Master of Liberal Arts and Sciences in Human Rights and Sustainability 2026-2028
Application deadline – 31 January 2026, 11.00 pm (Bishkek time)
The 18-month Master of Liberal Arts in Human Rights and Sustainability (MAHRS) in Central Asia admits up to 20 students on a highly competitive basis. The program is designed for young scholars and professionals interested in studying International Law, Good Governance, and Sustainability Principles, Norms, and Standards, with an emphasis on the Central Asian Region. Co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the OSCE Academy in Bishkek.
MAHRS builds the Global Campus of Human Rights, Central Asia, a regional hub that is part of the Global Campus network, the largest of its kind worldwide. Eight regional MA programmes worldwide 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.
The MAHRS is an internationally and EU-accredited MA Programme in Central Asia
This is a full-time programme that starts on 1 September 2026 and runs for 18 months. In the first year, students are required to travel to and be based in Bishkek during their studies. In the second year, students are required to go to one of the Global Campus Central Asia partner universities 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 a four-year BA degree, a Specialist Diploma, or being in the final year of a BA programme in the fields of social sciences, humanities, law, sociology, international relations, political science, or other similar subjects.
• Citizenship of one of the following countries: Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, or of 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 for the completion of the studies.
• Advanced level of English (at least 6.5 on the IELTS or 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 the 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/MAHRS2026
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If you need further information, please contact: ma-admission@osce-academy.net
For more information, visit: https://osce-academy.net/en/admission/
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further testing and interviews!
* subject to the OSCE Academy’s internal rules and regulations