Frequently Asked Questions
Thinking of applying
This section aims to answer questions applicants might have before applying to WNU's Summer Institute, including programme demographics, application materials, and English language requirements.
Is the Summer Institute right for me?
1. Who attends WNU’s SI?
The Summer Institute is an international programme, attracting participants from established and developing nuclear nations alike. The majority of fellows selected to attend the SI have been working in the nuclear sector for +3 years and are identified by their organizations as having the potential to become industry leaders. View SI Alumni demographics here.
2. Is part-time working allowed during the SI?
WNU strongly discourages working (even part-time) during the Summer Institute. Due to the rigorous nature of the curriculum, fellows are occupied by lectures, presentations, and group work for the majority of the day. Additionally, group work often requires attention after the day portion of the programme and occasionally on weekends.
Entry Requirements
1. What materials are required for the application?
In addition to personal, academic, and professional information, the Summer Institute application requires fellows to upload the following documents in English. If documents are not in English, please provide a brief translation.
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A 200 word description of professional responsibilities
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A 200 word statement of motivation and goals for participation
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2 signed reference letters in English (academic or professional)
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Evidence of English language proficiency (where applicable)
2. What are the English language requirements?
English is the official course language for the Summer Institute. Applicants who are not fluent in English must provide evidence of English language proficiency in the form of a recent certificate from a reputable organization.
Submitting an application
This section aims to answer questions about submitting an application, including application process, tuition and fees, visa information, and acceptance notification.
Application Process
1. What is the application deadline?
The Summer Institute application deadline for both company and IAEA funded tuitions is typically around 3 months before the start of the course. For the most up-to-date SI deadlines, please visit the programme registration page.
2. Is there an application fee?
There is no fee to apply to the Summer Institute. Please refer to WNU's T&Cs for an overview of the SI's fees and financial obligations.
3. How and when will I be notified if I am accepted?
WNU reviews all applications as they are received. For company funded applicants, WNU will email candidates directly about the status of their application. Applicants applying for IAEA funding will receive notification of pre-acceptance by WNU if their application has been successful. They must then apply directly to the IAEA for funding. See IAEA Funding for more detailed steps in the TC funding application process.
Tuition & Fees
1. What are the different tuition types?
The three primary tuition types for the Summer Institute are:
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WNA Member Company Funded: This tuition type is for applicants from World Nuclear Association member companies. WNA members get a discount on programme tuition.
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Non-WNA Member Company Funded: This tuition type is for all applicants applying from non-WNA member companies or organizations.
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IAEA TC Funded: The IAEA offers full tuition funding for select applicants through the Technical Cooperation (TC) program. See IAEA Funding for information about eligibility and how to apply.
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WANO Funded: More information coming soon.
2. When must tuition fees be paid?
Tuition fees are due within 30 days of invoice receipt. Following acceptance notification, invoices will be sent to Fellows by email. For IAEA-funded applicants, the IAEA pays WNU directly.
3. What is included in the cost of tuition?
Tuition fees includes accommodation, meals, transport during the SI, and educational resources. Fellows are also provided with a per diem (see below) spending allowance for weekend expenses like food and entertainment. Tuition fees do not include travel to and from the SI host country, travel insurance, and personal outing or excursions costs taken while at the SI.
4. What is a per diem?
'Per diem' refers to a stipend (fixed sum) WNU provides to SI Fellows to cover their meals not directly provided by WNU and other necessities. This includes dinners most weekdays, meals on weekends, laundry needs, etc. The exact amount of the per diem fluctuates based on SI host country currency and average cost per meal. An additional amount is added to this total to account for additional necessities and incidentals.
WNU does not provide a daily spending allowance or financial advice, thus budgeting for per diem spending for the duration of the five weeks is at the discretion of the individual. WNU cannot offer any additional funds, should Fellows max out their cash cards (see below) before the end of the programme.
WNU is committed to ensuring that Fellows have enough funds to comfortably and safely enjoy the local cultural experiences and cuisine, however, the per diem is not designed to cover excessive drinking and fine dining, or personal travel or shopping expenses. Some companies and organizations also provide their Fellows with an additional per diem, which is allowed.
5. How will the per diem be provided?
Upon check in at the hotel, Fellows will be provided with a cash card with a lump sum deposit. Information about the cash card including the full per diem amount will be provided in the Welcome Pack. Fellows are not required to provide supporting receipts for their purchases.
6. What are the tuition payment options?
Bank or wire transfer are the preferred method of tuition payment. WNU bank transfer instructions are included in the invoice email sent to accepted Fellows. Credit and debit card payments are also accepted upon personal request. Cash and checks are not acceptable forms of tuition payment.
Visa Requirements and Travel
1. Are Visas required to attend the SI?
Visa requirements are based on individual's country of origin and SI host country requirements. WNU strongly encourages applicants to contact their local embassy for specific on their Visa needs well in advance of the SI to ensure that the proper documentation can be obtained in a timely manner.
2. What if a Visa is refused or cannot be obtained in time?
WNU is not responsible for obtaining Visas for Fellows or liable for tuition refunds should an applicant not be able to secure a Visa in time. Please refer to the financial T&Cs for more information about tuition refunds.
3. Can WNU provide a Visa letter?
Yes, WNU will provide Visa letters for accepted Fellow. Please allow for an adequate amount of time for WNU to obtain and deliver the letter. Timeframes may be delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. PDF copies of Visa letters can be sent by email. Physical copies can be sent by mail, courier, or collected at the WNU coordinating centre.
4. Can I leave the SI host country on the weekends to travel?
Fellows are encouraged to coordinate local travel and cultural excursions on free weekends. All local weekend travel not arranged by WNU is taken at Fellows' expense. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, travel outside the SI host country is not permitted except for medial and emergency circumstances.
Preparing for the Summer Institute
This section aims to answer questions about accommodation, logistics, and preparatory materials.
Accommodation
1. What is accommodation like?
Accommodation for the Summer Institute varies by host country.
2. What amenities are available?
Facilities: gym, laundry, kitchen, etc.
3. Getting to accommodation from the airport
Academic Preparation
1. Is there required reading before the SI?
2. How are academic resources provided?
3. Is a personal computer required?
A personal or work computer is required for the programme. Smartphones are encouraged for use
After the Summer Institute
This section aims to address what happens after the Summer Institute, including course certificates and accessing the WNU SI alumni network.
Course Certificates
1. What is required to earn a course certificate?
2. How are course certificates delivered?
Alumni Network
1. TBD
2. TBD