Information for prospective students

 

Social security is a fundamental human right recognized in numerous international instruments, in particular the Declaration of Philadelphia (1944) which is an integral part of the Constitution of the International Labour Organization, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations, and the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization (2008) adopted by the International Labour Conference. However, the exercise of the right to social security and social protection is denied to vast numbers of citizens of Africa because they do not have access to the existing schemes in most countries of the continent.

The enhancement of the coverage and effectiveness of social protection for all is one of the four strategic objectives of the Decent Work Agenda that guides the programme of the International Labour Office (ILO). Sound governance of social protection schemes – in particular their effective financial governance – is an essential prerequisite for the enhancement of the coverage and effectiveness of social protection and in this respect a Master of Science (MSc) in Social Protection Financing Programme has been established through a partnership between the ILO and the University of Mauritius.

 

 

2.1       Objective

The Masters Programme focuses on enhancing national capacities of managers and financial specialists responsible for the financial planning and management of social protection schemes, including cash transfers and social insurance programmes, as well as personnel working in government ministries in charge of social protection policy and financial management and in organizations representing workers and employers.

It is expected that the knowledge acquired from the Programme will help strengthen the management, financial governance and sustainability of existing social protection schemes, lead to future improvements in the schemes, develop new financially sustainable and well-managed schemes where gaps exist, and, as a consequence, reduce poverty and enhance welfare in African countries.

2.2       Course Description

The Masters Programme includes modules on social protection financing, policy and design, legislation and governance, implementation, management and administration, accounting, modelling, actuarial practice, social budgeting, performance reviews and risk management. Social insurance, social assistance and cash transfer programmes and social health insurance is covered. The Programme presents current issues in social protection, international comparisons and analyses of experience, with specific reference to Africa.

The course outline can be found at [here].

The course outline is currently under review.

2.3       Degree

Upon successful completion of the Programme, graduates will receive an Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Social Protection Financing, awarded by the University of Mauritius.

2.4       Commencement

August 2012.

2.5       Entry

Applicants to the Masters Programme will be admitted according to the formal regulations of the University of Mauritius. Applicants holding a university degree (at least at the Bachelor's level, and preferably at the Master's level) in economics, statistics, social sciences, actuarial science, mathematics, business administration, or a related field will be given preferential consideration. Professional qualifications and relevant work experience will be taken into account in lieu of the academic requirements, in accordance with the policy of the University of Mauritius.

A maximum of 40 students will be accepted for the Masters Programme. Priority for admission will be given to serving officials from African social security institutions and ministries (managers, actuaries, financial and policy analysts), and from organizations representing African workers and employers. Applicants from other parts of the world and with other professional and institutional backgrounds will be considered if space permits.

2.6       Duration

10 months.

2.7       Language of Instruction

For this Academic year 2012/2013 the Masters Programme will be offered in English only.

A sound command of the English Language is essential. If the language is NOT the applicant's maternal language or the language in which s/he received her/his previous degree, the applicant will be asked to give details of recognised language proficiency qualifications s/he has obtained or expects to obtain before admission (e.g. IELTS, etc).

2.8       Applications for Admission

The deadline for submitting applications is 10 August 2012.

2.9       Tuition

USD 8,000 (United States dollars).

2.10     Fellowships

The University of Mauritius may award fellowships to qualified candidates from social security institutions and government ministries dealing with social protection.

 

 

3.1       General Entry Requirements of the University of Mauritius

Successful completion of an undergraduate degree from a recognized institution of higher education with:

- at least a Second Class or 50%, whichever is applicable, or

- a Grade Point Average (GPA) not less than 2.5 out of 4 or equivalent

OR

- alternative qualifications acceptable to the University of Mauritius.

 

3.2       Programme-Specific Requirements for the Masters Programme

 

A Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant academic field such as economics, statistics, social sciences, actuarial science, mathematics, business administration, or a related field.

Sound knowledge of mathematics, statistics and economics. This will be judged by reviewing the content and grades of previous studies and/or the content and level of work experience.

Demonstrated professional experience. Since the Masters Programme is targeted to social protection managers and financial specialists, the content and level of the applicant's working experience will be given strong consideration.

 

 

 

4.1       How to Apply

 

The application form for the Masters Programme can be found at [http://www.uom.ac.mu/uomtrust/ilo/application.html].

 

Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the online application.

