The Civil Society Leadership Awards (CSLA) provides fully-funded scholarships for 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.
The Open Society Foundations and Scholarship Programs are committed to equal opportunity, and exercise that policy in relation to all admissions processes. CSLA does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.
Awards are available for study in the following 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 and Social Work & Social Policy.
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 as 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.
Benefits
CSLA grantees will receive financial and administrative support for the following:
- Pre-academic preparation via summer schools;
- Program-related travel;
- Tuition and mandatory university fees;
- 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;
- Accommodations during the application process and the duration of the grant for applicants with disabilities.
Eligibilities
Applicants must meet all of 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 July 15, 2017 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 2018 and start their degree program in August or September 2018
- 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
Application Process
Interested applicants must complete an online or paper CSLA application and submit along with supporting documentation to be considered for CSLA support.
Online Application
All candidates are strongly encouraged to apply online if possible using Submittable, an online platform. To apply online, please register on Submittable 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.
Application Deadline: July 15, 2017
Application ClosedOfficial link
