Frequently Asked Questions on Transformational Leadership Program scholarships

 

1.      Where can I find the link for the application instruction and the application form?

Applicants are advised to read the full application instructions and to submit the required application materials as stated in the USAID/Kosovo and Facebook websites.  Applicants who submit incomplete application materials will not be considered.

 

The link to the website with all its application attachments can be found at:

http://www.usaid.gov/kosovo/partnership-opportunities.

 

2.      Are the scholarships open to only nationals of Kosovo or also to temporary Kosovo residents?

Scholarships are open to only permanent residents and citizens of Kosovo.

 

3.      Can I apply for the scholarship and have the opportunity to submit the GRE/GMAT scores at a later date?

Yes, you may apply for the scholarship, without either the GRE or GMAT.

If selected, the prospective candidates will be required to take the GRE or GMAT prior to being placed.

 

4.      For how long is the TOEFL test valid?

TOEFL scores are valid for two years after the test date and there is no limit to the number of times you can take the test.

 

5.      What is the minimum required TOEFL score?

Typically a TOEFL score of 100 (equivalent to 600 on the old scale) meets the graduate admission criteria.  A score of 79-80 (equivalent to 550 on the old scale), is often acceptable to a range of graduate programs and U.S. institutions.

 

6.      Will a cumulative GPA be considered for a candidate that holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree?

 One GPA for each degree will be considered.

 

7.      Should candidates apply to the U.S. universities individually and choose the desired degree program prior to applying for this scholarship?

No, candidates should not apply directly to the U.S. universities individually.  They may choose the desired field of study that they are applying for in the application.

 

8.      Who will write the statement about the applicant’s ability to begin the studies in the Fall Semester 2014?

The applicant should write the statement about his/her ability to begin the studies in the Fall Semester 2014.  The statement must be included in the application.

 

9.      What is the equivalent of the GPA score of 7.5 for the education system that uses the American system of a scale of 0-4?

A score of 2.5 on the GPA score using a U.S. scale of 0-4 will be accepted.

 

10.  Can the TOEFL scores be submitted after the application deadline?

Yes, the TOEFL can be taken once the candidate is selected.

 

11.  Do you offer scholarships for a Bachelor’s degree or Ph.D. programs?

No scholarships are offered for a Bachelor’s degree or a Ph.D.

 

12.  Are referees required to send references for candidates directly to USAID?  Should the candidates submit signed copies of references as part of the application package?

Candidates are required to submit signed copies of references as part of the application package.

 

13.   Are all supporting documents (scanned copies) required to be submitted by email?

Yes, all supporting scanned documents are required to be submitted by email.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

 

14.   Are scholarships offered in other areas outside those listed in the call for applications?

The following is the list of the field of studies in the call for applications:  Rule of Law, Public Administration, Engineering, Agriculture, Business Management, Finance, Economics, Information Systems, Education, Gender and Interdisciplinary Studies.  A desired field of study may fall under any of these areas listed.

 

15.  Can I apply without completing the Bachelor’s degree by the application deadline?

No, you cannot apply without completing the Bachelor’s degree by February 14, 2014.  However, you will have the opportunity to apply for the second round of application in 2015.

 

16.  Can I apply if I complete the Bachelor’s degree by the application deadline without having the official diploma issued by the university?

Yes you can apply.  A copy of a confirmation letter from the university is required.

 

17.   Is the TOEFL, GRE/GMAT required for candidates who have a Bachelor’s degree from a university where the language of instruction is in English?

If an applicant is selected, the TOEFL, GRE or GMAT will be required I order to be placed in a U.S. university.

 

18.  Is there a list of Master’s degree program/universities available?

No, we are not providing a list of Master’s degree programs available in U.S. universities.

 

19.  Are candidates who have finished Master’s degree programs in the U.S. eligible for the scholarship program?

Yes, provided they fulfill all the eligibility requirements.

 

20.   What are the academic and professional references?

Applicants are required to provide a letter of reference (academic) from the university where they completed the Bachelor’s degree program.   If presently or previously employed, a professional reference is required from the present or previous employer.

 

21.  Will USAID support any family members (dependents) to accompany the benefiting scholar to the US?

No. USAID will not take any financial or administrative responsibility for accompanying family members (dependents).

 

22.  Can I apply for a scholarship if i have Kosovo citizenship but live outside of Kosovo?

Yes, you may apply. However, you have to be present in person for the interview, and  after you complete studies, you have to fulfill two year residency and volunteer requirement .

 

23.  Should the applicant on the institution submit recommendation letter? 

Recommendation letter should be submitted by the applicant.