Civil Society Leadership Awards (CSLA) Fully-Funded Masters Degree Scholarship for Developing Countries 2018! Application Deadline: 15th July, 2017

Civil Society Leadership Awards (CSLA) Fully-Funded Masters Degree Scholarship for Developing Countries 2018

The Civil Society Leadership Awards (CSLA) provide fully funded master’s degree study to individuals who clearly demonstrate academic and professional excellence and a deep commitment to leading positive social change in their communities.

Application Deadline: 15th July, 2017

Offered annually? Yes

Eligible Countries: Azerbaijan, Belarus, Cambodia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Equatorial  Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Laos, Libya, Myanmar/Burma, Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

To be taken at (country):  Host countries

Eligible Field of Study: Awards are available in the following fields at host universities across the world:

• communications and media
• culture, history, and society
• development studies
• economics
• education management and leadership
• environment and natural resource management
• human rights and/or gender studies
• law (including human rights law)
• politics and international studies
• public health policy and health management
• public policy and administration
• social work and social policy

About the Award: CSLA directly assists future leaders in countries where civil society is challenged by a deficit of democratic practice in local governance and social development.

Competition for the Civil Society Leadership Awards is open and merit-based. Selection is based on an applicant’s fit with the program’s objectives as well the graduate admissions criteria of the participating universities. Academic excellence, professional aptitude, leadership potential in the field of specialization, proven commitment to open society values, and appropriate language proficiency are all important factors in evaluation.

All eligible applicants will be reviewed by an international selection committee. The proposed field of study should be logical for the goals expressed in the essays, and the application itself should be organized and complete. Compelling candidates will be interviewed by a selection committee comprised of university representatives, CSLA staff, and partner organization representatives, such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

Type: Master’s degree study

Eligibility: CSLA does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.

Selection Criteria: Candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Be a citizen of an eligible country
• Demonstrate maturity, flexibility, and civil society leadership potential
• Have a bachelor’s degree awarded before July 15, 2017 and an excellent academic record
• Demonstrate professional experience in a relevant area
• Demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction (English, German or French) at a level required for admission by host universities
• Be able to participate in an intensive pre-academic summer school in July or August 2018 and start their degree program in August or September 2018
• Be able to receive and maintain a visa or study permit as required by the host country
• Demonstrate a clear commitment to return to their home country or region to continue supporting open society development

Number of Awardees: Not specified

Value of Scholarship: Fully-funded. Successful applicants will receive the following support:

• Tuition and mandatory university fees;
• Monthly stipend for room, board, and other living expenses;
• Program-related travel;
• Accident and sickness insurance during the program;
• Funds for educational materials and professional development;
• Attendance at a regional grantee conference;
• Pre-academic preparation via summer schools

Duration of Scholarship: Duration of course

How to Apply: Interested applicants must complete an online or paper CSLA application and submit along with supporting documentation to be considered for CSLA support.

Online Application

All candidates are strongly encouraged to apply online if possible using Submittable, an online platform. To apply online, please register on Submittable and then follow instructions.

Paper Application

Paper applications may be accessed in the Download Files section of this page. Please download the application form before completing or printing, and review the accompanying materials before submitting your application.

Visit Scholarship Webpage for details

Award Provider: Open Society Foundation

Important Notes: Applicants will be notified of their status via email in September 2017.