Deadline:
September 23, 2024
Location(s)
Online United States of America
Overview
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.
Details
To date, 44 universities have hosted KAEF Fellows, including Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, Harvard University, University of Denver, and Iowa State 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:
- Traditional U.S. Based Program: participants come to the U.S. for the duration of their 1 or 2 academic year programs, take part in an internship following the first year, and eligible for post-academic training opportunities.
- Online Program: participants enroll in online degree programs from a U.S. university or college. Each participant maintains full-time academic program status and completes a degree within the expected duration (based on the U.S. university). Academic program lengths vary from 1-3 years.
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.
After The Fellowship
KAEF Fellows are required to return to Kosovo after their studies, and apply their skills to the economic development of the country. Failure to return will result in the full repayment of the participant's program costs.
KAEF carefully screens applicants to ensure they have a real, lasting commitment to Kosovo. As part of the fellowship agreement, KAEF requires its participants to return to Kosovo. Fellows receive a J visa, under the terms of which they are required to return to their country for at least two years. These and other measures ensure that the investment made in a KAEF Fellow is an investment for the good of Kosovo and its people.
Application
Thank you for your interest in the KAEF Graduate Fellowship Program. The 2025 application for the KAEF Graduate Fellowship Program will be available until 11:59 PM (EST) on September 23, 2024. Your application must be submitted by that date in order to be considered in this year's selection process.
What Is The Application Process?
Selection of KAEF Fellows is a three-step process:
- First, all applications are reviewed by U.S. admissions experts.
- Second, highly ranked candidates are interviewed and tested in Kosovo.
- Finally, the applications, test scores, and interview results of highly ranked candidates are reviewed by U.S. admissions experts and fellowship awardees are selected. Results are announced in early summer.
The KAEF program does not discriminate on the basis of ethnic origin, age, race, color, gender, religion, or disability. Competition for the KAEF program is merit-based and open to anyone.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
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. Competition for the KAEF Program is merit-based and open to anyone who meets the following requirements:
- In possession of a passport from Kosovo by October 2024.
- 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 2025.
- Able to receive and maintain a U.S. J-1 exchange visitor visa. (U.S. Based path only)
- With KAEF, you don't have to be wealthy or to attend a private university to take advantage of the very best the American educational system has to offer.
Applicants whom have already earned a Master's degree from a U.S. university will not be considered.
Dates
Deadline: September 23, 2024
Cost/funding for participants
Bringing some cash to get you started is a good idea, if you are able. However, you will receive a monthly stipend from the KAEF program that should pay for basic necessities while you study in the U.S. This includes basic housing, food, and incidentals. Other expenses will be your responsibility. If you plan on traveling, purchasing a car, or plan on inviting your family once you arrive, you will need to bring significant additional funds.
Can I work while I am in the United States?
Yes, but you must first receive permission from American Councils. You should not expect to earn much money while you are in the U.S. Only on-campus work at no more than 20 hours per week is permitted when classes are in session. Work cannot interfere with studies.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
