One of the world’s largest telecoms firms is to help students at the University of Glasgow.

Egyptian company Orascom are to fund six business scholarships in a bid to develop the economy and workforce of its country.

Orascom, led by Naguib Sawiris, will invest more than £140,000 to give six Egyptian students the opportunity to study at the University of Glasgow.

On completion of their one year business Masters degree, the scholars will return to Egypt to help with the development of the north African country.

Mr Sawiris said: “The University of Glasgow has an international reputation and we would like to give some talented students the opportunity to study at world-class institution.

“The business training they will receive in Glasgow will stand them in excellent stead for the future. 

“Setting up a scholarship programme like this is an excellent way of providing first-class training for young people from my country. Once they have completed the one year Masters, they will be in a position to really add value to Egypt.

“I am delighted that Orascom Telecom and the University of Glasgow can work together on this exciting scheme.”

The scholarship programme includes courses on business administration, economics, banking, finance, international trade, international accounting and international management.

Students from Egypt will be given the opportunity to apply for the programme and will begin their studies in October 2008. A key condition of an offer of the place is that the students, after finishing their course, must return to Egypt for three years.

Sir Muir Russell, Principal of the University of Glasgow said: “We welcome the support of Orascom and Mr Sawiris in providing these prestigious scholarships. This programme plays an important part in the University’s international development role and in our bid to attract the best students from around the world to Glasgow.  

“We look forward to welcoming the successful applicants to the University. We are sure they will receive a first-class-education, a fantastic student experience and excellent support from our staff.”


Notes for editors

For more information please contact Ray McHugh in the University of Glasgow Media Relations Office on 0141 330 3535 or email r.mchugh@admin.gla.ac.uk

First published: 20 January 2008

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