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Introducing Our New Program: The CSF Excellence Award

1. Purpose

The CSF Excellence Program is an initiative designed to support and inspire professional excellence and continued academic and professional growth beyond the baccalaureate or master’s level.

The program reflects CSF’s ongoing commitment to its core mission of providing financial assistance to help develop future leaders in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

By recognizing academic, professional, and artistic achievement among individuals with demonstrated financial need, the Excellence Program represents a meaningful expansion of CSF’s mission.

Priority will be given to candidates who intend to pursue their education and professional development within Croatia or Bosnia and Herzegovina. Candidates who plan to study or pursue professional development outside Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina may also be considered, provided they meet the program’s eligibility requirements.

Financial assistance may be awarded for the following purposes, including but not limited to:

• Enrollment in accredited PhD or other postgraduate programs, with financial support primarily directed toward tuition. Additional financial assistance may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the circumstances and availability of CSF funds.
• Recognized scientific research, artistic development, and competitions representing Croatia at international forums, as well as other accomplishments that contribute to Croatia’s recognition in the international community.
• Artistic performances at recognized cultural events, workshops, and competitions, both domestically and internationally, at established and recognized artistic forums.
• Purchase of academic or research equipment that benefits universities and their students and enhances existing academic programs. Funds will not be provided directly to the university. Rather, CSF will purchase the approved equipment and subsequently donate it to the university.
• Special awards, in exceptional circumstances, for advanced study or professional activities that directly contribute to professional service or leadership.

All funded activities must demonstrate a clear benefit to the recipient and, more broadly, to the Croatian community.

The amount of each award will be determined based on the scope and quality of the proposal, demonstrated financial need, and the availability of CSF funds.

The program is designed to be flexible, allowing participants to pursue opportunities that align with their academic and professional goals.

2. Who Can Apply

The Excellence Award is open to:

• Former recipients of a CSF scholarship
• University graduates of Croatian heritage residing in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina seeking to advance their academic, artistic, or professional development

Applicants must demonstrate Croatian heritage and meet the program’s residency requirements.

3. Selection Criteria

Applicants must be seeking to advance their academic, artistic, or professional development and must demonstrate a record of excellence in their respective field.

Candidates will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Completeness of the application.
• Croatian heritage and residency in Croatia or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Demonstrated financial need.
• Quality and clarity of the proposal and description of the requested support.
• Academic, artistic, or professional excellence.
• Supporting documentation for the proposed activity or request.
• Potential contribution to Croatian society and Croatia’s recognition in the international community.

4. Funding Guidelines

Awards are anticipated to range from $3,000 to $10,000. The amount of each award will be determined based on:

• The scope and quality of the proposal.
• Demonstrated financial need.
• The anticipated benefit and impact of the proposed activity.
• The availability of CSF funds.

The program is designed to provide flexibility, allowing recipients to pursue opportunities that align with their academic, artistic, and professional goals.

5. How to Apply

Individuals interested in the Excellence Program should email info@croatianscholarship.org with a brief statement outlining their interest in the program and describing the proposed activity or educational opportunity.

If the proposal appears to align with the objectives of the Excellence Program, CSF will provide the applicant with a link to the formal application process.

All applicants will be required to submit the following with the formal application:

• Academic transcripts from their most recent degree program (not required for applicants already accepted into an accredited PhD program)
• Proof of acceptance into PhD program
• Proof of Croatian heritage
• Documentation of current financial circumstances, including income, employment status, and relevant financial challenges
• Up to three letters of recomendation

6. Special Awards

In exceptional circumstances, CSF may grant a one-time award for advanced study or professional development that directly contributes to professional service or leadership.

Examples of activities that may qualify include:

• A recent master’s degree recipient pursuing a one-year program of study that prepares the recipient for service in the diplomatic corps.
• An accomplished musician receiving support to participate in a recognized international piano competition.

7. Program Timeline

Application Submission: Applications are currently being accepted.

Application Deadline: Each year July 31.

Application Review Period: Applications are reviewed once per year in August.

Notification of Results: Applicants will be notified of results by the end of September.

Duration of Award: Varies by award type. Recipients of PhD-level awards may receive funding for up to three consecutive years of study.

All funded activities must demonstrate a clear and meaningful benefit to the recipient and to the Croatian community.

Contact Information

Barbara Jagiello
+1 415-290-1560 (English)

Marijana Pavic
+1 530-392-2467 (English or Croatian)

Email: info@croatianscholarship.org
Web page: www.croatianscholarship.org