The Burmese Refugee Scholarship Program (BRSP) was mandated by the U.S. Congress in 1990. It assists Burmese refugees who were forced to flee their homeland in fear of persecution by Burma’s ruling military junta for having participated in pro-democracy movements.  Since 1995 the Program has been administered by Indiana University with Department of State funding. 

Each year four students who have the potential to be leaders in a democratic Burma are brought to the US to pursue training at institutions of higher education.  The overall goal of BRSP is to assist these refugees in achieving a democratic society in Burma. 

The grantees selected have shown leadership skills and support for the goal of a more democratic Burma through their past activities in Burma and among Burmese refugee organizations and communities abroad.  They show a capacity to benefit from university level studies in the U.S.  They have been designated as refugees (persons of concern) by the UN High Commission for Refugees.

Under the BRSP, the grantees are brought to the Indiana University Bloomington campus for pre-academic orientation and English as a Second Language training.  Upon completion of this initial stage of the program they begin full-time enrollment in degree programs at appropriate institutions.

The BRSP grantees are enrolled in fields such as journalism, public administration, business management, public health and NGO management.  They develop the professional skill and knowledge required for building a democratic Burma. In addition to their studies, they demonstrate a continuing involvement with individuals and organizations in the US and abroad that are working to bring about a more democratic Burma.

For more information about this program, please contact Paul Fogleman.

Center for International Education and Development Assistance - Indiana University - 201 North Indiana Avenue -
Bloomington, IN 47408-4001 Phone - 812/855-8882 FAX - 812/855-6271
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