Frequently Asked Questions

This page answers your most frequently asked questions about the TOIndia Summer School programme.

Should you fail to find an answer to your question in this page, please contact us (see details in the “Contact us” section of this website).

1. Who organizes the Summer School? The Summer School is organized by TOIndia. TOIndia is part of TOAsia, a working unit of the Faculty of Political Sciences of the University of Turin especially set up to deal with contemporary Asian affairs. The Director of ToIndia is Professor Michelguglielmo Torri (diocles@quipo.it) .
2. Who can apply for the Summer School?

Any professional or student who is in possession of the required qualifications. These are a Bachelor honours degree at 1^st or 2:1 level (or an equivalent European title, such as the laurea triennale for Italian students with a minimum grade of 100/110) and good command of the English language.

Undergraduate students (ie. students who will not yet have a degree at the start of the School) who are enrolled in an area-studies university course focussing on India or in a university course in Development Studies are also welcome, provided that they have completed at least one year of course.

Special attention will be devoted to those applicants who can demonstrate their proficiency in English by means of an international qualification. Though this is not a mandatory requirement, an ideal proof would be a minimum TOEFL score of 620 (paper-based test) or 250 (computer-based test), or 100 (Internet test), or IELTS 7.0 or their equivalent (e.g. the Cambridge Advanced or CPE Certificate). Previous studying experience abroad will also be taken into consideration.

The compulsory requirements must be met by Friday 24^th June 2011 for the application to be considered.

3. What is the ratio of successful applications?Competition for admission to the School is tough. Early application is highly recommended.
4. What is the closing date for applications?Candidates may apply until Friday 10^th June 2011, 5 pm Rome time. Late applications will not be considered.
5. When will application results come out?The selection procedure will be carried out by a Committee of senior scholars who will address every application cleared by the TOIndia office. All complete applications reaching TOIndia by Tuesday May 10^th 2011 5pm (Rome time) will be evaluated by Tuesday May 17^th and official confirmations will be sent individually immediately thereafter. All remaining applications sent by the closing date (Friday 10^th June, 5 pm Rome time) will be assessed and results communicated by Friday June 17^th 2011.
6. Are scholarships available?Yes indeed. Two different types of scholarships are available:
   ZEROTASSE – 8 scholarships covering tuition fees entirely. These scholarships may be applied for by all School participants who are currently students (ie. undergraduates who will not have yet completed their India and/or Development Studies-related degree at the time of the School, or applicants who either are studying at the postgraduate level or will be doing so in the 2010-11 academic year).  These scholarships may be applied also to applicants who graduated in December 2009 and later and who are not currently employed full-time.
   FREETORINO – 5 scholarships covering both tuition fees and living expenses in Torino. Those who are awarded a Freetorino scholarship will be lodging at one of Torino’s student halls from July 3rd to July 9^th. A single en-suite room and meals (half-board) will be provided. These scholarships may be applied for by all School participants who are currently students (ie. undergraduates who will not have yet completed their India and/or Development Studies-related degree at the time of the School, or applicants who either are studying at the postgraduate level or will be doing so in the 2010-11 academic year). These scholarships may be applied also to applicants who graduated in December 2009 and later and who are not currently employed full-time. Applicants must not be resident in either Torino or its province.See the “Fees and scholarships” section of this site for further information on how to apply for a scholarship.
7. What themes are treated in the programme? And who are the lecturers?The short (2 to 5 hours) courses taught at the School will tackle key economic, social and political issues of contemporary India’s development path. This variety is designed to provide the students with a valuable, cross-field set of tools whatever their primary interest may be in the wider realm of the political economy of development in contemporary India.The programme is a learning experience made unique by the diverse mix of participants and instructors, drawn from the best universities in the world. Lecturers are international distinguished scholars on contemporary India and are committed to providing scientifically rigorous classes while addressing key themes on the development process in India in the era of globalization.All Summer School participants are considered part of the wider Turin University community and are afforded the same rights and privileges as regular students. The atmosphere around campus is convivial and interactive, making it easy to develop friendships which will last well beyond the programme.
8. When is the School held?Induction will take place at 9am on Monday 4^th July 20101 The final exam and aperitivo will be on Thursday 7^th July.
9. What are lecture times?

Lectures are held Monday-Friday from 9.30am to 4.30pm. A lunch break is scheduled between 12.30am and 2.30pm.

10. What expenses should I expect in order to participate?Tuition fees are 200€ for students and 350€ for professionals (VAT included). The cost of a single room at one of the University students halls is in the region of 30€ per night. TOIndia staff can help you with reservations and info on how to save money for meals and transports. For these logistical reasons too it is best to apply as soon as possible so as to be part of the May 10^th selection round. More information can be found in the “Living in Turin” section of this website.
11. How can I apply?

Just follow the online procedure by clicking on the “How to apply” section of this site.

12. Can I get some sort of official certification when I complete the course?Alumni who successfully complete the School (ie. participate to a minimum of 20 out of the 25 hours of lectures/seminars and pass the final exam) are awarded an official certification by the Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Turin. The certificate will indicate the title of the School, the sessions attended and the grade obtained at the final exam.

    Italian students might wish to know that the TOIndia Summer School certificate may be used to claim CFUs. The Faculty authorities will be happy to send all necessary documents to other universities for the CFUs to be awarded to their students too.