2018/2019 Open Society Disability Rights Scholarship (LL.M) Program for Africans

The Open Society Disability Rights Scholarship Programme offers awards to individuals from China and selected other countries in Africa and Latin America for a one-year Master of Laws (LLM) degree. 

Eligible Countries: China; Ghana, Mozambique, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda; Mexico, Peru

To be taken at (schools): Participating schools include:

• School of Law, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
• Faculty of Law, McGill University, Canada
• School of Law, University of Leeds, UK
• College of Law, Syracuse University, USA
• Washington College of Law, American University, USA

Eligible Fields of Study: Bachelor of laws (LLB; in exceptional circumstances, those without a LLB but with substantial relevant experience may be considered); for inclusive education, a degree in teaching, public administration/policy, anthropology, social work, psychology, or related field.

Course Level: Masters, Fellowship

Eligibility Criteria: The Open Society Disability Rights Scholarship is merit based and open to those meeting the following criteria:

• be a citizen and legal resident of an eligible country: China; Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda; Mexico, or Peru at the time of application;
• have work experience in the legal profession or advocacy focusing on human/disability rights;
• have an excellent academic record with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.; in exceptional circumstances, those without a LL.B but with substantial relevant experience may be considered)—degree must be awarded by the application deadline;
• have demonstrated leadership in the field of disability rights;
• be proficient in spoken and written English or French and able to meet university-designated minimum scores on standardized language tests;
• be able to participate in an intensive academic writing program in Summer 2018;
• be able to begin the graduate program in August or September 2018;
• be able to receive and maintain visa or study permit required by host country;
• demonstrate a clear commitment to return to home country to contribute to advancing the inclusion and full participation of persons with disabilities in their communities.

The Open Society Disability Rights Scholarship does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. Candidates with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.

Selection: Competition is merit based, and selection is made on the basis of academic excellence, professional aptitude, leadership potential, and proven commitment to work in the field of disability rights in the home country.

Selection proceeds as follows:

• Preliminary Selection and Testing
• Interviews and Final Selection

Value of Scholarship: The fellowship provides:

• tuition and mandatory university fees;
• monthly stipend for room, board, and other living expenses;
• program-related travel;
• accident and health insurance during the program;
• funds for educational materials and professional development;
• all costs associated with pre-academic summer program and annual conference;
• support for students with disabilities to obtain reasonable accommodations necessary for participating in the program of study.

The fellowship does NOT provide funding for dependent family members.

Duration of Scholarship: 1 year

Method of Application: It is important to see the complete guidelines and submit an application online, or contact the appropriate regional coordinator in the Program Webpage (See Link below)

Visit Scholarship Webpage for details

Scholarship Application Deadline: 1st December, 2017

Award Provider: Open Society Foundation