USAID/Kosovo invites prospective Master level students to apply for this call for applications to study in the U.S.

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Kosovo is launching the Transformational Leadership Scholarships and Partnerships program. The purpose of the Transformational Leadership – Scholarships and Partnerships Program is to develop a cadre of leaders to drive significant change in Kosovo in priority economic, political, and social development areas.

The anticipated support is a minimum of 160 scholarships for U.S. based Master’s degrees in Rule of Law, Public Administration, Engineering, Agriculture, Business Management, Finance, Economics, Information Systems, Education, Gender and Interdisciplinary Studies by the end of the program in February 2019.  Through this call for applications, it is anticipated that 50 Master level scholarships will be supported.

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Kosovo is inviting all interested prospective Master’s degree level students to apply through this open call for applications.  USAID will cover all costs associated with the scholarship program in the U.S. for qualified applicants.

Applicants will be nominated, recruited, and ultimately selected in a transparent manner based on objective criteria. Interested applicants who meet the eligibility requirements shall submit the following materials:

1)      Copy of a Kosovo passport or ID;

2)      Copy of the Bachelor’s degree diploma;

3)      Copy of official transcripts and GPA score;

4)      Copy of TOEFL passing score, if available;

5)      Copy of GRE or GMAT score*, if applicable;

6)      Written essay addressing the following questions: (up to a maximum of 500 words per answer to each question)

a)      How will your proposed Master’s degree program enhance your professional development?

b)      How would you apply your new skills to further Kosovo’s development transition?

c)      What kind of volunteer activities will you be interested in engaging upon your return?

d)     Given the limited number of scholarships available, tell us something personal about yourself that makes you an ideal candidate for this program. 

7)      Written statement that the applicant is able to begin studies in the Fall Semester 2014;

8)      Copy of a CV/resume;

9)      Two written references: one academic and one professional.

*All potential candidates must have completed the GRE/GMAT and TOEFL exams prior to being placed in a Master’s program.

Candidates interested in the Fall Semester 2014 should submit all these materials, along with the completed application form, via email at: PristinaUSAIDScholarships@usaid.gov

Eligibility criteria:
 

·         Kosovo residency  and citizenship;

·         Holder of an undergraduate, and a completed Bachelor’s degree program;

·         GPA (7.5 points and above; lower GPA scores will not be considered);

·         Able to demonstrate professional aptitude and leadership potential in the selected field of specialization;

·         Able to begin the program of study in the United States in the Fall Semester 2014.

In addition, if selected, the prospective candidate will be invited for an interview and must fulfill the following requirements prior to being placed:

·         TOEFL passing score;

·         GRE or GMAT score, if applicable;

·         Possession of a passport from Kosovo, valid minimum until October 2016;

·         Able to receive and maintain a U.S. J-1 exchange visitor visa;

·         Commitment to return to Kosovo after the completion of the program and participate in the volunteer Citizens Corps program for at least two years.

This program will not authorize funding for dependents to travel. USAID Kosovo defines a dependent as the spouse or child of a USAID-sponsored participant.

Other options may include blended programs combining classroom interaction and U.S. experience with distance learning and on-line courses, particularly suitable for women, offered by accredited U.S. educational institutions.  

An Immersion program will offer classes in critical thinking/problem-solving skills, English and other preparatory skills to assist applicants who may not have had access to strong undergraduate programs so that they can later participate fully in higher education opportunities.

One condition to receive a scholarship is that the beneficiary must volunteer in the anticipated Citizens Corps program.  The beneficiary may select from a variety of volunteer options such as, teaching at local educational institutions, volunteering at CSOs or private sector or work in the public sector (authorized GOK entities/agencies) for two years to fulfill the two-year “give back” requirement. 

Special emphasis will be placed on supporting promising Kosovars from underserved and disadvantaged populations with limited resources, such as women, minorities, LGBT, and people with disabilities.

Application deadline: February 14, 2014

USAID Mission in Kosovo provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment to all people without regard to race, color religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.