The aim of the Call for Proposals
The Nokia Bell Labs aims to support higher education for women, socially disadvantaged students, students with disabilities, and students from underrepresented minority groups. The program helps these students to pursue careers and build a future in the information technology industry. Nokia Bell Labs is committed to actively contributing to equality and social support, with a particular focus on supporting underprivileged groups, especially women.
Eligibility Criteria
The scholarship is open to students at Obuda University who are currently enrolled in PhD studies at one of the Doctoral Schools of Obuda University at the time of the scholarship announcement.
Personal Requirements for Application
- Eligible applicants are disadvantaged students who:
- hold active doctoral student status at one of the Doctoral Schools of Obuda University.
- are pursuing their doctoral studies at the time of the scholarship announcement.
- have properly verified their disadvantaged status and eligibility for the scholarship to Obuda University.
- Students currently employed by Nokia are ineligible to apply.
- Students who complete their doctoral studies within the semester of the scholarship announcement are ineligible.
- In any potential second round of the scholarship, previous winners with whom a scholarship agreement has been signed cannot reapply.
1. Content Requirements for the Application
Applications must include:
- A motivation letter in English, A4 format, 12-point font, no longer than two pages, detailing the applicant’s research topic, reasons for applying, the anticipated benefits of receiving the scholarship, and how it would support their studies, research, or life. The applicant should also explain how their research topic aligns with Nokia’s areas of interest (primarily but not exclusively in fields such as artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, information systems, telecommunications, and industrial automation).
- At least one documented reason for their disadvantaged status, substantiated by relevant documentation. For female applicants citing gender as a basis for disadvantage, no additional supporting document is required.
2. Formal Application Requirements
- Each applicant may submit only one application.
- Applications must be submitted individually.
3. Obligations of Successful Applicants
Selected scholarship recipients must:
- Maintain active student status at Obuda University until all obligations specified in the application are fulfilled.
- Agree to repay the scholarship to the university if they fail to meet the conditions stated in the application or the contract with the university. The university, following prior consultation with Nokia, may waive this repayment obligation in exceptional cases, particularly in the event of significant changes in the winner’s health or family circumstances.
4. Evaluation of Applications
- Applications will be reviewed by a five-member Evaluation Committee, with three members appointed by Nokia and two by Obuda University.
- The Committee will finalize its decisions regarding the winning applications no later than 15 days after the application period closes, by written vote. Decisions are made by a simple majority.
- Evaluation criteria for the applications include:
- The content of the motivation letter in English
- The quality of the applicant’s disadvantaged status documentation
5. Applicants must attach
- A motivation letter in English, no more than two A4 pages, detailing the research topic’s relevance to Nokia’s specified areas.
- Documentation proving their disadvantaged status, if applicable.
- For international applicants facing significant barriers in obtaining documentation, a statement confirming disadvantaged status may suffice.
6. Number of Selected Winners and Scholarship Amount
- Up to four successful applicants will be selected based on the evaluation.
- Each winner will receive a one-time scholarship of 4,000 EUR.
- Payment of the scholarship requires a formal agreement between the university and the selected applicant.
7. Information on Application Submission and Evaluation
The application deadline is November 18, 2024, at 23:59.
The evaluation and ranking of valid applications will conclude by December 3, 2024.
8. Application Submission and Corrections
- Applications are to be submitted electronically at https://nokiabrighterfuture.uni-obuda.hu/en/application-form/.
- Late applications will be deemed invalid.
- Corrections to the application materials are permitted within five working days of receiving the notice of deficiency.
9. Appeals Process
For appeals, students must follow the procedures outlined in the Student Requirements System regarding student appeals.
For any questions about the application process, please contact Zita Oláh at olah.zita@uni-obuda.hu.
[1] Act XXXI of 1997, Section 67/A