UC Rusal Alumina Jamaica Limited, the Russia-based parent company of WINDALCO and ALPART, announced last week that it will be offering 25 scholarships to Jamaican students to pursue undergraduate degrees in Russia, starting this school year.

The scholarships will be offered in the fields of chemical engineering, mining engineering, electrical engineering, instrument engineering and mechanical engineering. They will be tenable at:

* Peoples Friendship University of Russia, Moscow;

* Ural State Mining University, Yekaterinburg;

* Ural Federal University. BN Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg; and

* Siberian Federal University, Krasnoyarsk.

The awards will cover tuition, books, accommodation, return air fare and a monthly stipend for the four to six years that the programmes will last. Successful candidates will spend the first year in the country learning Russian since that will be the language of instruction.

Information and Public Affairs Officer at UC Rusal Monique Grange told the Jamaica Observer on Friday that the scholarships were advertised in-house and through the bauxite company’s community councils. It is still receiving and reviewing applications, she said.

“WINDALCO is excited about the opportunities that this venture will present for the students, the company and the country. In addition to the diverse educational experience, the students will be immersed in a new culture that will enhance their personal and professional development,” the company said in a statement to the press.

Upon completion of their studies, the scholars will join the WINDALCO team for two years.

“We look forward to the new ideas and innovations that are sure to come from their experience,” the company said.