About the opportunity
The Maria Rosario Lazzati Niada Scholarship for Afghan Women is a postgraduate scholarship established to support talented Afghan women who hold a university degree. The program aims to help recipients improve their knowledge in international relations and development by enrolling in a two-year master’s program at the Geneva Graduate Institute in Switzerland. Created in memory of Maria Rosario Lazzati Niada (1954–2022)—a dedicated history teacher and champion of women’s education in Afghanistan—the scholarship addresses current restrictions on female higher education in Afghanistan. It provides a pathway for Afghan women to study abroad, giving them a competitive advantage to pursue careers in diplomacy, academia, international organizations, NGOs, or global corporations.
Funding and benefits
- Financial support to pursue a two-year master's program at the Geneva Graduate Institute
- Opportunity to study in Geneva, a global hub for international relations, diplomacy, and development
- Preparation for careers in academia, diplomacy, international organizations, NGOs, or multinational corporations
Who can apply?
- Must be an Afghan woman
- Must hold a university degree (bachelor's degree or equivalent)
- Must demonstrate talent and a strong interest in international relations and development
- Must meet the admission criteria for a two-year master's program at the Geneva Graduate Institute
Required documents
- Completed online application form (via Google Forms)
- Refer to the official flyer and application form for any additional required academic documents, transcripts, or reference letters
When to apply
- Applications are open for the 2027–2028 academic year
- Application deadline: October 26, 2026, at 11:59 PM (Midnight)
How to apply
- Download and carefully read the official scholarship flyer
- Access the online application form via the 'APPLY NOW' Google Form link
- Complete all required fields and submit the application before the deadline on October 26, 2026
Additional information
- The scholarship honors Maria Rosario Lazzati Niada, who co-founded the Comitato Arghosha Faraway Schools, funding the construction of 15 schools in Afghanistan that support thousands of pupils, primarily girls.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Afghan women holding a university degree who are passionate about international relations, development, and global affairs.
- Candidates looking to build a career in diplomacy, non-governmental organizations, or international public policy.
- Applicants who meet the rigorous academic standards of the Geneva Graduate Institute and are ready for a demanding two-year master's curriculum.
What should you think carefully about?
- Requires full relocation to Geneva, Switzerland, for the duration of the two-year program.
- Applicants must navigate international travel and visa logistics under challenging circumstances.
- The application deadline is fixed for October 26, 2026, requiring prompt preparation of all academic credentials.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This scholarship is an exceptional opportunity for Afghan women seeking to bypass severe domestic educational restrictions and gain world-class academic training. By completing a master's degree in Geneva—a primary global hub for international governance—scholars can position themselves for impactful careers in global diplomacy, international NGOs, or academic research.
Our take
Afghan women with a completed bachelor's degree and a strong commitment to international development should prioritize this application before the October 2026 deadline. It is less suitable for those unable to relocate to Switzerland or those seeking remote or short-term study options.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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