Myanmar Scholars and Leaders Program

Download the MSLP Scholarship Application Form in PDF
Download the MSLP Scholarship Application Form in WORD
Download the MSLP Program and Instructions

MYANMAR SCHOLARS AND LEADERS PROGRAM: 2022-2023

Spring 2023

The Myanmar Scholars and Leaders Program (MSLP) is a scholarship program aimed at supporting the next generation of leaders and scholars from Myanmar to develop strong technical expertise, analytical skills, and leadership skills needed to assume leadership responsibilities in different government institutions and sectors in Myanmar and beyond. From a pool of diverse and promising young leaders in Myanmar, in leading U.S. graduate programs, candidates will be selected for support in both Master’s and Ph.D. programs.

While other fields of study may also be considered, priority will be given to study in areas relevant to Myanmar’s development, such as public affairs, public administration, public management, public policy, law, environmental management, hydrology, fisheries management, agricultural economics, finance, public health, education policy, higher education administration and leadership, international peace studies, sustainable development, economic development, international development, international trade and commerce, human rights, global affairs, cyber security, etc.

MSLP scholarship recipients are expected to participate in a summer policy research program through the BACI Center for Research, Policy and Innovation (CRPI) in collaboration with partner universities, including the National University of the Union of Myanmar – Global Campus.

DETAILS:

A. Eligibility

1. Age:  Candidates must be between 21 and 45 years of age.
2. Nationality: Candidates must be Myanmar citizens or permanent residents of Myanmar.
3. English language scores: Official TOEFL, IELTS, or DUOLINGO scores are not required but high scores will make the application stronger.
4. Academic record: Candidates should have already earned a Bachelor Degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent. Graduate coursework may be considered for candidates who have already earned a graduate degree.
5. Enrollment status: Applicants must already be enrolled or admitted to begin in-person coursework at a graduate school in the US by the end of January 2023.

B. Scholarship Amount

It varies, ranging from partial support, generous financial support, to fully funded. Full scholarships are awarded only in partnership with other funders and hosting Universities on the basis of merit.

C. Application

Applicants should submit the following: Application form, including personal statement

1. Curriculum (in English)
2. Transcripts of past university-level coursework
3. Scans of diplomas
4. Two strong letters of recommendation from supervisors, former instructors, etc. (in English)
5. Proof of of admissions, enrollment, and/or course schedule
6. TOEFL, IELTS, DUOLINGO Scores (if any)
7. Additional optional documents (in Myanmar or English) that may strengthen the application, such as: evidence of volunteer or community service, evidence of academic or professional achievements, etc.

D. Selection Criteria

1. Potential to contribute to Myanmar society after the scholarship period;
2. Strong academic record;
3. Professional achievements and demonstrated leadership potential;  
4. English proficiency (good to excellent English skills);
5. Strength of letters of recommendation.
   
   E. Timeline

F. Notes:

i) The application should be submitted to: MSLP@thebaci.org. Questions should be sent to the same email address.
ii) The application should be in pdf form and less than 20MB. Supporting documents should be scanned and included in the application.

“The challenges that Myanmar is facing are also the challenges of South East Asia and the world. We will support Myanmar by sharing all the experiences we have from the U.S. and Vietnam,” said Dr. Anh Tran, Director of the Vietnam Initiative and Professor at Indiana University’s O’Neil School, a top ranked Public Affairs School in the US. Tran also serves as an Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister of Vietnam.

Dr. Anh Tran