Please review instructions before completing the application, and refer to them when necessary

Eligibility

  1. Be U.S. citizens or have U.S. permanent residency.
  2. Be a current Master’s or Ph.D. student, or a recent M.S. graduate from a U.S. institution in Bioengineering or Biomedical Engineering. If your college or university does not offer a Bioengineering or Biomedical Engineering degree, you should demonstrate sufficient experience in the field through research and lab work and still be eligible for a grant.

Deadlines

February 6, 2012 for Summer 2012.

Grants must begin between July 1, 2012 and August 31, 2012.

Where to Send the Application

You must submit all application materials (except transcripts and letter of support from host institutions) online and in hard copy. Transcripts and letter(s) of support (host institution affiliate letter) must be submitted in hard-copy only.

Hard copy materials should be mailed to:

Whitaker International Awards Competition
US Student Programs
Institute of International Education
809 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017

A Complete Application Includes:

  • Application Form *
  • Project Abstract (2 sentences)*
  • Essay (1 page minimum, 2 pages maximum) *
  • Two Letters of Reference *
  • One set of Official Transcripts from all Post-Secondary Degree Granting Institutions
  • Letter of Support from Overseas Host Institution

* - Indicates an application material that is completed (partially or completely) online. Please note that transcripts and letters of support are NOT submitted online.

ALL APPLICATION PIECES SHOULD BE MAILED IN A SINGLE PACKAGE.  RECOMMENDATIONS, OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS AND THE LETTER OF SUPPORT CAN BE MAILED DIRECTY TO IIE IF YOU CHOOSE.

  • Do not use all lower case (vivienne lee) or upper case (VIVIENNE LEE) in completing any section of the application. Use the traditional format (Vivienne Lee).
  • Do not use “NA” in any field. If you have no middle initial, leave it blank.
  • Do not use parentheses, slash marks or dashes in telephone numbers. Instead use spaces to separate numbers, e.g. (212 555 4444).
  • Do not staple or tape pages/pieces to the application.
  • Review your draft application to check for completion and to verify that it reads correctly.

Completing the Application

The application must be completed using the online form.

Project Host Country: Multi-country proposals are not acceptable. Applications to Canada will not be accepted.

Mailing Address: Your mailing address MUST be valid until May 30, 2012. If you need to change your address before or after this date please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

(GPA) Grade Point Average: Please indicate the cumulative GPA for each degree received. ALL GPA's must be listed here on a 4-point scale.

Honors/Awards/Fellowships/Extra-Curricular Activities: Using the space provided (do not attach additional sheets), please list any honors, awards, fellowships and/or extra-curricular activities that you have received or participated in.

Project Title: Please limit the title to a maximum of 12 words.

Abstract: Using the space provided (do not attach additional sheets), provide an abstract of your project proposal.

Proposed dates: The project must take place from July 1, 2012 and August 31, 2012. For any exceptions, contact the program administrator at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Applications should justify the length of time based on how it would benefit the applicant, the activity, and the field of BME.

Proposed Host Institution: List the institution/university/organization(s) in the host country with whom you intend to affiliate. You may list up to two in case you are not able to procure placement at your first choice.

Proposed Program: List the program of study (if relevant) that you will pursue at your proposed host institution(s).  You can list up to two options should the first option not be feasible.  If you will do an internship, then state "Internship"; if you will do independent research, then state "Independent Research"; if you will work as part of a research team then state "Team Project"; if you will pursue course work, then state "Course Work".

Essays and Forms

Essays

One essay is required. The essay should describe how the project proposal fits into the current study/research and future career plans of the applicant as they relate to BME.  Do not exceed the page limit noted. Text should be formatted for single spaced using standard 11-12 point font, and 1-inch margins, and submitted through the online application.
Include your name at the top of each page.

References

Two references are required. It is recommended that all references be from academics or professionals in biomedical engineering or a closely related field. If an applicant has attended more than one academic institution, references may be included from prior institutions.
For each reference:

  • The reference cover letter must be submitted online through the application form.
  • A signed letter of recommendation (on institutional letterhead), with substantive information about the applicant, is expected to accompany the cover letter.
  • The signed cover letter and recommendation letter must be included in the hard-copy application package, in a sealed envelope signed across the flap.

Transcripts

An official transcript from each of an applicant’s degree awarding institution(s) must be submitted, including the current institution. The transcripts should reflect a complete post-secondary academic record.

  • Original transcripts must be mailed in hard-copy, in a sealed envelope, to the Whitaker Program at the above address.

Letter(s) of Support from Host Institution(s)

A Letter of Support from an in-country host institution or supervisor. This should be submitted on institutional letterhead. However, in the event that you are applying for a degree program where it is not possible to obtain a letter of acceptance by the Whitaker Program’s deadline, then a letter of support from a faculty member within the relevant department at the proposed institution is recommended.

  • Letter(s) of Support must be mailed in hard-copy to the Whitaker Program at the above address.

Submitting the Application

  • Once the electronic application is submitted, you will be able to print your application package. You cannot complete the electronic application until you have designated references.
  • All parts of the hard copy application must be submitted simultaneously in one package. A single hard copy of all documents is all that is needed.
  • No faxed or emailed applications will be accepted.
  • IIE cannot acknowledge the receipt of applications or other documents. If you want to be certain that your application packet was received at IIE, then send it by a method that will provide return receipt.
  • Once submitted, application materials cannot be returned.

REMEMBER TO SIGN YOUR APPLICATION

Notification

Applicants will be notified by email and mail by end of April 2012 of the competition’s results.
If you must withdraw your application at any point in the competition, please notify IIE immediately.