Alexander van der Lof, CEO of the technology company TKH, serves as acting chairman of the foundation's governing board. Van der Lof: `My specific task is to support the development of the UTSP from a business point of view. In order to support the new plan of development of company grants, the TKH Group is donating 50,000 euros, for which we will support two or three students.' This unique program, among others, allows for talented foreign students to receive financial aid for their master's studies and in return for this financing, students will work for a limited time for the company that is providing the funding.
The marked increase in financial aid available to foreign students follows years of efforts to bring clarity and gain transparency in the number of grants and scholarships funded to foreign students. `At the end of 2007, there were in total 2,859 master's students at the UT of which 204 came from foreign countries and collectively, they represented 55 different countries of which half had a scholarship to study at the UT,' said the Head of the International Office Karin Paardenkooper, whose efforts to streamline and develop the scholarship program has shown measurable success in attracting foreign students. She added, `We have put a lot of energy into creating new scholarships and have confidence the UTSP Foundation will reach its goal of a minimum of 300 international scholarship students in 2012.'
Within Kennispark Twente, an initiative has been developed to draw in foreign talent and attract foreign students through funds generated by the Holding Technopolis Twente (HTT). According Kees Eijkel, director of both the HTT and Kennispark Twente, many international students have high ambitions and are highly skilled. He said these students show great promise in entrepreneurship and an active involvement in innovative regional businesses. `The master's scholarships have been provided on the basis of income generated from sales of our shares in a young company. This shows the cycle we wanted to establish between a successful start-up, the income we gained through our share in this start-up, and the potential of new international students in starting a new business,' said Eijkel.
Van der Lof has recognized the benefits of supporting foreign students who are highly qualified and can be employed directly after their study. `It is often difficult for companies to find young, talented people with an international background, who can also be positioned abroad. They need to have an understanding of the Dutch culture and an education which is linked to the business environment, which are all important factors to the TKH Group.'
The governing board of the UTSP established the UT Scholarship Advice and Test Committee, comprised of five professors who in their individual capacities serve as representatives of the five faculties. Potential scholarship recipients are considered, after being nominated by the faculties, on the basis of their motivation, exceptional leadership qualities and their cumulative grade point average (CGPA). The foundation has the goal in a later stage to support out-going students through strengthening stipends.
In the end, said Van der Lof, talented foreign students will not only support the local economy of Twente, but also influence development of companies on an international and national scale. `It upgrades the quality and reputation of the UT through attracting the most talented students and professors from around the world,' he said.
