Requirements & Stages
Master of Liberal Arts in Human Rights and Sustainability (MAHRS) is the Academy’s recent MA Programme in the field of “Human Rights and Sustainability” enrolls a total of up to 20 students on a highly competitive basis. It is designed for young scholars and professionals aiming to study International Human Rights Law, Good Governance and Sustainability Principles, Norms and Standards with a focus on the Central Asian Region. The programme is co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the OSCE Academy in Bishkek and implemented in cooperation with the Global Campus of Human Rights in Venice – the biggest academic network educating the next generation of professionals in the field of Human Rights. It consists of about 100 universities around the world and has regional headquarters in Italy, Argentina, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lebanon, South Africa, and Thailand.
This is a full-time programme that starts on 1 September of each year and runs 18 months. Students are required to travel to and be based in Bishkek during their studies.
Application package
- Completed Application Form (online, available at https://osce.embark.com/apply/MAHRS2026) ;
- A Curriculum Vitae;
- Scanned copy of passport;
- Motivation Letter (max 450-600 words);
- Contact details for two nominees to provide Reference Letters (one from academia, and one from a current or former employer, if the applicant has work experience);
- Scanned University Diploma/s;
- Scanned Academic Transcript/s.
Additionally, those who have taken English language proficiency tests may indicate the score and include Certificate(s)
- English Proficiency Test Score – at least 6.5 on the IELTS or 90 on the TOEFL*
*if you have IELTS or TOEFL certificate, you can upload it, and if not, then shortlisted candidates who did not submit the certificate will have to take the English language test of the OSCE Academy
How to apply
The applicant needs to:
- Fill in the online application form
- Upload CV, Motivation Letters, Essay, contact details of 2 people who can provide reference letters, copies of scanned university diploma/diplomas, university transcripts and English Language Proficiency Test Score (Optional)
Upon successful submission of the application, a confirmation letter will be sent to an e-mail address indicated in the application.
Admission timetable
The Enrollment shall be undertaken in 3 stages:
- Stage 1– 2 Oct, 2024 – 31 January, 2026: Applicants complete the online application form on Embark platform.
- Stage 2 – February-April 2026: Written tests on specialisation and internal English test are conducted for shortlisted applicants.
MA in Human Rights and Sustainability: sample
Tests are normally conducted at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek (for applicants residing in Kyrgyzstan) and in the capitals of Central Asian countries, for those residing in these countries. No make-up tests are conducted. The Academy doesn’t cover travel expenses of applicants coming for the tests.
- Stage 3– May 2026: Based on the results of written tests, the OSCE Academy invites best qualified applicants for the interview. The selection committee consists of the academic management and faculty of the OSCE Academy, a representative of the OSCE Offices or other representatives of international organizations. Selection criteria is based on a variety of factors such as educational background and relevant professional experience, proven academic excellence and leadership qualities, applicants’ general motivation and future career potential, communication, interpersonal and language skills.
- Stage 4– June 2026: Final decisions are based on the results of the tests and interviews.
The OSCE Academy reserves the right to change the periods and deadlines of the admission process.
Only successful candidates will be contacted for tests and interviews!
The OSCE Academy accepts maximum 20 students per year for MAHRS Programme from all Central Asian countries, Afghanistan, Mongolia and OSCE participating states. Based on the interview, the Final Admission Committee will make a final decision on whom to admit to the programme out of applicants, invited for the interview.