How do I apply for the MEME programme?
My background is not in evolutionary biology. Can I still apply?
You are always welcome to apply to the MEME programme if this is what interests you. Your motivation is a very important factor for selection. Please follow the link more detailed information about the Letter of Motivation.
Please be aware however, the reason that we ask for a BSc in Biology or a closely related field with a background in evolutionary biology or neighbouring disciplines (e.g. ecology or systematics) has a reason. The pace of the courses is very high and there is simply no time to repair any missing ecology/biology knowledge.
For any applicants that wish to apply but are concerned about any knowledge gaps, please visit Evolutionary Biology Crash Course, an initiative created by current and former MEME students to provide courses for students from the Global South who wish to pursue a career in evolutionary biology. The Crash course is supported by the MEME programme.
Generally there are many applicants that so have the required background and therefore have a greater chance of getting selected.
I don’t have my BSc diploma yet. What do I do?
If you do not yet have a diploma, you must provide us with a copy of a certified document that convincingly proves that you will complete your BSc degree before the start of the following academic year (September 1st).
My English test is scheduled after the MEME application deadline. Can I still apply?
Yes. Sometimes logistic reasons prevent students from obtaining proof of sufficient proficiency in English before the application deadline has passed. If such students can provide other convincing proof of proficiency in English (e.g. by an official letter of their university stating that the complete BSc programme of the student was taught in English) their application will be taken into consideration.
Alternatively, applicants can:
- mention their test date on the application form
- mention when we can expect the test result, and
- add any proof that you have applied for a test (i.e. email of registration) to your Application package, and
- send a screenshot of the results to meme@rug.nl as soon as they are available.
Please be aware that in above cases, admission to the MEME programme will typically be conditional upon passing an English language test before the start of the MEME programme.
My transcript doesn't state my rank or GPA. What do I do?
You can calculate your GPA yourself:
(grades * credits)/ credits = GPA
Please also mention the grading scale.
So if the grading scale is 1-10 and your GPA is 8, please fill out 8/10 in the application form.
Are there funding opportunities for the MEME programme ?
There are no longer scholarships available for this programme. This means that you need to procure the financial means for your studies (tuition fees, insurance, travel and living expenses) individually, e.g. through personal scholarships.
Please note that MEME cannot be of assistance for finding such scholarships.
Other scholarships, there are other funding opportunities available for students at the MEME partner universities. These can provide a financial support, yet not finance the entire study period.
Some examples of funding opportunities include Erasmus + grants (travel within Europe) and Marco Polo grants (travel outside of Europe). This page at the University of Groningen (RUG) provides an example of the type of grants that are available at each of the MEME partner universities. These grants need to be applied for by the individual.
Master students conducting research at University of Montpellier are paid for their research. The working contract and wage of each research project is dependent on the length of the project and the lab. For more information, please contact the University of Montpellier MEME Coordinators.