Who can apply?
All University of Southampton Students are encouraged to apply.
When does Spark Ghana take place?
25th March – 15th April 2023
How long is the programme?
3 weeks, (21 days)
What is the application process?
Applicants must complete and submit their application form by 23.59pm on Sunday 4th December 2022. Interviews will be held on the week of 12th December.
When will we find out if we’ve been accepted or not?
Students will be informed if they’ve made it interview by the 9th December. The successful applicants will be informed by the 19th December. Successful applicants will be provided a handbook which includes Visa & vaccination guidance.
What are you looking for in the applications?
This first thing we are looking for is length, applicants should be using the full 150 words to answer the questions. 1 or 2 words over the limit is fine, but please do not exceed the limit by more than 10 words otherwise we will reject the application.
We know it is an amazing opportunity, therefore we don’t need to hear how you have always wanted to travel to Africa. We want to see that you have dome some research into Ghana and the NGO’s that work there, and how this will affect your professional future.
I study at the Malaysia Campus. Can I apply?
Unfortunately, not.
If I am not selected, will I get feedback on my application?
Due to the volume of applications, we cannot give feedback to students who fail to make it to the interview stage. All students who make it to the interview stage will be given feedback on their performance.
Can I amend my application if I am unhappy with it later?
Unfortunately, you are unable to amend applications, however, if you would like to reapply a new application, please do! We will take into consideration the best application if you apply multiple times.
If I don’t get selected this time, can I apply next year?
Absolutely! Students can also apply for spark India which runs in August 2023. Applications for this will open in the new year.
What will we do on the programme?
Spark Ghana will consist of cultural immersion & social activities, personal & professional development workshops, and mentoring opportunities. We will work with multiple NGO's, learning from them and about the amazing, essential work that they carry out.
We have connections with public health NGOs in the Tamale region, and researchers from the University who have been working to address issues such as COVID vaccine hesitancy over the past three years.
We will visit exciting places close by such as the Mole National Park, home to elephants, leopards, and rare birds, as well as spending time in Accra, Ghana’s capital city.
Will there be study time? The trip is very close to summer exams.
We will be providing fellows with opportunities in the schedule to study. However, it is up to you the students to make sure you are appropriately prepared for your exams, and to allocate yourselves revision time on the trip.
I’ve heard the Spark Ghana fellowships are competitive, but how competitive?
Currently over 200 applications for 10 spaces, expecting around 250 applicants in total.
Where will I be staying?
Students will be staying at the University of Developmental studies campus in tamale, northern Ghana. Meals will be provided.
Will I have to pay anything?
All Spark Ghana fellows are fully funded. If you happen to be from a Widening Participation background, you will receive a full award from the Turing fund. If you are not, you will receive £420 for Visa’s and Vaccines.
All students will have travel, accommodation and food paid for.
What do you mean by fellowship?
Everyone who participates in Spark Ghana joins the Spark Ghana fellowship, which includes members of previous cohorts. The fellowship exists to support all fellows on their journey towards careers of social impact.
Can I travel after the programme ends?
No, all students will be returning on the same flights on 15th April.