The Roma Access Programs unit at Central European University in Budapest is now accepting applications for its Roma Graduate Preparation Program (RGPP) for the academic year 2015-2016.
About RGPP
The Roma Graduate Preparation Program is an intensive nine-month course of study that prepares Roma to compete for places in English-language Master's degree programs at CEU and other renowned universities. We seek to attract students with a special interest in the social sciences and humanities. RGPP is funded by the Ford Foundation, the VELUX Foundations and the Roma Initiatives Office of the Open Society Foundations.
If your application is successful the program will:
· Prepare you for further studies in your chosen field through intensive academic tutoring in Economics, Environmental Science and Policy, Gender Studies, History, International Relations and European Studies, Legal Studies/Human Rights, Mathematics, Nationalism Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Public Policy, or Sociology and Social Anthropology (additional disciplines may be offered)
· Raise your English to the standard required for post-graduate study, through intensive English language training
· Develop your post-graduate level academic writing, critical thinking and study skills
· Involve you in the core degree programs of CEU, through the auditing of CEU Master’s level classes
· Engage you in critical debates regarding the political, economic and social situation and status of Roma, through seminars that combine the study of Roma history and identity with an examination of recent developments in the politics of governing Roma communities
Please note that RGPP does not guarantee that you will be accepted into an MA program at CEU or any other university. The program prepares you to compete for merit-based places in English-language MA programs.
Eligibility criteria
RGPP accepts Roma applicants from the following countries: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Kosovo, FYR Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, and Ukraine.
Besides fulfilling this requirement, you must also have the following:
- A university degree, preferably in Social Sciences or Humanities, completed by July 2015
- A strong interest in studying at post-graduate university level
- At least pre-intermediate English language skills
- A desire to study in a multicultural and international environment
- Readiness to become an advocate for change and a role model in your own community and beyond
How to apply
Your application must include the following:
1. Completed Application Form (in English), downloadable at http://rap.ceu.edu
2. CV (in English), with details of your academic background, work experience, if any, and involvement in Roma related issues, if any.
3. Letter of Intent (in English), stating why you would like to participate in this program. Describe your academic and professional achievements, interests and plans for the future; also write about your involvement in Roma issues.
4. Scanned copy or photocopy of your diploma. In case that you cannot provide a copy of your diploma then submit a certificate of enrollment confirming that you have already graduated from university or will graduate by July 2015 (in your native language, with an English translation if possible).
5. Scanned copy or photocopy of your transcript, the document showing the courses taken and grades received in all your university years (in your native language, with an English translation if possible).
6. One reference letter from a university professor or your employer. The letter should preferably be in English, but if this is not possible we also accept letters written in local languages. A suggested template to be used can be downloaded at http://rap.ceu.edu We advise you to share this template with your referee.
7. In addition, we strongly recommend that you provide a second reference letter from a recognized Roma organization. The letter should preferably be in English, but if this is not possible we also accept letters written in local languages.
Please note that if your application is successful you will have to provide an official English version/translation of your BA diploma and transcript.
Program dates
RGPP's academic year runs from September 2015 till the middle of June 2016. This is a full-time program and students are expected to be in Budapest for the duration of all the semesters.
Financial aid
All successful applicants will be awarded a full scholarship for the whole duration of the program. The financial aid covers travel to and from Budapest, tuition and fees, accommodation in the CEU Residence Center, health insurance, study materials, and includes a monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
About CEU
Central European University (CEU) is an English-language graduate university offering degrees in social sciences and humanities, located in Budapest, Hungary. Our faculty and students come from over 100 countries. CEU is accredited both in the United States and in Hungary.
Application deadline
Your complete application must be e-mailed, or posted by 15 April 2015 to:
e-mail: rgpp@ceu.edu
Postal address: Central European University, Roma Access Programs
Nador u. 9, H-1051 Budapest, Hungary
General inquiries
If you have any questions please write to rgpp@ceu.edu