Deadline for Applications: September 15, 2015
Program Description We are pleased to announce the Civil Society Leadership Awards (CSLA) for master’s level studies beginning Fall 2016.
The purpose of the Program is to directly assist future leaders in countries where civil society is challenged by a deficit of democratic practice in local governance and social development.
Awards are available for master’s degree study at various institutions across the world in the following areas:
- Communications & Media
- Culture, History & Society
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Education Management & Leadership
- Environment & Natural Resource Management
- Gender Studies
- Law & Human Rights
- Politics & International Studies
- Public Health & Health Management
- Public Policy & Administration
- Social Work & Social Policy
CSLA Award Structure
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 in Turkey or Thailand
Eligibility
Civil Society Leadership Awards are available to citizens of the following countries:
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Cambodia
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Laos
- Libya
- Republic of Congo
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Syria
- Turkmenistan
- Uzbekistan
Awards for study at German universities are only open to citizens of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Ethiopia, Sudan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- be a citizen of an eligible country;
- demonstrate maturity, flexibility and civil society leadership potential;
- have excellent academic records and a bachelor's degree awarded before the deadline;
- have proficiency in the language of instruction (English, German or French) at the desired university program, as evidenced by standardized language test scores;
- be able to participate in an intensive academic writing program in July or August 2016 and start their degree program in August or September 2016;
- be able to receive and maintain a visa or study permit as required by the host country; and demonstrate a clear commitment to return to their home country or region to continue supporting open society development.
The CSLA program does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.
Further information about the Program, including a list of participating universities and eligible graduate degree programs, is available in our Guidelines. You may also review our Frequently Asked Questions.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must complete and submit an online or paper CSLA application in English to be considered for CSLA support.
Online Application
All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online. To apply online please go to http://civilsocietyleadershipawards.submittable.com/submit/44212 to register, and then follow instructions.
Paper Application
Paper applications may be accessed here or by contacting one of the local administrative offices (see list below). Please download the application and recommendation form in Word before completing or printing.
Late applications will automatically be disqualified.
If you are unable to apply online, please download and complete a Word version of the application. Electronic applications and all supporting materials should be submitted to csla@infoscholar.org by September 15, 2015.
The awards 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.