WASHINGTON, (CMC):

The Organisation of American States (OAS) says it will award about 200 academic scholarships throughout the region, paving the way for students in member states to pursue new opportunities for training and higher education.

The OAS on Wednesday announced the official start of the selection process for candidates pursuing scholarships for bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees, as well as for doctoral or postgraduate research.

"The OAS Scholarship Programme is intended to support the study and training of outstanding individuals from the countries of the Americas, in order to fortify the disciplines and institutions most important to building a strong future for the region," an OAS statement says.