by Open Society Foundations (OSF) · Partner universities globally including Oxford, Cambridge, CEU, and Sciences Po
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
🏆 Fully Funded🔴 Active (Note: OSF restructured in 2023, check specific fellowship status)🎓 Master's, PhD, and Professional Fellowships🌍 International (Multiple Locations)📌 Merit and Need-based
Full financial coverage including tuition and stipends
Duration
1 to 2 years for Master's; up to 4 years for PhD
Deadline
Varies by specific fellowship program (typically January to May)
Level
Master's, PhD, and Professional Fellowships
Acceptance
Estimated 2% to 5%
Difficulty
Extremely High
Quick Summary
Open Society Foundations Fellowships and Grants is a fully funded scholarship offered by Open Society Foundations (OSF) for students pursuing studies in International (Multiple Locations). The award covers Covers full tuition, monthly living expenses, airfare, health insurance, and professional development opportunities. and is open to master's, phd, and professional fellowships students studying social sciences, humanities, law, human rights, public policy, journalism, and education. The scholarship runs for 1 to 2 years for master's; up to 4 years for phd and may be renewed annually based on academic performance. Eligibility is generally based on applicants must be citizens of target countries, possess an excellent academic record, and demonstrate a commitment to social change. The application deadline is Varies by specific fellowship program (typically January to May), with an acceptance rate of approximately Estimated 2% to 5%. Students can compare this opportunity against similar scholarships below to find the best fit for their profile.
✨ Should I Apply for Open Society Foundations Fellowships and Grants?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
60%
Eligibility Match
5%
Win Probability
9/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
60-80 hrs
Time Required
Low; highly competitive program
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Full financial coverage including tuition and stipends
⏳
Duration
1 to 2 years for Master's; up to 4 years for PhD
📅
Deadline
Varies by specific fellowship program (typically January to May)
🔬
Fields
Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, Human Rights, Public Policy, Journalism, and Education
🏆
Awards/Year
Varies annually across multiple regional and thematic programs
🌏
Study Country
International (Multiple Locations)
🏛️
Provider
Open Society Foundations (OSF)
📊
Acceptance
Estimated 2% to 5%
The Open Society Foundations offer various fellowships and grants to support individuals who are working to build vibrant and tolerant democracies. The program targets individuals from countries undergoing democratic transitions who are committed to the values of an open society.
👥 Who Should Apply
Applicants must be citizens of target countries, possess an excellent academic record, and demonstrate a commitment to social change.
🏛️ Host University
Partner universities globally including Oxford, Cambridge, CEU, and Sciences Po
🤝 Sponsor
Open Society Foundations
🔬 Fields of Study
Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, Human Rights, Public Policy, Journalism, and Education
✨ Key Benefits
Covers full tuition, monthly living expenses, airfare, health insurance, and professional development opportunities.
🎯 Target Students
International students from developing nations and transition democracies
Varies by program (hundreds globally across all OSF initiatives)
Winners
Estimated 2% to 5%
Acceptance Rate
Low; highly competitive program
Competition Level
Win Probability
5%
Match Score
60%
Competition
95%
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
100% of tuition fees
Living Stipend
Monthly allowance provided based on the cost of living in the host country
Total Award
Full financial coverage including tuition and stipends
✈️ Travel: Round-trip economy airfare and travel costs included🏠 Accommodation: Included in the monthly living stipend or provided as a separate allowance💊 Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance provided for the duration of the program🔄 Renewable: Yes💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
100% of tuition fees
🏠 Living Stipend
Monthly allowance provided based on the cost of living in the host country
🏡 Accommodation
Included in the monthly living stipend or provided as a separate allowance
✈️ Travel Allowance
Round-trip economy airfare and travel costs included
💊 Health Insurance
Comprehensive health insurance provided for the duration of the program
🎁 Other Benefits
Visa fees, professional development funds, research grants, and conference attendance support
🔄 Renewable
Yes
📋 Renewal Conditions
Contingent upon maintaining satisfactory academic standing and adherence to foundation guidelines
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Citizens of eligible transition democracies in Africa, Asia, Middle East, and Latin America
🎓 Academic Level
Master's, PhD, and Professional Fellowships
📊 Minimum GPA
3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
🗣️ English Requirement
IELTS (6.5 minimum) or TOEFL (90 minimum) required for non-native speakers
🍢 Age Limit
Not specified, but generally aimed at early to mid-career professionals and students
💼 Work Experience
Required for most fellowships (typically 2-5 years in a relevant field)
🏆 Leadership
High; must demonstrate leadership in community service or human rights activism
💰 Financial Need
Strongly considered during the selection process
🎯 Target Students
International students from developing nations and transition democracies
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes; multiple personal statements and project proposals are required
Rec Letters
2 to 3 professional or academic letters of recommendation
Interview
Yes; shortlisted candidates are interviewed by a panel
Application Fee
Free
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
2 to 3 professional or academic letters of recommendation Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
IELTS (6.5 minimum) or TOEFL (90 minimum) required for non-native speakers
Interview: Yes; shortlisted candidates are interviewed by a panel
Min GPA: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
📋 Application Process
Align your personal mission with 'Open Society' values such as human rights, government accountability, and social justice.
💡 Insider Tip: Ensure your research proposal or study plan clearly explains how you will contribute to your home country's development upon return.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
Varies (usually October or November of the preceding year)
⏰ Deadline
Varies by specific fellowship program (typically January to May)
🎤 Interview
Yes; shortlisted candidates are interviewed by a panel
🎓 Study Starts
September or October of the academic year
Varies (usually October or November of the preceding year)
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Varies by specific fellowship program (typically January to May)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Yes; shortlisted candidates are interviewed by a panel
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
September or October of the academic year
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic excellence, leadership potential, commitment to social justice, and feasibility of the proposed project.
⚡ Similar Scholarships
Scholarship
Country
Coverage
Level
Open Society Foundations Fellowships and GrantsCurrent
International (Multiple Locations)
Full Funding
Master's, PhD, and Professional Fellowships
—
🇹🇷 Istanbul Technical University Success and Support Scholarships
Applicants must be citizens of target countries, possess an excellent academic record, and demonstrate a commitment to social change.
This scholarship covers: Covers full tuition, monthly living expenses, airfare, health insurance, and professional development opportunities.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is Varies by specific fellowship program (typically January to May). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Low; highly competitive program. Acceptance rate: Estimated 2% to 5%. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
Yes
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, IELTS (6.5 minimum) or TOEFL (90 minimum) required for non-native speakers, 2 to 3 professional or academic letters of recommendation recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.