Shortly after the United Nations Mission in Kosovo was established in 1999, USAID created the Kosovo Business Finance Fund (KBFF) to nurture economic development and growth in Kosovo. This fund was used to establish the American Bank of Kosovo, a commercial bank that in the following years built up a loan portfolio and a successful level of deposits. The sale of these assets enabled the creation of the Kosovo American Education Fund (KAEF). In open competition, American Councils for International Education was awarded administration of this endowment in April 2004.
The Kosovo American Education Fund (KAEF) is devoted to the long-term economic development of Kosovo through educating its people. KAEF provides up to 8 graduate fellowships per year to promising Kosovars for top-level training at select U.S. universities.
Looking for fully-funded opportunities, install the Youth Opportunities Android or iOS App here.
Till now, 44 universities have hosted KAEF Fellows, including Bentley University, Harvard University, Ohio State University, and Eastern Michigan University. Aside from providing KAEF Fellows a top-notch education, our university partners also provide tuition cost-sharing.
Without exception, KAEF Fellows have performed at a high academic level.
The KAEF Program now offers the choice of 2 distinct program paths:
KAEF Fellows have served with, among other organizations, Dell Computers, the World Bank, Voice of America, the International Finance Corporation, the Duke Center for International Development, and the Xerox Corporation.
Benefits
- A chance to study in a US university/college.
- Participants can complete an internship in the US.
- The Kosovo American Education Fund (KAEF) is dedicated to the long-term economic development of Kosovo through the education of its people. KAEF provides up to 8 graduate fellowships per year to promising Kosovars for top-level training at select U.S. universities.
- To date, 44 universities have hosted KAEF Fellows, including Duke University, Yale University, Bentley University, and the City University of New York, Baruch College. Aside from providing KAEF Fellows a top-notch education, our university partners also provide tuition cost-sharing.
- Without exception, KAEF Fellows have performed at a high academic level.
- KAEF Fellows have served with, among other organizations, Dell Computers, the World Bank, Voice of America, the International Finance Corporation, the Duke Center for International Development, and the Xerox Corporation.
Eligibilities
- The KAEF Program does not discriminate on the basis of ethnic origin, age, race, color, gender, religion or disability. Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
- In possession of a passport from Kosovo by October 2021.
- An habitual resident in Kosovo and residing in Kosovo at the time of application and during the selection process.
- Able to convincingly demonstrate existing and durable ties to Kosovo, and a firm commitment to return to/remain in Kosovo for at least two years after the completion of the program.
- The recipient of an undergraduate degree by the time of study in the U.S. (degree must be in law in order to apply to the KAEF Program in the field of law).
- Proficient in spoken and written English at the time of application.
- Able to demonstrate professional aptitude and leadership potential in the selected field of specialization.
- Able to begin the program of study at a university in the United States in the summer of 2022.
- Able to receive and maintain a U.S. J-1 exchange visitor visa. (U.S. Based path only)
Application Process
Apply online through the link.
Looking for fully-funded opportunities, install the Youth Opportunities Android or iOS App here.
Application Deadline: July 13, 2021
Application ClosedOfficial link
