Master of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences in Human Rights and Sustainability (MAHRS) 2027-2029
Application deadline – 31 January 2027, 11.00 p.m. (Bishkek time)
The 18-month Master of Liberal Arts in Human Rights and Sustainability (MAHRS) in Central Asia admits up to 18 students on a highly competitive basis. The program is interdisciplinary and is 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, the 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.
MAHRS academic year starts on 1 September 2027 and runs for 18 months. In the first year, students will be 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.
To apply, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Successful completion of BA degree with a minimum of 240 ECTS credits, a Specialist Diploma, or being in the final year of a BA programme in the fields of social sciences, humanities, law, sociology, or other similar subjects.
- Citizenship of one of the following countries: Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, or any other OSCE participating State.
- 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)
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 post-graduate education, professional academic training, research, and intellectual exchange.
The OSCE Academy (MAHRS) offers:
- Tuition-free studies
- Monthly Stipend of 450 EUR
- Round-trip travel to/from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (economy class) *
- Basic medical insurance coverage (except for citizens of Kyrgyzstan)
- Funded internship opportunities in Central Asia and Europe (competitive basis)
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TO APPLY PLEASE REGISTER AND COMPLETE AN ONLINE APPLICATION FORM:
https://osce.embark.com/apply/MAHRS2027
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If you need further information, please contact: ma-admission@osce-academy.net
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further testing and interviews!
* subject to the OSCE Academy’s internal rules and regulations