Timing Is Everything...

Given some still-simmering resentments in this country over the fact Saudi Arabia was home to nearly all the 9/11 hijackers... is this the best time for that country to be offering cash scholarships for its students to train for aviation careers in the US?

Well, regardless, it is... as Aero-News has learned the Ministry of Higher Education and the General Authority of Civil Aviation are offering scholarships to Saudi students to study various civil aviation majors in several countries, including the United States.

Both bachelor’s and post-graduate study programs are available under the program... and applicants have until July 12 to submit their applications online.

The Middle East daily Arab News reports the scholarships are available in majors such as communications, electrical and computer engineering, computer science, systems analysis, air traffic control, flight safety, and other majors related to the airline industry.

Most of the usual scholarship requirements apply -- high GPA's are preferred, of course, as is a proficiency in science, administrative and commercial sciences. Post-grad applicants must have acquired their bachelor degrees in the past three-years, and aeromedical students must also have scored above a 70 percent in tests of their abilities.

All applicants are also required to demonstrate proficiency in knowledge of the Koran, according to Arab News.

Forms to apply are available at the FMI link below. Nominations to the program will be announced July 31, with interviews in August and final scholarship winners announced on September 2.

The Saudi government offers various scholarships to students looking to study abroad -- including the US, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, India, China, Australia and New Zealand.

FMI: www.mohe.gov.sa