Frequently Asked Questions
KAEF Program FAQ'sKAEF Program FAQs
What if I am not able to submit an online application?
If you are unable to complete an online application, contact the American Councils office in Pristina or write info@kaef-online.org to make other arrangements.
When is the deadline for the KAEF application?
The deadline for the application and supporting materials is in July of each year. Check the The Fellowship section for the exact date. By this date you must have completed an online application and should have already begun preparing for the TOEFL and other standardized exams.
What is the selection process for the KAEF fellowship?
KAEF selection is a three-step process. First, all applications are reviewed by U.S. admissions experts. Second, highly-ranked candidates are interviewed and tested in Kosovo. Finally, the applications, test scores, and interview results of highly-ranked candidates are reviewed by U.S. admissions experts and fellowship awardees are selected. Results will be announced in early summer.
My English skills are good, but I'm not sure they are good enough for graduate studies in the United States. Should I still apply?
Yes. While the TOEFL scores of a KAEF applicant are an important consideration during the selection process, other factors are also important. If a KAEF fellowship awardee has a low TOEFL score (below 550) he/she will come to the US early to study English intensively before starting an academic program.
I have studied in the U.S. before. Can I still apply? Will it affect my chances of being selected?
You are ineligible for a KAEF fellowship if you have studied in the United States for longer than six weeks within the past two years on a U.S. government-sponsored program (e.g., Ron Brown or Fulbright). However, previous educational experience in the U.S. will not make you ineligible for a KAEF fellowship.
I have also applied independently to several US universities. Can I still apply for a KAEF fellowship?
Yes. Individuals who have applied to U.S. institutions independently are eligible to apply for the KAEF fellowship. However, there is no guarantee that if you win a KAEF fellowship you will be placed at the same university you wish to attend independently. Submit copies of any letters of acceptance with your KAEF application.
What documents are required when I deliver my application?
For the initial application process, you do not need to submit ANY paper documents to the American Councils office. Simply fill in and submit your online application. If you are selected as a semifinalist, you will be required to submit physical documents verifying the information you provided in your online application. In the event that the information you provided in your online application does not match the information contained in the physical documents you provide at the semifinalist stage, you may be disqualified from the competition. If you become a semifinalist, you will need to submit the following before your interview:
- Your Online Application: Print your application and provide a copy to the Pristina office.
Please also print a copy of your attached files to include with your application material:- General Essay
- Field Specific Essay
- Resume/CV
- Three recommendations from employers or professors - provided through the application or in separate letters. Letters of recommendation must be signed and must include the name, address, and telephone number of the person providing the recommendation. Letters of recommendation must also have the stamp or seal of the organization at which the person providing the recommendation works (or be written on the organization's official letterhead). Applicants submitting letters of recommendation in the local language must submit certified English translations of these letters. Translations must have the stamp or seal of the English language department or translating service confirming the accuracy of the translation. Applicant may not certify his/her own translation.
- Official copies of all university transcripts in the language(s) in which they were issued. One transcript from each institution of higher education attended must be attached. Each transcript must bear the stamp or seal of the department of the university that issued it. For the purposes of this program, a transcript is a listing of every course you took to receive your diploma and the grade you received in each course.
- Certified English translations of your university transcripts. Each English language transcript must bear the stamp or seal of the department of the university that issued it. Also, each English language transcript must have the stamp or seal of the English language department or translating service confirming the accuracy of the translation. Applicant may not certify his/her own translation.
- Official copies of all diplomas you have received in the language(s) in which they were issued. Each diploma must bear the stamp or seal of the department of the university that issued it.
- Certified English translations of your diplomas. Each English language diploma must bear the stamp or seal of the department of the university that issued it. Also, each English language diploma must have the stamp or seal of the English language department or translating service confirming the accuracy of the translation. Applicant may not certify his/her own translation.
- Copies of TOEFL, GRE, and/or GMAT score reports (if taken previously).
- Photocopy of the picture page of your Kosovar passport (if you have one).
If I am a dual-citizen, can I apply to the KAEF program?
Song long as the second country of dual-citizenship is not the U.S. and you are an habitual resident of Kosovo - meaning that you currently live in Kosovo, and that you plan to live in Kosovo in the future - you can apply to the KAEF program even if you are a citizen of another country besides Kosovo. Please remember that all applicants to KAEF must be able to receive and maintain a U.S. J-1 exchange visitor visa, convincingly demonstrate their devotion to the long-term, economic development of Kosovo; and that, therefore, your status as a dual-citizen will be a subject of inquiry during the application process.
I have a degree from a private university that has not received accreditation. Can I apply for KAEF?
