OSCE Academy in Bishkek Scholarship, 2027-2029

Applications are currently being received for the OSCE Academy in Bishkek Scholarship. The scholarship is fully funded and awarded to qualified candidates who are applying to study in one of the Master of Arts programs at the Academy. The OSCE Academy in Bishkek is a public foundation, established in 2002 by the Kyrgyz Government and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The OSCE Academy promotes the principles and values of the OSCE through postgraduate education, professional training, research, and intellectual exchange.

The Academy offers three demanding MA programs: Economic Governance and Development (EGD), Human Rights and Sustainability (MAHRS), and Politics and Security (Central Asia). Each program admits students on a highly competitive basis. The programs are designed for young professionals who wish to broaden their education in political sciences, security studies, international relations, conflict prevention, international development studies, economics, and questions of good governance. All programs start on 1 September 2027 and run 18 months. Students are required to travel to and be based in Bishkek during their studies.

The programs are designed for young professionals with a strong work ethic who wish to broaden their education in the areas of political sciences, security studies, international relations, conflict prevention, international development studies, economics, and questions of good governance. The application deadline for all programs is 31 January 2027 at 11:00 p.m. (Bishkek time). Prior to 1 September, all enrolled students must participate in the preparatory summer school that will run from 2 to 27 August 2027.

Programme Details

• Host institution: OSCE Academy in Kyrgyzstan.
• Fields of study: MA in Economic Governance and Development, MA in Human Rights and Sustainability (MAHRS), MA in Politics and Security (Central Asia).
• Number of awards: Up to 20 students for EGD and PS programs; up to 18 students for MAHRS.
• Duration: 18 months.
• Eligible countries: Open to citizens of Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, or any other OSCE participating state (Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, the Holy See, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, the Russian Federation, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Uzbekistan).

OSCE Academy in Bishkek Scholarship Benefits

Selected candidates for this scholarship program to study in Kyrgyzstan will receive the following benefits:

1. Tuition-free studies.
2. Monthly stipend of 450 EUR.
3. Round trip travel to/from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (economy class).
4. Basic medical insurance coverage (except for the citizens of Kyrgyzstan).
5. Funded internship opportunities in Europe (on a competitive basis) for EGD and PS programs. For MAHRS, funded internship opportunities in Central Asia and Europe (competitive basis).

MA in Economic Governance and Development (EGD)

This program combines academic knowledge with practical, analytical, and research-oriented skills, preparing students to address economic and development challenges in Central Asia and an increasingly data-driven world. It enrolls up to 20 students each year.

Eligibility for EGD

• Successful completion of an academic degree of higher education (BA degree with a minimum of 240 ECTS credits, Specialist Diploma, or studying in the final year of a BA program) in the field of economics, finance, management, business administration, or other equivalent subjects.
• Citizenship of one of the eligible countries (see full list above).
• Advanced level of English (at least 6.5 on the IELTS or at least 90 on the TOEFL).

MA in Human Rights and Sustainability (MAHRS)

The 18-month MAHRS program admits up to 18 students on a highly competitive basis. It is interdisciplinary and designed for young scholars and professionals interested in International Law, governance, and sustainability, with an emphasis on the Central Asian region and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the OSCE, MAHRS is part of the Global Campus of Human Rights University network (https://gc-centralasia.net/). Global Campus Central Asia (GCCA) is a regional hub at the OSCE Academy and an integral part of its program activities. MAHRS is also part of eight regional MA programs worldwide that aim to train the next generation of human rights professionals, spanning over 100 universities. It has regional offices/branches in Italy, Argentina, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lebanon, South Africa, Thailand, and Kyrgyzstan.

In the first year, students are based at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek. In the second year, students are required to go to one of the Global Campus Central Asia partner universities worldwide to complete their studies. A strong motivation and willingness to travel and relocate for the purpose of study and mandatory internships are highly desirable.

Eligibility for MAHRS

• Successful completion of a BA degree with a minimum of 240 ECTS credits, a Specialist Diploma, or being in the final year of a BA program in the fields of social sciences, humanities, law, sociology, or other similar subjects.
• Citizenship of one of the eligible countries (see full list above).
• Demonstrated professional and/or research interest in human rights, sustainability, and democratization in Central Asia.
• Willingness to travel and relocate for several months to other countries to complete the studies.
• Advanced level of English (at least 6.5 on the IELTS or at least 90 on the TOEFL).

MA in Politics and Security (Central Asia)

This program offers an interdisciplinary learning environment with a strong focus on contemporary issues in Central Asia, combining academic training with practical perspectives from leading academics, international experts, and practitioners. It provides students with opportunities to expand their professional networks and prepare for careers in international organizations, government, research, and other fields related to politics and security. It enrolls up to 20 students each year.

Eligibility for Politics and Security

• Successful completion of an academic degree of higher education (BA degree with a minimum of 240 ECTS credits, a specialist diploma, or studying in the final year of a BA program) in the field of international relations, political science, social sciences, humanities, or other equivalent subjects.
• Citizenship of one of the eligible countries (see full list above).
• Advanced level of English (at least 6.5 on the IELTS or at least 90 on the TOEFL).

Admission Timeline 2027-2029

• 1 October 2026 – 31 January 2027: Applicants complete the online application form on https://osce.embark.com/apply.
• March-April 2027: Written specialization tests and the internal English test will be conducted for shortlisted applicants. Detailed information about the admission tests will be sent by email to shortlisted candidates. Tests are normally conducted at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, as well as in Astana, Dushanbe, and Tashkent. No make-up tests will be offered under any circumstances. Applicants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses related to attending the admission tests.
• April-May 2027: Based on the results of written tests, the OSCE Academy invites the best qualified applicants for the interview. The Selection Committee consists of the Academy’s academic management and faculty and a representative of the OSCE Offices or other international organizations. The selection is based on a variety of factors, including the applicant’s educational background and relevant professional experience, demonstrated academic excellence and leadership potential, applicants’ overall motivation and future career plans, as well as communication, interpersonal, and language skills.
• May 2027: The Final Admission Committee will make the admission decision based on the candidates’ combined results in the written tests and interviews.

How to Apply for OSCE Academy in Bishkek Scholarship

Interested candidates in these Asia scholarships should register and complete the corresponding form.

• MA in Politics and Security: click here
• MA in Economic Governance and Development: click here
• MA in Human Rights and Sustainability (MAHRS): click here

Required Documents

1. Completed online application form.
2. Academic degree documents (diploma and transcripts). If you are in your final year, submit an official letter or certificate from your university confirming your expected graduation date, along with your current transcript.
3. Two reference letters, one of which must be academic. Reference letters must not be older than two years and must include a signature.
4. Proof of English language proficiency: valid IELTS Academic (minimum score 6.5), TOEFL iBT (minimum score 90) or TOEFL PBT (minimum score 570) certificates. Shortlisted candidates who have not submitted an IELTS or TOEFL certificate will be required to take the OSCE Academy’s English language test.
5. Statement of purpose.
6. Diploma and transcripts in languages other than English or Russian must be translated into English or Russian. The translation should be certified with the signature and stamp of your university department or a notary.

Who should I contact if I have further questions : Please contact the Admission Office by email: [email protected].

The application deadline is 31 January 2027 at 11:00 p.m. (Bishkek time). For more details on the OSCE Academy in Bishkek Scholarship to study in Kyrgyzstan, please visit the university website.