chr.up.ac.za Disability Rights Scholarship Programmes : Centre for Human Rights,University of Pretoria

Organization : Centre for Human Rights,University of Pretoria
Announcement : Disability Rights Scholarship Programmes
Applicable for : South African
Head Office : Pretoria
Closing Date: 2 December 2016.

Website : https://www.chr.up.ac.za/
Guideline : https://www.southafricain.com/uploads/3065-disabilityscholarship.pdf
Apply Online : https://scholarshipprograms.submittable.com/submit/67895/2017-disability-rights-scholarship-programs

Disability Rights Scholarship Programmes :

About Programme :
** The Disability Rights Scholarship Programme provides awards for master’s degree study to disability rights advocates, lawyers, and educators to develop new legislation, jurisprudence, policy, research, and scholarship to harness the innovations and opportunities offered by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Related : Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition 2017 : www.southafricain.com/3051.html

** With the knowledge and networks gained through the program, we expect that fellows will deepen their understanding of international law and education, with a focus on disability rights, and gain the tools necessary to engage in a range of CRPD implementation strategies, such as

Strategies :
** challenging rights violations in their home countries by drafting enforceable legislation consistent with the CRPD;
** utilizing enforcement mechanisms set forth in the convention;
** taking forward disability rights litigation requesting CRPD-compliant remedies;
** engaging in disability rights advocacy; and developing law, education, or other academic curricula informed by the CRPD.

Eligibility Criteria :
The competition is merit-based and open to those meeting the following criteria :
** be a citizen and legal resident of Argentina, China, Mexico, Mozambique, Peru, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, or Uganda at the time of application
** have work experience in the legal profession or advocacy focusing on human/disability rights and/or work in education with a demonstrated interest in advancing inclusive education

** have an excellent academic record with a bachelor of laws (LLB; in exceptional circumstances, those without a LLB but with substantial relevant experience may be considered); for inclusive education, a degree in teaching, public administration/policy, anthropology, social work, psychology, or related field
** have demonstrated leadership in the field of disability rights or education

** be proficient in spoken and written English or French and able to meet university-designated minimum scores on standardized language tests
** be able to participate in an intensive academic writing program in summer 2017
** be able to begin the graduate program in August or September 2017

** be able to receive and maintain visa or study permit required by host country
** demonstate a clear commitment to return to home country to advance the inclusion and full participation of persons with disabilities in their communities, or to aid ongoing disability rights work
** The program does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.
** Candidates with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.

Ineligibility Criteria :
** Employees of the Open Society Foundations and employees of local administering organizations (and their immediate family members) who are directly involved in the administration of scholarships are not eligible, nor are individuals receiving other Open Society Foundations–funded support during the fellowship period.

Fellowship Terms :
The fellowship provides :
** tuition and mandatory university fees;
** monthly stipend for room, board, and other living expenses;
** program-related travel;

** accident and health insurance during the program;
** funds for educational materials and professional development;
** all costs associated with pre-academic summer program and annual conference;
** support for students with disabilities to obtain reasonable accommodations necessary for participating in the program of study.

Selection proceeds as follows :
** Preliminary Selection and Testing: Applications are first reviewed by representatives from the regional program administration, host university consortium, and Open Society Foundations. Applicants chosen to continue in the competition as semifinalists are required to take an official TOEFL or IELTS, the costs of which are covered by the program.

** Most participating universities require a minimum TOEFL of 90-100 (Internet-based exam) or IELTS of 6.5.
** All applicants should research local options for TOEFL or IELTS testing to ensure results are available by February 2017.
** Those with disabilities should contact the testing agency as early as possible to make arrangements for any necessary accommodations during testing.

Interviews and Final Selection :
** Semifinalists are interviewed by representatives from the Open Society Foundations, host universities, and other experts.
** The interview panel then recommends candidates for finalist status and subsequent university placement based on the quality of the written application, interview evaluations, and standardized test results.

University Placement :
** Fellows are matched with universities according to their chosen area of specialization, academic profile, and professional aspirations.
** Final decisions concerning host university placement are made by the program selection committee, which includes university admissions staff and faculty, although finalists may be asked their preference.

Visa application :
** Upon receiving the university placements, students are responsible for securing required visas for both the summer school and for the host university.

Contact Address :
Centre for Human Rights
Faculty of Law
University of Pretoria
South Africa
0002