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The KAEF Program Application Process- The Fellowship
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Apply to the KAEF Program
2025 Application is Currently Closed
The 2025 KAEF Online Application Deadline is Past
Thank you for your interest in the KAEF Graduate Fellowship Program. The 2025 application for the KAEF Graduate Fellowship Program was available until 11:59 PM (EST) on September 23, 2024. The application will be made available in the Spring.
Thank you for your interest in the KAEF Graduate Fellowship Program. The 2025 application for the KAEF Graduate Fellowship Program was available until 11:59 PM (EST) on September 23, 2024. The application will be made available in the Spring.
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.
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.
Timeline
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| September 23, 2024 | Application deadline. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST - USA) in order to be considered for review. Please note that strong preference will be given to those applicants who have submitted a copy of a valid (ETS issued) TOEFL score report from the previous 2 years with their application by the September 23rd deadline. |
| October 2024 | Tier 1 semi-finalist candidates identified |
| November 2024 | All tier 1 semi-finalists interviewed by university admission specialist and American Councils staff in Prishtina and official copies of supporting documents are to be submitted |
| December 2024 | Tier 2 semi-finalists identified |
| December 2024 | TOEFL, GRE or GMAT exams administered to tier 2 semi-finalists |
| January 2025 | KAEF finalists identified |
| May-June 2025 | KAEF finalists take part in Pre-Departure Orientation |
| August 2025 | KAEF finalists depart for the U.S. |
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 Pennsylvania State University, George Washington University, University of San Francisco, and Indiana University - SPEA. 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.
After The Fellowship
KAEF Fellows are required to return to Kosovo after their studies, and apply their skills to the economic development of the country. Failure to return will result in the full repayment of the participant's program costs.
KAEF carefully screens applicants to ensure they have a real, lasting commitment to Kosovo. As part of the fellowship agreement, KAEF requires its participants to return to Kosovo. Fellows receive a J visa, under the terms of which they are required to return to their country for at least two years. These and other measures ensure that the investment made in a KAEF Fellow is an investment for the good of Kosovo and its people.
See the FAQ page for more information