Masters Degree in Intellectual Property (MIP)
jointly offered by the WIPO Worldwide Academy,
African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and
Africa University

2010 Admissions

On May 3, 2010, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and Africa University will launch the second edition of the Masters Degree in Intellectual Property (MIP) Program at Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe.

The Program will be offered for duration of twelve (12) months, from May 3, 2010 to April 30, 2011: which is structured in three (3) parts as follows:

• First Part: Instruction via distance learning from  May 3, 2010 to July 31, 2010 in which students take a selected number of courses on IP topics via distance learning;

• Second Part:  Will take place at Africa University in Mutare (Zimbabwe) from August 11 to December 3, 2010. It includes a three weeks practical training at ARIPO headquarters in Harare from November 15 to December 3, 2010;

• Third Part:  Research and dissertation writing on a selected and approved topic from December 4, 2010 to April 30, 2011.

The MIP Program is designed for young professionals who wish to acquire the skills required to play a leading role in that area through exposure to an international and comparative approach to national and regional IP systems. The young professionals to be accepted to the program should primarily be from academic or R&D institutions, who upon graduation are expected to return to their respective institutions in Africa and serve as trainers in the field of IP.

The curriculum aims to provide an in-depth knowledge in all fields of intellectual property and is taught by leading academicians, legal practitioners, IP officers and IP experts drawn from various universities and IP offices in Africa.

Upon satisfactory completion of the program, students will be awarded a “Masters Degree in Intellectual Property” by the Africa University on behalf of WIPO and ARIPO.

With a view to contributing to the development of human resources in the field of IP in developing countries, 20 fellowships will be offered to highly motivated persons from Africa to participate in this Program. In addition, up to 10 places shall be reserved for self-sponsored students.

Each scholarship covers air ticket, board and lodge at Africa University and ARIPO and registration fees. Persons to be awarded the scholarships should primarily be teachers of intellectual property or those aspiring to teach IP in a university or other institution of higher learning or be from research and development institutions (although some exceptions may be made of deserving candidates from relevant government institutions).

Applicants who wish to benefit from a WIPO fellowship must be under 40 years of age to qualify, (not applicable to self-sponsored students) and must hold a minimum of a Bachelors (second lower class) degree from a recognized university in any discipline. Proof of English proficiency is required.

Any person fulfilling the above mentioned requirements and wishing to apply for acceptance to the Program is invited to send his/her application to the:
Assistant Registrar-Academic Affairs
Africa University
P.O. Box 1320
Mutare
Zimbabwe
or online through the Africa University link below.

A duly completed application form, a detailed curriculum vitae, certified copies of university degree certificates/diploma and transcripts, at least two letters of reference and any other appropriate supporting documents, should be sent to Africa University not later than March 15, 2010.

Upon receipt of the above documentation suitable candidates will be selected for admission into the Program. Applicants wishing to be considered for a WIPO fellowship should indicate that specifically in their application.

Information concerning the MIP Program is provided on the websites of Africa University, WIPO & WIPO Worldwide Academy and ARIPO as follows:   
www.africau.edu/academic/faculties/iplg/wipo/mip_advert.html, www.wipo.int or www.wipo.int/academy/en and www.aripo.org.