Jusoor-PIESC Scholarship
About the Scholarship
Jusoor is proud to announce its second year of partnership with Bard College Berlin, where we will offer scholarships beginning in Fall 2024 for two Syrian students to complete their bachelor’s degrees.
Bard College Berlin is a private, nonprofit, German-American liberal arts college offering four-year BA degree programs. On a residential campus in former East Berlin, students study the social sciences, arts, and humanities. A student to faculty ratio of 5:1 allows the college to provide an education of the highest quality that is based on small-group teaching and individual advising. Bard College Berlin is part of the Bard College and OSUN networks, which offer students a global network of study opportunities.
The Program in International Education and Social Change (PIESC) was introduced at Bard College Berlin in 2015 and has supported over 60 students from areas of crisis including Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iraq, Syria, and Ukraine with full scholarships. Further information on the PIESC program is available here.
Bard College Berlin offers three bachelor’s degrees:
BA in Economics, Politics and Social Thought with concentrations in Economics and Politics.
BA in Humanities, the Arts and Social Thought with concentrations in Art and Aesthetics, Ethics and Politics, or Literature and Rhetoric.
BA in Artistic Practice in Society (new program due to start in Fall 2023)
Candidates must apply directly to the university, not to Jusoor. Please see BCB’s admissions page for more information.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must:
- Be Syrian, Palestinian-Syrian or have a Syrian travel document
- Have a strong record of leadership and community engagement, as demonstrated through volunteer and/or work experience
- Demonstrate willingness and intent to contribute to the redevelopment of Syria
- Have a strong academic record
- Demonstrate financial need
- Demonstrate a willingness to be engaged with Jusoor’s community.
- Be living in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq or Egypt at the time of selection.
- Be admitted to Bard College Berlin.
Candidates are only allowed to apply to one Jusoor scholarship. If you apply to a second Jusoor scholarship, only your first application will be considered.
If selected for the scholarship, the successful candidates will be required to sign the Jusoor Scholar contract. The main points of the contract are outlined below, and selected scholars can request to read the contract in full before accepting the award. The awardee agrees:
- To give Jusoor permission to use their name, photographs and biographies on Jusoor’s website, social media and in publications.
- To make efforts to attend online and in-person events when requested by Jusoor.
- To submit a form provided by Jusoor each term to provide academic updates.
- To agree that to the best of their ability, they will use the knowledge and skills gained through this scholarship to support the development of Syria.
- To maintain good academic standing.
- Not to serve as an official representative of any government and not to engage in activities of public nature that are likely to affect Jusoor negatively, while receiving funding from Jusoor.
Selection Criteria
- Academic achievement
- Personal achievement and leadership
- Financial need
- Interest in and commitment towards rebuilding Syria
Funds Coverage
The scholarship offers full funding for flights, visa, health insurance, accommodation, a monthly living stipend and tuition.
How to Apply
Candidates must apply through the university. Please see BCB’s admissions page for more information.
Applicants who are admitted to BCB and fit Jusoor’s eligibility criteria will be invited for an interview with BCB and Jusoor representatives. There is no separate scholarship application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please carefully read the below:
How many awards will be given?
For this selection cycle up to two bachelor’s degree will be funded.
Is there an age limit to be eligible?
Yes, the age limit for applicants is 25 years old.
I’m married and/or have children. Am I eligible?
Yes.
If awarded the scholarship, can the funding support my husband and/or children?
Unfortunately not. The scholarship is intended to support only the scholar. Due to limited resources,
Jusoor and BCB cannot provide any financial or relocation assistance for your family, including help with visa arrangements.
Which study programs are eligible?
BA in Economics, Politics and Social Thought
BA in Humanities, the Arts and Social Thought
BA in Artistic Practice in Society
How do I choose the right university and program of study for me?
Jusoor encourages you to think critically about your academic and personal interests, professional goals, and passions when selecting a university and country of study. You can read more about how to select the right scholarship here.
I earned my high school diploma in Syria. Am I still eligible to apply?
Yes, absolutely.
I earned my high school diploma in Syria and am having trouble obtaining my documents as proof of attendance and/or graduation. Can Jusoor help?
Unfortunately not. Through experience in this matter, we have learned Jusoor cannot be of assistance. This issue must be resolved with your university and the Ministry of Education where applicable.
Do I need to pay a fee to apply to Bard College Berlin?
No.
Can Jusoor offer to fund any English exam or graduate school testing I might require?
Jusoor can offer a stipend for English testing only to the student who is accepted for the scholarship.
I’m already enrolled in a bachelor’s degree and am applying as a transfer student. Am I eligible for the scholarship?
Yes, we welcome applications from transfer students.
I already hold a bachelor’s degree. Am I eligible for the scholarship?
No, all applicants must be applying to complete their first bachelor’s degree.
What documents do I need to apply?
Applicants are asked to submit the following materials for admission:
- Application form
- Official transcripts from school/university
- A graded writing sample
- Two academic letters of recommendation
- Proof of C1 English proficiency
- For further details, please see BCB’s website
What do you look for in the ideal applicant?
We look for a balance of the following:
1) Strong GPA and record of academic achievement
2) Volunteer and/or work experience relevant to your field of study
3) Proven leadership ability as demonstrated through volunteer and/or work experience
4) Willingness and demonstrated intent to contribute to the redevelopment of Syria,
5) Willingness to participate in Jusoor’s community.
6) A clear and realistic plan for personal and career success post-graduation.
7) A motivated, self-starter attitude, reflectiveness and open-mindedness
8) Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate financial need.
What is the interview process like?
If selected as a finalist, you will be virtually interviewed by a panel of Jusoor and BCB team members to assess your suitability for the scholarship. We may ask you to elaborate on the information provided in your application, and will also ask you to respond to a series of questions based on real-life scenarios which scholars face during their academic programs. We are interested to see how you might respond to typical challenges faced by scholars and how you would contribute to furthering Jusoor’s missions while fulfilling your personal goals. We will also ask about your career plans and how you intend to impact the Syrian community in Syria and/or outside of Syria. Interviews generally last for 45 minutes to 1 hour and are conducted in English.
When will I be notified of my application status?
We try to be as transparent with our selection process as possible. We expect to conduct interviews with shortlisted candidates throughout February 2024 and select awardees by mid-March 2024 (subject to change).
Do I need to apply to Jusoor?
No, if you are admitted to BCB, you will automatically be considered for the Jusoor-PIESC scholarship and you will be contacted by Jusoor in February 2024 for an interview.
When are scholarship funds disbursed?
Scholarship funds cannot be disbursed until the awardee arrives in Germany .
Where can I find more FAQs?
You can find more FAQs here.