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Graduate Fellowship

Each year the Kosovo American Education Fund (KAEF) provides graduate fellowships to promising Kosovars for top-level training at select U.S. universities.

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Kosova's Leadership

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THE KAEF PROGRAM

Kosova's Future Leaders

The KAEF educational fund supports educational programs that provide Kosovo's future leaders with the tools they need to promote the country's future prosperity.

Merit-Based

KAEF fellowships are open to all eligible applicants, and are awarded through a merit-based competition. Fellows study in master's level programs for one or two years, obtain a degree, and become an important force for Kosovo.

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To be eligible, applicants must be citizens of Kosova, proficient in written and spoken English, and committed to developing Kosova after completion of the program.

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The Academic Program

The Kosovo American Education Fund (KAEF) is dedicated to the long-term economic development of Kosovo through the education of its people. KAEF provides graduate fellowships to promising Kosovars for top-level training at select U.S. universities.

To date, 44 universities have hosted KAEF Fellows, including University of Minnesota, Cleveland State University, Yale University, and Minnesota State University - Mankato. Aside from providing KAEF Fellows a top-notch education, our university partners also provide tuition cost-sharing.

Without exception, KAEF Fellows have performed at a high academic level.

The KAEF Program now offers the choice of 2 distinct program paths:

Traditional U.S. Based Program: participants come to the U.S. for the duration of their 1 or 2 academic year programs, take part in an internship following the first year, and eligible for post-academic training opportunities.
Online Program: participants enroll in online degree programs from a U.S. university or college. Each participant maintains full-time academic program status and completes a degree within the expected duration (based on the U.S. university). Academic program lengths vary from 1-3 years.

KAEF Fellows have served with, among other organizations, Dell Computers, the World Bank, Voice of America, the International Finance Corporation, the Duke Center for International Development, and the Xerox Corporation.

Are You Eligible For The KAEF Program?

The KAEF Program does not discriminate on the basis of ethnic origin, age, race, color, gender, religion or disability. Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Competition for the KAEF Program is merit-based and open to anyone who meets the following requirements:

In possession of a passport from Kosovo by October 2023.
An habitual resident in Kosovo and residing in Kosovo at the time of application and during the selection process.
Able to convincingly demonstrate existing and durable ties to Kosovo, and a firm commitment to return to/remain in Kosovo for at least two years after the completion of the program.
The recipient of an undergraduate degree by the time of study in the U.S. (degree must be in law in order to apply to the KAEF Program in the field of law).
Proficient in spoken and written English at the time of application.
Able to demonstrate professional aptitude and leadership potential in the selected field of specialization.
Able to begin the program of study at a university in the United States in the summer of 2024.
Able to receive and maintain a U.S. J-1 exchange visitor visa. (U.S. Based path only)

With KAEF, you don't have to be wealthy or to attend a private university to take advantage of the very best the American educational system has to offer.

Applicants whom have already earned a Master's degree from a U.S. university will not be considered.

What Is The Application Process?

Selection of KAEF Fellows is a three-step process:

First, all applications are reviewed by U.S. admissions experts.
Second, highly ranked candidates are interviewed and tested in Kosovo.
Finally, the applications, test scores, and interview results of highly ranked candidates are reviewed by U.S. admissions experts and fellowship awardees are selected. Results are announced in early summer.

The KAEF program does not discriminate on the basis of ethnic origin, age, race, color, gender, religion, or disability. Competition for the KAEF program is merit-based and open to anyone.

What Expenses Does the Program Cover?

	Online Program	U.S.-Based Program
On-program Support
Tuition and academic fees	✔	✔
A modest stipend for your room and board		✔
A modest stipend for completion of academic terms	✔
Book allowance	✔	✔
Medical Insurance		✔
Round-trip international travel		✔
Visa Fees		✔
Alumni Support
Alumni Grant Eligibility	✔	✔
Alumni Perks and Benefits	✔	✔