A new scholarship scheme launched by energy services company Halliburton will enable students from sub-Saharan Africa to gain all the benefits of postgraduate education at the heart of the mature North Sea industry.
The scholarship programme launched in partnership with the University of Aberdeen provides full costs including fees, accommodation, travel and living costs for around 12 students undertaking one-year Masters courses in engineering or geosciences at Aberdeen.
The students, in turn, will return to positions in the energy industry in their home countries in Sub-Saharan Africa on completion of the programme.
The first four students arrived in Aberdeen in January from Tanzania, Uganda and Ghana, and have now begun their courses in Oil and Gas Enterprise.
They will have a close relationship with Halliburton throughout their course, including projects and work placements and an internship on completing the programme.
University Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Diamond said: “I am delighted that this global group has chosen to invest in nurturing bright young scholars from African countries.
“Here in Aberdeen we will give them a unique student learning experience at the heart of the mature yet continually innovating North Sea industry which will equip them well for leadership roles in their own home countries.”