Civil Society Leadership Awards by Open Society Foundation for Master's Study

The Civil Society Leadership Awards (CSLA) pay for a full master's degree. The Open Society Foundation runs the program. It is for people who show strong academic and professional records and a real commitment to leading positive social change in their own communities. The award covers study at master's level in several countries.

• Host: Open Society Foundation
• Level: Master's degree
• Study destinations: France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, UK, Ireland and United States
• Deadline: 15 May 2020 (midnight Eastern Daylight Time) for the 2020 round; awards are permanently closed
• Number of awards: Not specified
• What is covered: Tuition and mandatory university fees, monthly stipend, insurance, travel, summer school, educational materials and more

This award suits you if you are a citizen of one of the eligible countries and you have a bachelor's degree awarded before 15 May 2019 with an excellent academic record. You should also have professional experience in a relevant field and show leadership potential in civil society.

You need to be ready to join an intensive pre-academic summer school in July or August 2020 and start your degree in August or September 2020. You must also be able to get and keep a visa or study permit for the host country and plan to return home to support open society development.

Host universities are located in France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, UK, Ireland and United States.

See the 2020 CSLA Host University Guide.

Master's degree programmes are available in these areas:

• Communications, Journalism & Media
• Culture, History & Society
• Development Studies
• Economics
• Education Management & Leadership
• Environment & Natural Resource Management
• Gender Studies
• Human Rights
• Law (including Human Rights law)
• Politics & International Studies
• Public Health Policy & Health Management
• Public Policy & Administration
• Social Work & Social Policy

Some of the courses that can be funded by this scholarship include:

• Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding (MSc) at Durham University
• Violence, Conflict and Development (MSc) at SOAS University of London
• Globalisation and Development Studies (MA) at Maastricht University
• International Development Policy (MA/PgCert) at Duke University
• Sustainable International Development (MA) at Brandeis University
• Global Citizenship, Identities and Human Rights (MA/PGDip) at University of Nottingham

Not specified.

The awards are open to citizens of these countries: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Cambodia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Laos, Libya, Myanmar/Burma, Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

CSLA grantees receive financial and administrative support for the following: pre-academic preparation through summer schools; program-related travel; tuition and mandatory university fees; a monthly stipend for room, board, and other living expenses; accident and sickness insurance during the program; funds for educational materials and professional development; attendance at a regional Scholarship Programs conference; and accommodations during the application process and for the duration of the grant for applicants with disabilities.

Applicants 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 15 May 2019 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 2020 and start their degree program in August or September 2020
• 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

These awards are permanently closed.

Interested applicants had to complete and submit an online or paper CSLA application in English to be considered for CSLA support. Applications must be submitted by midnight, 15 May 2020, Eastern Daylight Time.

It is important to read the 2020 CSLA Guidelines and visit the official website (link found below) to access the application form and for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.

• Who can apply for the Civil Society Leadership Awards? Citizens of the eligible countries listed in the Target group section can apply. You also need a bachelor's degree awarded before 15 May 2019, professional experience in a relevant area, and proficiency in English, German or French.
• What does the scholarship cover? It covers tuition and mandatory university fees, a monthly stipend for room, board and living expenses, accident and sickness insurance, program-related travel, pre-academic summer school, funds for educational materials and professional development, and attendance at a regional Scholarship Programs conference.
• What is the application deadline? The deadline was midnight, 15 May 2020, Eastern Daylight Time. These awards are permanently closed.
• How do I apply? You had to submit an online or paper CSLA application in English. Read the 2020 CSLA Guidelines and visit the official website for the application form and detailed instructions.
• Can I study in any country? Host universities are in France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, UK, Ireland and United States. See the 2020 CSLA Host University Guide for details.

• Read the official guidelines carefully before you start your application.
• Prepare your documents early, including degree certificates and language test results.
• Check the language requirements of each host university you are interested in.
• Make sure your personal statement shows your commitment to social change and your plan to return home.
• Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid technical problems.