An alternative way to apply to the Programme is to download the application form, fill it out on a computer, save the file, and send it as an e-mail attachment to mibs@uom.ac.mu

Upon receipt of the application form, the applicant will receive an acknowledgement of receipt. If the applicant does not receive such an acknowledgement within a week, s/he should contact the Programme Secretariat at mibs@uom.ac.mu to confirm receipt of the application. No application fee is charged for the submission of applications to the Masters Programme.

 

4.2       Supporting Documents

The documents listed below must be mailed or sent by courier to the University of Mauritius at the following address:

Programme Secretariat
Masters Programme
Mauritius International Business School
University of Mauritius
Engineering Tower, 8th Floor
Réduit, Mauritius

 

It is important to note that an application will not be considered complete until the required documents are received by the University. It should be further noted that several of the documents listed below must be certified. Depending on the legal system of the applicant's country, the certification can be done by a commissioner of oaths, a notary or another official authorized to certify documents.

- Certified copies of degrees/diplomas/certificates.

- Certified copy of the applicant's transcript of academic records, together with an explanation of the grading system of the academic institution(s) concerned.

- Two letters of recommendation, preferably

• An academic reference from a former or current teacher, professor or lecturer;
• A professional reference from a current or former supervisor or employer.

-Letter of motivation (about 500 words in length) explaining why the applicant wants to pursue the Programme, the applicant's plans for the future, and the likely benefits of the Programme to the applicant's work. The applicant should also comment on her/his work experience and capacity to successfully complete the Programme.

- Proof of language proficiency.

- Curriculum vitae.

- Certified copy of the identification page of the applicant’s passport.

- Four recent passport-size photographs.

 

4.3       Application Deadline

The closing date for receiving completed applications and all supporting documents is 10 August 2012.

 

Each application for admission will be reviewed, evaluated and decided by an Admissions Committee established jointly by the University of Mauritius and the ILO. Decisions of the Admissions Committee are final, with no right of appeal.

Following selection, each successful applicant will receive an electronic notification of the offer from the University of Mauritius, followed by a formal written confirmation letter.

Applicants must accept or decline the offer in writing within two weeks of the receipt of the electronic notification. The acceptance or rejection can be made by e mail (mibs@uom.ac.mu).

 

 

6.1       Living Expenses

On average, a student will need approximately a minimum of USD 600 monthly for accommodation and living expenses.

6.2       Accommodation

The University of Mauritius is non-residential. The Programme Secretariat will assist international students to find suitable accommodation.

6.3       Health and Health Insurance

International students may be required to present a medical certificate from their home country upon registration at the University of Mauritius.

The Programme Secretariat will arrange comprehensive health insurance for all students of the Masters Programme.

6.4       Visa and Resident Permit

The Programme Secretariat will make all the necessary arrangements with the Passport and Immigration Office in Mauritius for entry visas (when required) and residence permits for international students. Students will be required to:

- complete an ‘Application to enter Mauritius’;

- submit a copy of the first five pages of their passport;

- provide evidence of adequate funds to meet the cost of their studies and stay in Mauritius; and

- submit an undertaking that they will not engage in gainful activities (employment or self-employment) during the period of their studies.

However, students will have to make their own visa applications if same is required when they may have to transit in any African territory on their way to Mauritius.

Documents to be submitted for Student Visa:

• Form "Application to Enter Mauritius" duly filled in and signed by the applicant;
• Two recent passport size photographs of the applicant;
• Photocopy of the bio-data pages of the passport of the applicant;
• Original letter of admission in a recognized educational establishment or TVET institution
• Documentary evidence of availability of funds or financial capacity to meet costs of study and stay in Mauritius.
• A medical certificate certifying that the applicant is not suffering from any contagious or infectious disease. A test for HIV, Hepatitis B and a chest X ray should be done at any private medical laboratory/clinic/hospital in Mauritius and the tests results and Chest X ray report should be submitted to the Passport and Immigration Office not later than one month after arrival.

The following link may be visited to have more information regarding the Immigration Laws in Mauritius:

http://www.gov.mu/portal/site/passportSite/menuitem.39d33e5039cfc354d0db7010e2b521ca/

 

Should you require more details or have any questions, please contact:

Programme Secretariat

Masters Programme
Mauritius International Business School
University of Mauritius
Engineering Tower, 8th Floor
Réduit
Mauritius

E-mail:                mibs@uom.ac.mu
                            quatrain-africa@ilo.org

Telephone:         
00 230 403 7868
00 230 403 7610