CHF 25,000 Afghan Women Master's Scholarship

The Geneva Graduate Institute offers this scholarship, set up in memory of teacher and historian Maria Rosario Lazzati Niada, to help Afghan women with a university degree study a two-year master's in Geneva. It pays CHF 25,000 a year for two years, renewed after the first year on proof of good progress. With women's higher education heavily restricted in Afghanistan, it aims to open routes into diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs and international business.

What you get:

• CHF 25,000 a year for the two years of a master's programme at the Geneva Graduate Institute
• Help from the scholarship's Steering Committee to prepare your admission file for the Institute
• A two-year master's in international relations and development related fields in Geneva

What you'll do:

• Apply first for the scholarship with a motivation letter, CV, copies of your diplomas and your official transcripts
• If the Steering Committee selects you, apply for admission to your chosen Geneva Graduate Institute master's programme by 15 January
• Study for two years in Geneva, and submit a report with proof of your progress at the end of year one to have the scholarship renewed

Key dates:

• Scholarship applications close 26 October 2026 at 11:59 PM

• Afghan women
• Must hold a university degree
• Scholarship application: motivation letter covering why you are applying, which Geneva Graduate Institute master's you want and why, your financial needs, and your post-graduation plans
• Curriculum vitae
• Copies of university diplomas and qualifications
• Official academic transcripts showing all coursework, grades and credits
• If selected, a separate admission application to the Geneva Graduate Institute by 15 January, with an English proficiency certificate and two academic references