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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 Kosova 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 Kosova 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 Kosova’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:
· Kosova 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 Kosova, valid minimum until October 2016;
· Able to receive and maintain a U.S. J-1 exchange visitor visa;
· Commitment to return to Kosova 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 Kosova 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 Kosova 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.
Issuing Country: Kosova
Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2014 – 10:15am
Frequently Asked Questions on Transformational Leadership Program scholarships
Language English
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/Kosova 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:
2. Are the scholarships open to only nationals of Kosova or also to temporary Kosova residents?
Scholarships are open to only permanent residents and citizens of Kosova.
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).
Issuing Country: Kosova
Date: Thursday, January 23, 2014 – 8:45am
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USAID/Kosova invites prospective Master level students
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Kosova 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 Kosova in priority economic, political, and social development areas.
