Open Society Foundations Scholarship
About this scholarship
The Open Society Foundations, established by George Soros, offer various scholarships and fellowships for students from underrepresented and marginalized communities to pursue higher education globally. Programs include support for students from the Western Balkans, Central Asia, Africa, and other regions to study at world-class universities. Focus on human rights, democracy, and open society values.
Eligibility
- Students from eligible regions and backgrounds โ focus on those from marginalized communities or authoritarian contexts
- Strong academic record
- Commitment to contributing to open society values
- Specific eligibility varies by scholarship program
- English proficiency required
Benefits & Coverage
- Full tuition at partner universities
- Monthly living stipend
- Health insurance
- Travel costs
- Academic and career mentoring
- Access to Open Society global alumni network
Required Documents
- Valid passport (min 6 months validity)
- Bachelor's and Master's degree certificates and transcripts
- Research proposal (2-5 pages)
- Two academic reference letters
- English language proficiency (IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+)
- Updated CV/Resume
- Statement of purpose / Motivation letter
- Publications list (if any)
How to Apply
- Note: the Open Society Foundations wound down their Scholarship Programs in 2021 (including the Civil Society Leadership Awards, Civil Society Scholar Awards, Disability Rights Scholarship Program, and Palestinian Rule of Law Program), and no new scholarship competitions are being held
- OSF continues to award grants and fellowships to organisations and individuals advancing open-society values via its grants portal
- Applicants should look for other funding options for degree study
Frequently asked questions
Is Open Society Foundations Scholarship fully funded? +
This scholarship is listed as fully funded. The listed award is: Full cost of study + stipend. Coverage can change between cycles, so confirm the details on the official page.
What degree levels does Open Society Foundations Scholarship cover? +
This scholarship is listed for: Master's, Other.
When is the application deadline? +
The application deadline listed here is November 30, 2026. Deadlines move, so always verify the date on the official page before planning your application.
Who can apply? +
Key eligibility points from this listing: Students from eligible regions and backgrounds โ focus on those from marginalized communities or authoritarian contexts; Strong academic record; Commitment to contributing to open society values; Specific eligibility varies by scholarship program; and more (see the full list aโฆ See the Eligibility section above for the full requirements.
How do I apply? +
Apply directly through the official portal linked on this page. Legitimate scholarships never charge an application fee, so treat any request for payment as a scam and use official channels only.
Answers are based on this scholarship's listed details. Always confirm on the official page.
