26 Oct 2016

Open Society Disability Rights Scholarship (LL.M) Programme for Africans 2017/18

Application Deadline: 2nd December, 2016
Eligible Countries: China;  Mozambique, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda; ArgentinaMexicoPeru
To be taken at (schools): Participating schools include:
  • Faculty of Law, McGill University, Canada
  • School of Law, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
  • School of Law, University of Leeds, UK
  • College of Law, Syracuse University, USA
  • Washington College of Law, American University, USA
About the Award:  The Open Society Disability Rights Scholarship Program provides 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 scholarship, Fellowship
Eligibility: The Open Society Disability Rights Scholarship is open to those meeting the following criteria:
  • be a citizen and legal resident of Argentina, China, Mexico, Mozambique, Peru, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, or Uganda at the time of application
  • have work experience in the legal profession or advocacy focusing on human/disability rights and/or work in education with a demonstrated interest in advancing inclusive education
  • 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); for inclusive education, a degree in teaching, public administration/policy, anthropology, social work, psychology, or related field
  • have demonstrated leadership in the field of disability rights or education
  • 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 2017
  • be able to begin the graduate program in August or September 2017
  • be able to receive and maintain visa or study permit required by host country
  • demonstate a clear commitment to return to home country to advance the inclusion and full participation of persons with disabilities in their communities, or to aid ongoing disability rights work
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
How to Apply: Apply here
Award Provider: Open Society Foundation
Important Notes: Referees you list in the application will be automatically contacted by e-mail when you submit your application with a system-generated request to serve as your reference.  Since the deadline to receive reference letters is December 9, 2017, we strongly suggest you contact  references in advance with your request.   Referees can send letters to us directly using the link in the email they will receive from Submittable when you submit your application.
Alternatively, reference forms can be downloaded here and emailed directly to the appropriate regional coordinator.

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