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

20 scholarships offered for this Program

On August 4, 2008, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and Africa University will launch the first edition of the Masters Degree in intellectual property (MIP.

The language of instruction for the MIP program is English.

The MIP Program is of twelve month duration from August 4, 2008 to July 31, 2009: and is structured in three Parts as follows:

● First Part: Will take place at Africa University in Mutare (Zimbabwe) from August 4 to November 28, 2008. It includes a 10-day practical training at ARIPO Headquarters in Harare from November 10 to 21, 2008;

● Second Part: Instruction via Distance Learning from December 1, 2008 to April 30, 2009 in which students will take a selected number of courses on IP topics by distance learning;

● Third Part: Research and writing thesis on a selected and prior approved topic from May 1, 2009 to July 31, 2009.

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. The young professional 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 examination of all fields of intellectual property and is taught by leading academicians, legal practitioners and IP experts drawn from various universities in Africa.

Upon satisfactory completion of the Course, 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. 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 institutions of higher learning or Research and Development (R&D) institution (although some exceptions may be made of deserving candidates from a relevant Governmental institution).

Applicants who wish to benefit from the WIPO fellowship must be under 40 years of age to qualify. They must hold a minimum of a Bachelors 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 in the Program is invited to send to the WIPO Worldwide Academy, no later than June 30, 2008, a duly completed application form, a detailed curriculum vitae, copies of university degree certificates/diploma and transcripts, at least two letters of reference and any other appropriate supporting documents. Upon receipt of the above referred to documents, due consideration will be given to suitable candidates for admission to the program. Participants wishing to be considered for award of a WIPO fellowship should make specific reference in their application.

Detailed information concerning the MIP Program, is provided on the websites of AU, WIPO and ARIPO as follows: AU website, www.wipo.int or www.wipo.int/academy/en and www.aripo.org.