Applications open for the student programme of Sparkasse Bank and the University of Graz – Best of South East

Zagreb, 1 February 2016. – This year, Croatian students of economics and law again have the opportunity to apply to the Best of South East scholarship programme that was launched by the Steiermärkische Bank und Sparkassen AG (Sparkasse Bank) in cooperation with the University of Graz. It is aimed at graduates and students with excellent grades and pronounced traits such as dedication, developed communication skills and analytical and practical economic thinking. The programme includes a one-year internship at Sparkasse Bank or any other Styrian company for graduates, and a year of studying at the University of Graz for students. Candidates can submit their application by 1 March 2016 at the latest.

As part of the programme, scholarship recipients have the right to a scholarship amounting to a maximum of EUR 10,000 which covers the cost of accommodation in a dorm in Graz, a monthly allowance of EUR 420, the tuition fee at the University of Graz as well as the registration fee, an intensive German language course at the Treffpunkt Sprachen university language centre, and the costs of various social and cultural events throughout the year.

The Best of South East programme is open for applications from undergraduates, which will go through a training programme at Sparkasse Bank. The goal of the programme is for undergraduates to acquire additional business skills and international experience through real experience thus making it easier for them to transition into work. For students of law and economics, the programme offers one year of studying at the University of Graz and a two-month summer internship at Sparkasse Bank or some other Styrian company.

Over the past eight years, 15 candidates from Croatia have attended the programme. In Croatia, Sparkasse Bank's programme is carried out by Erste&Steiermärkische Bank Croatia d.d. (Erste banka).

Applications are open for students of economics and law who may submit their applications to Steiermärkische Sparkasse Bank by 1 March 2016 at the latest.

More information about the programme is available at:

https://www.erstebank.hr/hr/Karijere/Ponude_za_posao/Stipendija_best_of_south_east

About the Best of South East programme

The Best of South East programme was launched in 2008 by Steiermärkische Bank und Sparkassen AG in cooperation with the University of Graz. Apart from Croatian students, the programme is also aimed at students from Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Macedonia and Montenegro, as well as students who are already attending university in Austria but come from these countries.