Open Society Foundations 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.

• Students from eligible regions and backgrounds — 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

• Full tuition at partner universities
• Monthly living stipend
• Health insurance
• Travel costs
• Academic and career mentoring
• Access to Open Society global alumni network

• 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)

• 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