Fully Funded Scholarships Civil Society Leadership Awards for International Students 2025/2026. International students who want to make a difference in their communities are supported by the fully funded Civil Society Leadership Awards (CSLA) scholarship program.
It’s for people who have a strong interest in human rights, social development and community leadership.
Full tuition, living expenses, travel expenses, insurance and other academic fees are covered by the award. At some colleges worldwide it supports students to get a master’s degree. Strong academic record, leadership ability and prior experience working on human rights or civil society issues are expected of applicants.
People from underrepresented groups and regions are encouraged to apply. Its goal is to equip future leaders who will go back to their home countries and lead initiatives to better society through advocacy, education, justice and policy reform. Open Society Foundations is the sponsor.
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Fully Funded Scholarships Civil Society Leadership Awards for International Students 2025/2026
The Civil Society Leadership Awards (CSLA) offer fully funded master’s degree programs to individuals who show exceptional academic and professional performance and a strong desire to lead positive change in their local communities.
Host Institution(s):
Host Universities in France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, UK, Ireland and United States..
Level/ Field of study:
Master’s Degree Programme 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 • Social Work & Social Policy
Courses that this scholarship can fund:
• Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding (MSc) at Durham University • Violence, Conflict and Development (MSc) at SOAS University of London • Globalisation and Development Studies (MA) at Maastricht University • International Development Policy (MA/PgCert) at Duke University • Sustainable International Development (MA) at Brandeis University • Global Citizenship, Identities and Human Rights (MA/PGDip) at University of Nottingham
Number of Awards:
Not specified.
Target group:
Awards are open to citizens of:
- Afghanistan,
- Azerbaijan,
- Belarus,
- Cambodia,
- Democratic Republic of Congo,
- Egypt,
- Equatorial Guinea,
- Eritrea,
- Ethiopia,
- Laos,
- Libya,
- Myanmar/Burma,
- Republic of Congo,
- South Sudan,
- Sudan,
- Syria,
- Tajikistan,
- Turkmenistan, and
- Uzbekistan.
Scholarship value/inclusions:
Pre-academic preparation through summer schools; program-related travel; tuition and required university fees; monthly stipend for room, board and other living expenses; accident and sickness insurance during the program; funds for professional development and educational materials; attendance at a regional Scholarship Programs conference; accommodations for applicants with disabilities during the application process and grant duration are some of the financial and administrative support that CSLA grantees will receive.
Eligibility Requirements for Civil Society Leadership Awards for International Students
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- • Have a bachelor’s degree issued before May 15, 2019, with excellent academic record;
- • Have professional experience in the field;
- • Be a citizen of an eligible country;
- • Show maturity, adaptability and potential to lead civil society;
- • Show proficiency in the language of instruction (English, German or French) at the level required by the host universities.
- • Be able to start their degree program in August or September 2020 after attending a rigorous pre-academic summer school in July or August 2020.
- • Show a strong commitment to return to their home country or region to continue promoting an open society;
- • Be able to obtain and maintain a visa or study permit as required by the host country;
How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships Civil Society Leadership Awards for International Students 2025/2026
To be eligible for CSLA support, interested applicants must fill out and submit an English-language CSLA application, online or on paper.
Please read the 2020 CSLA Guidelines. To get the application form and detailed instructions on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the official website (link below).
Official Scholarship website Civil Society Leadership Awards: https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/grants
FAQs on Fully Funded Scholarships Civil Society Leadership Awards for International Students
1. Why do some applicants with good grades still get rejected for this scholarship?
Good grades are helpful but this scholarship is more about leadership and your commitment to social change. If your application doesn’t clearly show that you care about your community or fighting for justice, you might not be chosen. The scholarship is looking for real examples of leadership not just high scores in school. They want students who are active in society not just in the classroom.
2. Can creative artists or media activists apply, or is it only for traditional civil society workers?
Yes, creative people like filmmakers, writers, musicians or media activists can apply if their work supports civil society. The scholarship doesn’t only support people working in NGOs or government. If you use your art or media to raise awareness, fight injustice or give voice to the voiceless, your work is also seen as leadership. What matters most is that you use your skills to create positive change in your society.
3. What if I get selected but I’m not fluent in the language of the host university?
The scholarship understands that many applicants are not native English or French speakers. If you get selected but need help with language skills, the program may provide support like language training before your classes start. But you must show basic ability to read, write and speak in the language required by the university. Being open to learning and improving your language skills is very important.
4. How does this scholarship support students emotionally not just financially?
Apart from paying for your tuition, travel, books and living costs, the scholarship program also supports your well-being. Moving to a new country can be stressful. That’s why the Civil Society Leadership Awards offer mentorship, counseling support and regular check-ins. They help you settle in, make friends and stay focused on your goals. You are not just treated like a student – they see you as a future leader who needs care and guidance.
5. Will I be forced to return home immediately after graduation or can I delay for further experience?
You are encouraged to return and contribute to your country after graduation but they understand that more experience can also be helpful. In some cases you can stay longer for internships, short term jobs or more training – as long as your long term goal is to return home and support civil society. Just be honest and explain clearly how your plans will benefit your country in the future.
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