Maria Rosario Lazzati Niada Scholarship for Afghan Women 2027-2028

The postgraduate scholarship in memory of Maria Rosario Lazzati Niada (18.03.1954–02.02.2022) has been established to help talented Afghan women with a university degree to improve their knowledge in international relations and development. Successful applicants will enrol in a two-year master programme from the Geneva Graduate Institute.

Given the present situation in Afghanistan, with strong restrictions to women’s higher education, the master programmes at the Geneva Graduate Institute aim to broaden the reach of Afghan women’s university education abroad, giving them a competitive advantage in the global community. A master could provide access to an academic and diplomatic career, a job in international and non-governmental organisations, or in international corporate companies.

The Maria Rosario Lazzati Niada Scholarship is a two-year scholarship. The scholarship beneficiary must prepare a report at the end of their first year of studies with proof of their success. Based on this, the scholarship will be renewed. The annual amount of the scholarship is 25,000 Swiss francs.

• Table of Content
• About Geneva Graduate Institute
• Maria Rosario Lazzati Niada Scholarship for Afghan Women Master's Scholarship
• Aim and Benefits of Maria Rosario Lazzati Niada Scholarship for Afghan Women Master's Scholarship
• Requirements for Maria Rosario Lazzati Niada Scholarship for Afghan Women Master's Scholarship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

Maria Rosario Lazzati Niada Scholarship for Afghan Women Master's Scholarship

Aim and Benefits of Maria Rosario Lazzati Niada Scholarship for Afghan Women Master's Scholarship

• The annual amount of the scholarship is 25,000 Swiss francs.

Requirements for Maria Rosario Lazzati Niada Scholarship for Afghan Women Master's Scholarship Qualification

• This scholarship opporutnity is open to Afghan women with a university degree.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

STEP 1

APPLICATION FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP

• Please submit your application here: https://forms.gle/FuLjwTAFBn66j5H59.
• The deadline for submission is 11:59 PM on October 26, 2026.
• Please include the following documents:
  • A motivation letter with the following information: the reason they are applying for the Maria Rosario Lazzati Niada scholarship, which Geneva Graduate Institute master programme they would like to apply to and why they chose the Institute, their financial needs, and what their post-graduation plans are.
  • A curriculum vitae.
  • Copy of university diplomas and qualifications obtained.
  • Official academic transcripts showing all coursework, accompanied by grades and their value (credits).

The Steering Committee is composed of two members of the Association Arghosha appointed by the Association; two members of the Institute, including at least one professor, appointed by the Geneva Graduate Institute; and at least two persons of Afghan origin or with very close ties to Afghanistan appointed by the members of the Steering Committee. The Committee reviews the applications and contacts the candidates to inform them of their decision regarding the scholarship. The Steering Committee will help prepare the application file for the Geneva Graduate Institute.

STEP 2

APPLICATION TO THE GENEVA GRADUATE INSTITUTE

• The Steering Committee’s candidate must then apply to the Geneva Graduate Institute by 15 January (the late round deadline does not apply here): www.graduateinstitute.ch/application.
• NB: Please note that an English proficiency certificate and two academic references are requested at this stage to apply.

For more information, kindly visit Geneva Graduate Institute scholarship webpage.