The Maria Rosario Lazzati Niada Scholarship for Afghan Women 2027–2028 is accepting applications from talented Afghan women who want to pursue a master’s degree at the Geneva Graduate Institute in Switzerland. The scholarship provides CHF 25,000 per year for two years, subject to the renewal requirements, to support postgraduate education in international relations, development, and related fields.
The scholarship was established in memory of Maria Rosario Lazzati Niada to help Afghan women access higher education and prepare for careers in diplomacy, international organisations, development, and humanitarian work.
Applications for the 2027–2028 academic year are currently open. The deadline is October 26, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Applicants should submit their scholarship applications before the deadline and prepare for a separate admission application to the Geneva Graduate Institute.
Scholarship Summary
| Scholarship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | Maria Rosario Lazzati Niada Scholarship for Afghan Women |
| Academic year | 2027–2028 |
| Host institution | Geneva Graduate Institute |
| Study destination | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Eligible applicants | Afghan women with a university degree |
| Study level | Master’s degree |
| Scholarship value | CHF 25,000 per year |
| Duration | Two years, subject to renewal |
| Application status | Open |
| Deadline | October 26, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. |
| Official scholarship page | https://www.graduateinstitute.ch/afghan-scholarships |
| Direct scholarship application | https://forms.gle/6AH1xZnZhP5vieya6 |
About the Maria Rosario Lazzati Niada Scholarship
The Geneva Graduate Institute established this scholarship in partnership with Arghosha Faraway Schools to support Afghan women’s access to postgraduate education.
The programme addresses the barriers Afghan women face in accessing higher education by providing an opportunity to study abroad and develop expertise in international relations and development.
The scholarship honours Maria Rosario Lazzati Niada, an Italian history and literature teacher who dedicated much of her work to women’s education. In 2005, she helped establish the Comitato Arghosha Faraway Schools, an organisation that has supported schools, literacy programmes for adult women, and university scholarships for Afghan girls.
Through this scholarship, her commitment to education continues by helping talented Afghan women pursue advanced degrees and prepare for careers that can contribute to their communities and the international community.
Benefits of the Scholarship
1. CHF 25,000 annual scholarship
Successful applicants receive CHF 25,000 per year. The award is intended to support the recipient’s studies at the Geneva Graduate Institute.
Applicants should consult the official scholarship team for a breakdown of eligible expenses and whether the award covers all tuition and living costs in their individual circumstances.
2. Funding for two years
The scholarship is designed to cover a two-year master’s programme. However, recipients must submit a report at the end of their first year demonstrating their academic progress. Renewal depends on this assessment.
3. Study in Switzerland
Recipients have the opportunity to study at the Geneva Graduate Institute, an institution specialising in international affairs and development studies.
Studying in Geneva can provide exposure to international organisations, diplomatic institutions, research communities, and development professionals.
4. Career development opportunities
A master’s degree can help graduates pursue careers in areas such as:
- International relations and diplomacy.
- International development and humanitarian work.
- Non-governmental organisations.
- Research and academia.
- International companies and policy organisations.
These are potential career pathways rather than guaranteed employment outcomes.
Eligibility Requirements
The scholarship is intended specifically for Afghan women seeking postgraduate education.
Who can apply?
Applicants should meet the following core requirements:
- Be an Afghan woman.
- Hold a university degree that qualifies them for postgraduate study.
- Intend to pursue a suitable master’s programme at the Geneva Graduate Institute.
- Demonstrate their motivation for applying and explain their financial needs.
- Provide the required academic records and supporting documents.
The scholarship announcement does not specify a minimum GPA, an age limit, or a particular undergraduate major. Applicants should confirm any additional requirements with the scholarship team rather than assume that a specific grade or field is mandatory.
The scholarship is specifically for Afghan women; it is not a general international scholarship open to applicants of every nationality.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents for the scholarship application:
1. Motivation letter: Explain why you are applying for the scholarship, which master’s programme you want to pursue, why you selected the Geneva Graduate Institute, your financial needs, and your plans after graduation.
2. Curriculum vitae (CV): Prepare an updated CV highlighting your education, relevant experience, achievements, research, and other relevant qualifications.
3. University diplomas and qualifications: Provide copies of your university diplomas and other qualifications obtained.
4. Official academic transcripts: Submit official transcripts showing your coursework, grades, and credit values.
The separate application to the Geneva Graduate Institute also requires an English proficiency certificate and two academic references, according to the current scholarship flyer.
How to Apply for the Maria Rosario Lazzati Niada Scholarship 2027–2028
Applicants must complete the scholarship application process and subsequently apply for admission to the Geneva Graduate Institute.
Step 1: Review the official scholarship announcement
Visit the official scholarship page and read the latest information about the 2027–2028 application round.
Official website: https://www.graduateinstitute.ch/afghan-scholarships
Step 2: Complete the scholarship application
Use the direct application form provided in the current official scholarship flyer:
Apply for the Maria Rosario Lazzati Niada Scholarship
Complete the form and provide the required supporting documents, including your motivation letter, CV, university diplomas, and academic transcripts.
Step 3: Submit your application before the deadline
The scholarship application deadline is October 26, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Do not wait until the final hours to submit your application.
Step 4: Await the scholarship committee’s decision
The Steering Committee reviews applications and informs candidates of its decision. The committee also helps the selected candidate prepare the admission application for the Geneva Graduate Institute.
Step 5: Apply for admission to the Geneva Graduate Institute
The selected scholarship candidate must submit a separate application for admission to the Institute by mid-January 2027, according to the current scholarship flyer. The regular late-round deadline does not apply to this process.
Admission application: https://www.graduateinstitute.ch/application
Prepare the required English proficiency certificate and two academic references for the admission process.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the Maria Rosario Lazzati Niada Scholarship for Afghan Women for the 2027–2028 academic year is October 26, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
The scholarship application and the university admission application have separate deadlines. Applicants should first follow the scholarship process and then complete the admission application according to the instructions provided by the Steering Committee.
FAQs
1. Is the Maria Rosario Lazzati Niada Scholarship open for 2027–2028?
Yes. The Geneva Graduate Institute has announced a new application round for the 2027–2028 academic year.
2. How much is the scholarship worth?
The scholarship provides CHF 25,000 per year for two years, subject to renewal after the recipient submits a report demonstrating successful completion of the first year.
3. Who is eligible to apply?
The scholarship is intended for Afghan women who already hold a university degree and want to pursue a master’s programme at the Geneva Graduate Institute.
4. Can applicants from other countries apply?
The scholarship is specifically intended for Afghan women. Applicants who do not meet this nationality and gender eligibility should explore other scholarships offered by the Institute.
5. What documents are required?
Applicants need a motivation letter, CV, copies of university diplomas and qualifications, and official academic transcripts. An English proficiency certificate and two academic references are required for the subsequent university admission application.
6. What is the application deadline?
The scholarship application deadline is October 26, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
7. Does the scholarship guarantee admission?
No. Scholarship selection and admission to the Geneva Graduate Institute are separate steps. The selected candidate must still complete the required admission process.
8. How can I apply?
Submit your scholarship application through the official application form and review the official scholarship webpage for updates.
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