Frequently Asked Questions
Thinking of applying?
This section aims to answer questions applicants might have before applying to WNU's RT School, including programme demographics, application materials, and English language requirements.
Is the RT School right for me?
1. Who attends this programme?
The School on Radiation Technologies is an international programme, attracting participants from established and developing nuclear nations alike. The majority of fellows selected to attend the RT school have been working in nuclear science for +3 years and are identified by their organizations as having the potential to become industry leaders.
2. Is part-time working allowed during the RT School?
WNU strongly discourages working (even part-time) during the RT School due to the rigorous nature of the curriculum. Weekdays are typically comprised of lectures, presentations and group work from 9:00 to 18:00 and occasional weekend work for group projects is required. For more information on participation, and requirements to earn a course certificate, see our Terms & Conditions.
3. What is the role of the Fellow?
Fellows are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of the programme in order to receive a certificate at graduation upon the completion of the programme. While the educational aspect of the programme is prioritised, the social component of the programme is also important to create lifelong networks that can be beneficial in future career progression. We strongly discourage Fellows from bringing any friends or family for the duration of the programme. This period is dedicated to forming and solidifying those lifelong relationships with peers, mentors and speakers.
This programme will test your limits and push your comfort zones in many ways. Please come with an open mind and an understanding that at times you will need to adapt to demanding circumstances and develop resilience in the face of many different types of challenges.
4. How long are the days at the RT School?
Our days at the RT School typically start at around 09:00 and end at 18:00, depending on the culture of our host country. Social activities, both WNU organized and more informal, can last late into the evening. Please note that during the days of technical tours there will be long journeys completed by bus, which may extend the duration of the day.
5. Is there preparatory work to complete before the start of the programme?
It is expected that the Fellows complete a mandatory 8 hours’ worth of IAEA modules. The WNU will also set up mentor group calls between Mentors and Fellows, to break the ice before the start of the programme.
Entry Requirements
1. What are the entry requirements for this programme?
Alongside the entry requirements stated on the website, applicants must have the following to be considered for the programme:
-
3+ years of professional work experience in nuclear technologies field.
-
Minimum (completed) bachelors degree is required.
2. What materials are required for the application?
In addition to personal, academic, and professional information (as stated on the website), the RT School application requires fellows to upload the following documents in English. If documents are not in English, please provide a brief translation.
-
A 300-word description of professional responsibilities
-
A 300-word statement of motivation and goals for participation
-
2 signed reference letters in English
(One letter should be from your supervisor and one can be an academic or professional referee) -
Evidence of English language proficiency (where applicable)
3. What are the English language requirements?
English is the official course language for WNU programmes. 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.
4. Is this programme suitable for school students and undergraduates?
This programme is not suitable for students and undergraduates. Our entry requirements state a minimum of 3 years professional work experience is mandatory (preferably in a nuclear applications/technologies role.)
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?
IAEA-funded applications must be submitted by 31 May 2023. Company-funded applications must be submitted by 28 June 2023. Please subscribe here to keep informed about future programmes.
2. Is there an application fee?
There is no fee to apply to the RT School. Please refer to the homepage for tuition fees and the section below for an overview of financial obligations.
3. How and when will I be notified if I am accepted?
You will be notified as to the success of your application two weeks after the respective deadlines. 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. You will then be invited to apply directly to the IAEA for funding. See IAEA Funding for more detailed steps in the TC funding application process.
4. Once accepted, when do I receive further information about the programme?
A month before the programme, Fellows will receive an email with the link and password to a dedicated course website with detailed information about the agenda, preparatory work, travel and packing guidance, and other logistical information. Due to the amount of programme information provided, it will not be sent directly to Fellows by email.
Tuition & Fees
1. What are the different tuition types?
The three primary tuition types for the Summer Institute are:
-
WNA Member Company Funded: This tuition type is for applicants from World Nuclear Association member companies. WNA members get a discount on programme tuition.
-
Non-WNA Member Company Funded: This tuition type is for all applicants applying from non-WNA member companies or organizations.
-
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.
-
Self-Funded: This tuition type is for applicants funding their own place on the programme.
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 include accommodation, meals, transport during the technical tours, and educational resources. Fellows are also provided with a per diem (see below) spending allowance for evening and weekend expenses like food and transportation. Tuition fees do not include travel to and from the programme host country, travel insurance, and personal outing or excursion costs taken while at the RT School.
4. What is a per diem?
'Per Diem refers to a stipend (fixed sum) WNU provides to 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 the host country currency and the 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 programme 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 transfers 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 RT School?
Visa requirements are based on an 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 programme, 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 Fellows. 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.
4. Can I leave the host country on the weekends?
The weekend does not have formal programming. This is to allow the Fellow to leisurely explore the host city. The WNU occasionally offers evening social events for those who wish to participate. Fellows are encouraged to arrange independent social activities and local travel excursions.
Local travel not arranged by WNU is taken at Fellows' expense. While overnight weekend trips are allowed, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, travel outside the host country on weekends is not permitted, except in emergency, medical or other unforeseen circumstances.
Preparing for the School on Radiation Technologies
This section aims to answer questions about accommodation, logistics, and travel needs
Accommodation
1. What is accommodation like?
For the majority of the programme, accommodation will be a single occupancy ensuite room at a 4-star hotel. The specific amenities included will vary by the host country and city location.
2. Where will I be staying in Pretoria, South Africa?
The hotel and conference venue is in the final stages of being confirmed. Names to be disclosed soon.
Important Information
1. Access to facilities during the Technical Tour
Please note that due to facility security rules, you will be required to share your passport details with the WNU in advance of the technical tours.
2. What COVID-19 restrictions are in place in South Africa?
Please note that entry requirements may be different for every country. Please refer to your government website to check your entry (vaccination) requirements prior to your departure for South Africa.
3. Do I need travel and health insurance?
You are required to have a valid travel insurance policy in place for the duration of the RT school. This is to protect you and your belongings whilst travelling abroad. Health insurance is also preferable but not mandatory. The WNU will not be liable for any damaged or missing luggage or personal injuries that occur during the programme.
4. Who is responsible for my flights?
Tuition fees do not include travel to and from the programme host country, travel insurance, and personal outing or excursion costs taken while at the RT School. The WNU is not responsible to book travel on behalf of the Fellow. Please make sure you check the host country's entry requirements before booking your flights.