Civil Society Leadership Awards (CSLA) Fully-Funded Masters Scholarships 2020/2021 for Developing Countries

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 May, 2019 Eastern Daylight Time.
Offered annually? Yes

Eligible 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, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
To be taken at (country):  Host countries
Fields of Study: Awards are available in the following fields at host universities across the world:

• 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 Administration
• Public Policy
• Social Policy
• Social Work

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: Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• be a citizen of an eligible country;
• demonstrate maturity, flexibility, and civil society leadership potential
• have an earned bachelor’s degree as of May 15, 2019 with an excellent academic record;
• demonstrate professional experience related to your chosen field of study;
• 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; and
• demonstrate a clear commitment to their home country or region to strengthen 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:
Online Application
All candidates are strongly encouraged to apply online if possible using the Open Society Foundations grant portal, an online platform. To apply online, please register on the portal 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.
If you are applying in French, you must download and email or mail in an application form. Please consult How to Apply for further information.
If you have further questions, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions.

Visit Scholarship Webpage for details