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Introducing Our New Program: The CSF Excellence Award

The CSF Excellence Award is a new initiative designed to support and inspire professional excellence and continued growth beyond the master’s level. This program reflects CSF’s ongoing commitment to its core mission: providing financial assistance to help develop future leaders in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

By recognizing academic and artistic achievement among individuals with demonstrated financial need, the Excellence Award 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.

Financial assistance may include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Financial assistance for enrollment in accredited PhD or other postgraduate programs
• Full or partial coverage of expenses for continuing education programs and professional development courses
• Support for participation in educational workshops and career-focused seminars
• Financial assistance for presenting at major scientific conferences or professional workshops
• Support for artistic performances at recognized cultural events
• Contributions toward the purchase of academic or research equipment that benefits universities and their students

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.

Who Can Apply

The Excellence Award is open to:

• Former recipients of a CSF scholarship
• Croatian university graduates seeking to advance their professional development

All applicants must demonstrate Croatian heritage.

Applicants must be seeking to advance their professional development and must have demonstrated academic or artistic excellence.

Program Timeline

Launch Date: TBD

Application Submission: Applications are currently being accepted.

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

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

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

Selection Criteria

Each application will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Completeness of the application
• Croatian heritage
• Residency in Croatia or Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Demonstrated financial need
•  Quality and clarity of the proposal and description of the requested support
• Academic or professional excellence
• Supporting documentation for the proposed request
• Potential contribution to Croatian society and its global image

Current Application Phase

At this time, CSF is accepting applications only from individuals who are planning to enroll in, or have been accepted into, an accredited PhD or postdoctoral program at a university in Croatia or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

If you are considering or have been accepted into a PhD or postdoctoral program, please contact CSF at info@croatianscholarship.org to express your interest. In your email, include basic information about yourself and a brief description of the proposed activity or program to which you intend to apply, or into which you have been accepted. If your proposed activity meets our initial requirements, you will be contacted with additional information about the full application process.

Individuals who are not enrolled in, or do not plan to enroll in, a PhD program but are interested in other Excellence Award categories are encouraged to visit our website for future announcements, which will be posted in Fall 2026

Applying for non PhD students (after Fall 2026)

To express interest in applying, please email CSF with:

• Basic personal information
• A detailed proposal outlining the purpose of your request
• A brief explanation of how the award would benefit you and the Croatian community

If your proposal meets program requirements, you will be contacted with further instructions, including required documentation and a link to the online application.

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

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

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Following will not be published on the final version of the page

1. Authorized Funding Sources and Eligible Uses

It is anticipated that each award will be in the range of $3,000.00 – $10,000.00 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’s funds.

1.1 Rados Fund
The Rados Fund shall support:

• Artistic performances; and
• Advanced studies in music.

1.2 General Account
The General Account shall support:

• Advanced studies; and
• Professional development activities.

1.3 Grgich Fund
The Grgich Fund shall support:

• Advanced studies; and
• Professional development activities.

1.4 Individual or Organizational Sponsors
Individual or organizational sponsors may provide funding for:

• Advanced academic degrees beyond those previously completed;
• Specialized short-term professional development programs; or
• Other approved educational initiatives aligned with the organization’s mission.

2. Special Awards

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

Example: Ivo Kokic, a recent master’s degree recipient, was approved to receive a one-time award ( tuition payment) to pursue a one-year program of study leading to service in the diplomatic corps.

Note: Different award categories may require specific outcome measures to evaluate individual success and overall program impact.

All funded activities shall demonstrate a clear benefit to the Croatian community.