Tullow Oil plc (Tullow), a leading independent oil & gas, exploration and production group has announced that it will offer up to 114 scholarships across its countries of operation for the 2013/14 academic year.

The Group has interests in over 100 exploration and production licences across 23 countries which are managed as three regional business units: West & North Africa, South & East Africa and Europe, South America and Asia.

The application process for the Tullow Group Scholarship Scheme (TGSS) is open from today until 13 February. Interested candidates should apply online at www.tullowgroupscholarshipscheme.org.

The TGSS aims to build capacity in areas where Tullow's host countries might experience significant skills gaps, especially, but not exclusively, around their oil and gas industries.

Scholarships are available to post graduates who are committed to making a contribution to their own country's development. The Scheme gives candidates the opportunity to receive a high standard of education from internationally recognised institutions, which can then be applied in their home country.

A wide range of courses will be offered that are designed to contribute to economic growth of the participating country. These will include Engineering & Technology, Geosciences, Oil & Gas Economics and Supply Chain.

Scholarships will be awarded across the following countries; Congo Brazzaville, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mauritania, Uganda, Uruguay and Suriname. The number of awards allocated to each country is weighted to the appropriate phase (project life cycle) of Tullow's business within that country.

Commenting,Tullow Group's Vice President External Affairs, Rosalind Kainyah, said: "The Tullow Group Scholarship Scheme attracted nearly 7,000 applicants last year, and more than 90 scholars are currently studying at universities in Europe. We have a long-term commitment to our host countries, so we are very happy to be starting the second year of the scheme"

The Scheme is fully managed by the British Council which has over 40 years experience in global scholarship management. It is expected to run for the next few years and is aligned with Tullow's aims of supporting long-term socio-economic growth in countries where it operates.