Open Society Disability Rights Scholarship (LL.M) Programme 2020 for International Students

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

Application Deadline: 6th January, 2020

Eligible Countries: Ethiopia, Lesotho, Sudan, South Sudan, Czech Republic, Georgia, and Ukraine

About the Award:  The Open Society Disability Rights Scholarship Program provides yearlong awards for master’s degree study to disability rights advocates, lawyers, and educators to develop new legislation, jurisprudence, policy, research, and scholarship to harness the innovations and opportunities offered by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

With the knowledge and networks gained through the program, we expect that fellows will deepen their understanding of international law and education, with a focus on disability rights, and gain the tools necessary to engage in a range of CRPD implementation strategies, such as: challenging rights violations in their home countries by drafting enforceable legislation consistent with the CRPD; utilizing enforcement mechanisms set forth in the Convention; taking forward disability rights litigation requesting CRPD-compliant remedies; engaging in disability rights advocacy; and developing law, education, or other academic curricula informed by the CRPD.

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.

Type: Masters, Fellowship

Eligibility: The program does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. Candidates with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply. The competition is merit-based and open to those meeting the following criteria:

• be a citizen and legal resident Ethiopia, Lesotho, Sudan, South Sudan; Czech Republic, Georgia, or Ukraine 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 (LLB; in exceptional circumstances, those without a LLB but with substantial relevant experience may be considered)—a 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 July–August 2020
• be able to begin the graduate program in August or September 2020
• 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

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

How to Apply: 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 Program Webpage for details

Award Provider: Open Society Foundation