Yes. KAEF will provisionally accept all diplomas from all universities. Having said that, the question of whether a diploma is valid is ultimately up to our partner institutions. They will ultimately make such decisions after a thorough review of the circumstances. So while we will accept an application and put a candidate through the application process regardless of where they got their diploma, we may not be able to place them at a U.S. university. Additionally, the U.S. Embassy may issue rules restricting J-1 visas to individuals holding an unaccredited diploma. Both of these factors - university acceptance of Kosovar diplomas, and Consular granting of J-1 visas - are beyond KAEF's control.
I read all the FAQ's and my question wasn't answered. Who can answer my question?
Please submit your inquiry to ks@americancouncils.org
I am from Kosovo originally, but don't live there now. Can I apply?
No. Only 'habitual residents' of Kosovo are eligible to apply for a KAEF fellowship.
I live in Kosovo, but I am a member of an ethnic minority. Can I apply?
Yes. KAEF fellowships are available to ALL habitual residents of Kosovo, regardless of ethnic background, religion, political affiliations, etc.
If I win a KAEF fellowship, when will I go to the U.S.?
You will come to the U.S. in August for a Gateway Orientation in Washington DC. You will then travel to your assigned university, where classes typically start anywhere between mid-August and mid-September. KAEF fellows with TOEFL scores under 550 will begin intensive English study earlier in the summer.
How long is a KAEF Fellowship?
KAEF fellowships are typically one to two years in length, depending on the specific academic program into which a fellow is placed.
What happens after the completion of my program?
After program completion, you must return to Kosovo for two years. KAEF alumni will be asked to participate in follow-on activities such as economics conferences.
I read all the FAQ's and my question wasn't answered. Who can answer my question?
Please submit your inquiry to ks@americancouncils.org
What are the fields of study for the KAEF program?
KAEF fellows may study in certain specializations in the fields of business administration, economics, international affairs, law, public administration, and public policy. These are general fields, and successful KAEF applicants are expected to select a sub-field (specialization) within one of these fields. The goal of the KAEF program is to offer master's level education in fields of study that will support the economic growth and development of Kosovo.
Must I choose a field of study before applying to the KAEF program?
Yes. Applicants to the KAEF program are required to choose a field of study. If you are unsure about what you want to study, this program may not be right for you yet. Career focus and experience are very important factors in the KAEF selection process.
Where will I study?
All KAEF fellows attend universities in the United States. American Councils has partnerships with hundreds of universities, and is experienced at placing international students in master's programs. Every attempt is made to carefully match each fellow to the most appropriate university and program.
Can I choose where I study?
No. KAEF fellowship awardees cannot choose their university. A committee of U.S. admissions experts decides where each KAEF fellow will study. Every attempt is made to carefully match each fellow to the most appropriate university and program.
I read all the FAQ's and my question wasn't answered. Who can answer my question?
Please submit your inquiry to ks@americancouncils.org
I've never traveled to the U.S. before. Will anybody support me and provide guidance?
Yes. You don't need international experience to be a successful KAEF fellow. The KAEF staff at American Councils are experienced in helping international students, and will always be available to answer your questions and provide support. Universities in the United States are also accustomed to providing special services for international students.
My family is worried about my safety if I travel to the U.S. What should I tell them?
Most of the United States is very safe, unlike the image portrayed in many movies and in the media. While recent terrorist activities have received wide publicity, they have had little effect on most American communities. In addition, universities in the United States go to great efforts to ensure the safety of their students.
Where will I live?
Most KAEF fellows will live in apartments they choose themselves near their universities. Sometimes universities will help you find housing, and some offer special on-campus housing. Many international students live with other students to save money. Monthly rent payments typically range from $500 to $1400 depending on the locale and amenities.
Do I need to bring money with me to the U.S.?
Bringing some cash to get you started is a good idea, if you are able. However, you will receive a monthly stipend from the KAEF program that should pay for basic necessities while you study in the U.S. This includes basic housing, food, and incidentals. Other expenses will be your responsibility. If you plan on traveling, purchasing a car, or plan on inviting your family once you arrive, you will need to bring significant additional funds.
Can I work while I am in the United States?
Yes, but you must first receive permission from American Councils. You should not expect to earn much money while you are in the U.S. Only on-campus work at no more than 20 hours per week is permitted when classes are in session. Work cannot interfere with studies.
Can I bring my family with me?
Not immediately, however you will become eligible to invite your family on November 1 during your first year of study. You must be in good academic standing and have enough money to support your family while they are in the U.S. This includes providing health insurance.
Can I travel outside the U.S. during my fellowship?
Yes, but only with the permission of American Councils. Graduate students in the U.S. typically have free time during the break between academic terms in the winter and the summer.
What happens if I get sick or injured in the U.S. during my fellowship?
All KAEF fellows are provided with basic health insurance that will pay hospital bills for medical emergencies.
What will I do during the summer between my two years of study, if I am awarded a two-year fellowship?
KAEF fellows are required to find internships that are related to their field of study during the summer after their first year of study in the U.S.
I read all the FAQ's and my question wasn't answered. Who can answer my question?
Please submit your inquiry to ks@americancouncils.org