The IRF Fellowship Program for graduate engineers and transportation managers has been a cornerstone in the work of the International Road Federation for more than 50 years. The Program provides a one-time grant toward the costs of university graduate study in fields related to the development of better and safer roads and road networks worldwide.
Founded in the immediate aftermath of World War II, the IRF Fellowship Program was originally designed as a mechanism to assist in the rebuilding of Europe, but during the ensuing years it has shifted its focus to concentrate primarily on the needs of the developing world. Students are selected on the basis of strong academic background, professional qualifications and leadership potential; but to be considered for a Fellowship, candidates must also provide evidence of their intent to return to their countries upon completion of their studies. Graduates of the Program comprise a highly skilled, efficient and productive body of experts which today exerts a strong influence on the orderly development of road transportation systems around the world.
Many Fellows have become high government officials as well as leaders in the private sector and in academia, where they are in a position to exercise a multiplier effect in the transfer of technology and information. Through the IRF Fellows Alumni Association founded in 1993 by the late Dr. Sadamu Mino, strong bonds are formed among the Fellows, the IRF and IRF’s member organizations.
Selection of the Fellowship awardees is based primarily on their potential as “transportation leaders and decision-makers” in their home countries in the future. To this end, IRF is looking for candidates with the following qualifications:
In general, candidates are expected to meet these criteria – however, there are circumstances where some flexibility is desirable and possible. While most Fellows do study in the United States, some have studied at approved universities in other developed countries.