Features
Fully funded Finnish Government scholarships
Today, I continue with the discussion on scholarship opportunities, and the Finnish Government scholarship opportunities to be specific.
There are a number of channels where one can find key information about the Government of Finland scholarship opportunities.
The government scholarships
According to information, aside of Finnish universities offering scholarships there is the scholarships opportunity offered by the Finnish government.
One can find information about this from the many portals that give guidance to such opportunities. The Government of Finland scholarship is fully funded.
Basically, the scholarship is open to students pursuing the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in Finnish universities. There are currently more than 5,000 scholarships for Europe without the IELTS, which is the International English Language Testing System (see, www.opportunitiescorners.info).
Eligibility for scholarships
As I wrote some time ago, the educational scholarships in Finland are aimed at gifted students who come from non-European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA), who are liable to tuition fees and who apply for international Master’s programmes at Finnish universities (see www.studyinfinland.fi).
This suggests that a foreign student is only eligible if he/she is required to pay tuition fees for the studies being pursued because they are coming from a non-EU country. Finland’s education had been free even for foreign students until 2017 when this changed.
There is also the category of Doctoral Fellowships as a form of scholarship for doctoral level studies and research at Finnish universities.
More importantly, students of any nationality are eligible to apply for the government scholarship, according to information on the opportunitiescorners.info portal. Applications open usually in January each year.
University programmes and scholarships
What one needs to consider is that the government scholarship is tied to the programmes offered by the various universities and Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS)
Again, as I said some time ago each university or university of applied sciences has its own scholarship system. Therefore, the government scholarship apparently widens the scholarship opportunities generally in Finland.
What the student only needs to do is to apply for the scholarship from the university in question at the same time when he/she applies for admission or later from the government’s scholarship programme.
The student needs to search for the degree programme he/she would be interested in applying to and follow up with checking the scholarship options and procedures, which can be found from the university’s own admissions info pages and other portals.
Good performance
It is good to keep in mind that the chances of a foreign student securing a scholarship to study would depend on the student’s high grades.
The chances would not be bright if the student had low grades. Concerning funding opportunities, the information is that the educational scholarships in Finland are aimed at gifted students mainly coming from outside the EU/EEA.
Moreover, as I keep saying, the fact that Finland is encouraging or trying to attract foreign students does not mean it should be a dumping ground for any low level stuff.
There is the need for international students to perform admirably, so as to have the chance for a scholarship.
Potential students need to study hard or be serious with their current studies in their home countries and adhere to advice or guidance from their teachers/lecturers.
This will undoubtedly help the students score good grades and enhance their chances for a scholarship to pursue further studies abroad and build their careers when they are back home after their studies. Thank you.
The writer is a Ghanaian lecturer at
University of Helsinki in Finland
By Perpetual Crentsil
I experienced something on Monday, June 15, that really frustrated me. I had to go to the ministries but I could not get up early that day so I decided to pick a taxi and get to the Tuba Junction.
When I got there I realised that Traffic had built up from the Toll Booth towards Accra. After a while I got a Taxi and it was when we got to a certain spot on the road, that I realised why there was a traffic jam.
There is a short stretch of the road where each time it rains heavily, loose material run down the hill onto the road, blocking one side of the road. Vehicles from Kasoa to Accra are then forced to move into one of the lanes of those going towards Kasoa from Accra.
The two lane road from Accra to Kasoa becomes a single carriage way. That was the reason for the traffic jam from the toll booth onwards.
This has been a perineal problem and yet, no permanent solution has been found till date. The area falls under Ga South and even though, a new MCE has taken over, the technocrats are still there and so the problem is not new to them.
There is therefore no excuse for the inability of the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly to resolving the problem on that stretch of the road. Apart from the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly, another institution that must be held accountable is the Ghana Highways Authority.
The Highways Authority cannot say they are unaware of this issue. The fact that the problem falls within the area of responsibility of the Ga South Assembly, does not relieve the Ghana Highways Authority, of their responsibility of ensuring that our highways are maintained in a motorable state at all times.
A collaboration between the Ghana Highways Authority and The Ga South Municipal Assembly is required for a permanent resolution of the problem.
There was another traffic jam at a place called Atala about 250 metres to the traffic light at Old Barrier as a result of an issue similar to the one close to the toll booth, that I talked about earlier.
When we got to Weija junction, we encountered another traffic jam. The cause of this jam was a bad condition of road about 80 metres from the traffic light at Ga South Hospital heading towards Accra.
Due to the bad nature at that section of the road, vehicles are compelled to slow down resulting in a traffic jam stretching all the way to Weija Junction.
I started wondering if that short stretch of road cannot be sorted on one Sunday when traffic is usually light. When we got to the traffic light at Odorkor, there was another issue.
When the traffic light shows green, there is a slow down because there is a big pothole or should I say manhole in the outer lane, right at the traffic light. Vehicles in the outer lane are compelled to swerve into the second lane thereby causing a traffic to slow down and resulting in a traffic jam.
It is very important to take into account the effect of traffic jam on the national economy. If we are able to assess the value of the loss to the economy of the nation, I believe the issue of traffic jam will be prioritised.
Imagine persons working at various Government Organisations like Registrar General’s Department, Ghana Ports and Habours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, CEPS etc. and lives at Kasoa and whose job is to collect revenue for the state and is held up in traffic.
Just imagine the effect their lateness to work will have on the economy if you consider the delays in say clearing of goods at the port and as a result traders cannot sell their goods for government to generate the required taxes.
Let us deal with the traffic jams on our streets to promote economic growth. God bless.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
Mortality is an inherent aspect of life, a universal experience that has sparked philosophical, theological, and scientific inquiry throughout human history.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of mortality, acknowledging the complexity of the topic and the diverse perspectives surrounding it.
The biological imperative
From a biological standpoint, death is a natural part of the life cycle. It serves as a mechanism for the evolution of species, allowing for the passing on of genetic material and the adaptation to environmental changes.
Evolutionary perspective: Death allows for the recycling of resources, promoting the survival and adaptation of species.
Life span and senescence: Cellular aging and the limitations of biological systems contribute to mortality.
Philosophical and existential perspectives
Existentialism: Emphasises individual freedom and responsibility in the face of mortality.
Meaning and purpose: The finite nature of life can prompt individuals to seek meaning and purpose.
The human condition: Mortality is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, shaping our perceptions and values.
Cultural and spiritual views
Afterlife and spirituality: Many cultures and religions believe in an afterlife or spiritual continuation.
Rituals and mourning: Cultural practices surrounding death reflect the significance of mortality in human experience.
Legacy and remembrance: The impact of one’s life can transcend mortality.
Ethical considerations
End-of-life care: Ethical debates surround issues like euthanasia, assisted dying, and palliative care.
Quality of life: Balancing the value of life with the quality of life is a complex ethical issue.
Resource allocation: Societal decisions about healthcare and resource distribution involve considerations of mortality.
Psychological impact
Grief and loss: The experience of mortality can evoke profound emotional responses.
Fear and anxiety: The awareness of mortality can lead to existential anxiety.
Appreciation and gratitude: Recognising mortality can foster appreciation for life.
Conclusion
Mortality is a multifaceted aspect of human existence, influencing how we live, relate, and find meaning. Understanding and acknowledging mortality can prompt deeper reflections on life and our place in the world.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
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