their business, their professional development and career path, and the nuts and bolts of activity that make up a typical day for them. Students may be paired up with individual GE business leaders for a day or group visits may be organized to a GE business unit. Note that a shadowing opportunity is not guaranteed, but a possibility.

Am I promising my future to the General Electric Company by accepting this scholarship?

This award program is funded exclusively by the GE Foundation, not the GE Company. There is no obligation on your part to accept any job offer that might be made by GE after you graduate, nor is GE obliged to make such an offer.