The Africa-America Institute is requesting applications for the Ford Foundation International Fellowships Program for the 2009/10 Masters Awards. The fundamental objective of the International Fellowships Program is to provide selected applicants from social groups and communities that historically had limited opportunities to access higher education with support for full-time, post-graduate study at the Masters degree level. Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The award winners are expected to use their education to help reduce inequalities and redress historical patterns of injustice. The programme is offering 32 awards for the 2009/10 period. These will be tenable in South Africa or abroad for studies leading to a Masters Degree. Each Fellowship award covers tuition costs and other related expenses and a maintenance allowance.

The Ford Foundation grant-making areas are:

1. Asset Building & Community Development

• Work-Force Development
• Development Finance & Economic Security
• Environment & Development
• Community Development
• Sexuality & Reproductive Health

2. Knowledge, Creativity & Freedom

• Education & Scholarship
• Sexuality & Reproductive Health
• Religion, Society & Culture
• Media
• Arts & Culture

3. Peace & Social Justice

• Human Rights
• Sexuality & Reproductive Health
• Governance
• Civil Society

Click here to download more information in PDF format.

To be eligible, an applicant must satisfy the criteria listed below:

• be a South African citizen / permanent resident in possession of a South African ID who is physically resident in the country;
• already hold the minimum academic qualification for enrolling in a Masters degree;
• intend to pursue a Masters degree that will directly help to reduce historical inequalities and redress patterns of injustice;
• have at least three years work experience;
• have experience in voluntary community service or development related activities;
• possess leadership potential as evident in the employment history and/or community involvement;
• present a clear study plan that indicates how studies will be applied to social challenges in South Africa; and
• commit to working on these issues following the Fellowship period.

The completed, signed application form, together with the required supporting documents, must reach the office of The Africa-America Institute no later than February 27 2009.

Click here to download the applications guidelines in PDF format.

Click here to download the application form in MS Word.

AAISA website on December 4 2008.