Open Call: The Lane Kirkland Scholarship Program

The Lane Kirkland Scholarships 2026–2027 offer fully funded study opportunities in Poland for professionals from selected Eastern Europe, South Caucasus, and Central Asian countries. Administered by the Leaders of Change Foundation, the program supports advanced academic study, professional development, and policy-oriented research across priority fields such as governance, law, security, and post-war reconstruction.

The Leaders of Change Foundation has opened applications for the Lane Kirkland Scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year.

This prestigious scholarship program supports mid-career professionals from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan to pursue advanced studies and research in Poland.

Program Overview

The Lane Kirkland Scholarships are designed to strengthen leadership capacity, public policy expertise, and professional competence in countries undergoing political, economic, and social transformation.

The program combines university-level academic study with research projects, professional networking, and skills development, enabling scholars to apply their learning directly to their home-country contexts.

Fields of Study and Priority Areas

The scholarship supports academic study and applied research in the following fields:

• Economics and management

• Public administration and business administration

• Law and human rights

• Social and political sciences

• Journalism and international relations

• Environmental protection and climate studies

• Security, crisis management, and resilience

• Development policy and humanitarian action

• Post-war reconstruction and recovery-related disciplines

Scholarship Benefits and Financial Support

Academic Support

Scholars receive:

• Free access to university courses in Poland

• Ongoing guidance from a dedicated academic advisor

• Structured academic supervision throughout the program

Financial Stipend

The program provides a stipend of PLN 22,500, paid in nine monthly installments over a nine-month period.

This stipend supports living expenses and study-related costs during the scholar’s stay in Poland.

In-Kind Support Package

In addition to the stipend, scholars receive in-kind support valued at approximately PLN 5,000 per month, including:

• Accommodation for the full duration of stay in Poland

• Health insurance covering outpatient and emergency treatment

• Civil liability insurance

• Public transport cards

• Coverage of visa-related costs

• Access to research materials and academic resources

Travel and Mobility Support

The scholarship includes:

• Reimbursement of travel costs for arrival in Poland and return, within annually defined limits

• One return flight ticket to Poland up to an agreed amount

• Participation in an introductory course and grantees’ conventions

• A Polish language course running from October to June

Who Is Eligible?

The Lane Kirkland Scholarships are intended for experienced professionals actively engaged in public, social, or economic life.

Eligible applicants include:

• Civil servants and employees of central or local government institutions

• Lawyers and legal professionals

• Entrepreneurs and business leaders

• Managers and staff of non-governmental organizations

• Professionals working in culture, education, media, and journalism

• Environmental protection and healthcare professionals

• Business and private sector specialists

• Leaders and animators in civic and cultural initiatives

• Academic teachers and researchers

• Journalists and media professionals

Preferred Candidate Profile

Preference is given to applicants who:

• Demonstrate active professional and social engagement

• Have significant achievements in their field

• Show leadership potential and commitment to public service

• Have not previously studied in Poland

• Propose projects with clear relevance to their home country’s development

How the Scholarship Works

1. Scholars are selected through a competitive application process

2. Selected candidates enroll in Polish universities for approved courses

3. Each scholar develops and implements a professional or research project

4. Scholars prepare a diploma paper aligned with their field of study

5. Participants engage in networking, conventions, and training events

6. Upon completion, scholars join an international alumni network

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a complete online application package, which includes:

1. A completed online application form

2. A detailed personal questionnaire

3. A motivation statement explaining participation goals

4. A project proposal to be carried out during the stay in Poland

5. An outline of the planned diploma paper

6. Two letters of reference in Polish or English from non-family members

7. A copy of a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD diploma

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete or inconsistent application documents

• Providing vague motivation statements without a clear project focus

• Failing to link the proposed project to home-country impact

• Using referees who are family members or lack professional relevance

• Applying without meeting professional experience expectations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Lane Kirkland Scholarship Program?

It is a fully funded academic and professional development program in Poland for professionals from selected countries in Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia.

Who administers the scholarship?

The program is administered by the Leaders of Change Foundation.

How much financial support do scholars receive?

Scholars receive a PLN 22,500 stipend over nine months, plus in-kind support valued at approximately PLN 5,000 per month.

Does the scholarship cover accommodation?

Yes. Accommodation for the entire stay in Poland is included as part of the in-kind support package.

Are travel costs covered?

Yes. Travel to and from Poland is reimbursed within limits set annually, including one return ticket.

Is knowledge of Polish required?

No prior Polish language knowledge is required. Scholars receive a Polish language course from October to June.

Can applicants who studied in Poland before apply?

Preference is given to candidates who have not previously studied in Poland.

Why the Lane Kirkland Scholarships Matter

The Lane Kirkland Scholarships play a key role in building regional expertise, strengthening democratic institutions, and supporting sustainable development and post-conflict recovery.

By investing in professionals committed to public service and social impact, the program contributes to long-term leadership development across participating countries.

Conclusion

The Lane Kirkland Scholarships 2026–2027 offer a comprehensive, fully funded opportunity for professionals to advance their education, expand international networks, and implement impactful projects in Poland.

For candidates committed to driving positive change in their home countries, this program provides the academic foundation, financial support, and professional exposure needed to turn expertise into action.