Are You Eligible For The MIP Program?

The MIP Program does not discriminate on the basis of ethnic origin, age, race, color, gender, religion or disability. Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Competition for the MIP Program is merit-based and open to anyone who meets the following requirements:

  • Must have an Albanian passport throughout the whole duration of the program;
  • Resident in Albania at the time of application and during the selection process;
  • Must hold a university degree requiring at least four years full-time study (or three + one, three + two in the Bologna system). Bachelor's degree must be in law in order to apply in the field of law. The university diploma will be evaluated by the U.S host university during the selection phase;
  • The minimum required university degree GPA is 8.0 (on scale of 10);
  • Must have a minimum of two years professional experience in the field of study and demonstrate leadership ability;
  • Able to demonstrate an outstanding academic record and achievements, professional aptitude and leadership potential in the selected field of specialization;
  • Proficiency in oral and written English. TOEFL test scores are not required at the time of application;
  • Motivated with a sense of purpose in pursuing the desired study program, as demonstrated in prior relevant work experience and additional activities;
  • Depending on the field of study, the candidate will sit for GRE & GMAT testing;
  • Able to begin the program of study in the U.S. in the summer of 2024;
  • Able to receive and maintain a U.S. J-1 exchange visitor visa;
  • Agree to return and reside in Albania for a minimum of two years to make a significant contribution to the relevant field and must agree to sign an agreement with AADF prior to start of academic year;
  • Willing to be proactive with MIP Alumni Network AADF upon return;
  • Applicants who have already earned a Master's Degree from a U.S. university will not be considered.
Timeline
  • Online Application Opens

    January 15, 2024

    The MIP Graduate Fellowship Program application is available for completion at mip.americancouncilsnetwork.org

  • Application deadline

    April 10, 2024

    All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST - USA) in order to be considered for review.

  • Tier-1 Semifinalists Identified

    July 2024

    All completed applications are reviewed by a panel of U.S. admissions experts and tier 1 semi-finalist candidates are identified and notified.

  • TOEFL Exams

    August 26, 2024

    Please note, the MIP Program will no longer be providing TOEFL preparatory courses or TOEFL exam fees. Each tier-1 semifinalist will be required to submit an official TOEFL score report at their own expense for further consideration in the MIP Graduate Fellowship Program selection process.

  • Tier-2 Semifinalists Identified

    August-September 2024

    Application and TOEFL results are reviewed and highly ranked candidates will be designated tier 2 semi-finalists and will remain in the selection process as potential finalists. Tier 2 candidates will be provided a GRE or GMAT preparatory course required to take either the GRE or GMAT exam depending on their field of study.

  • GRE/ GMAT Preparation Courses

    September-October 2024

    Tier 2 candidates will be provided a group GRE & GMAT preparatory course.

  • GRE/ GMAT Exams

    October 2024

    Tier 2 candidates will be required to take either the GRE or GMAT exam depending on their field of study.

  • Interviews & Finalists Identified

    November 2024

    All tier 2 semi-finalists interviewed by AADF staff, university admission specialists, and American Councils staff in Tirana and official copies of supporting documents are to be submitted at the interview. Application, TOEFL/GRE/GMAT results, and interview notes are reviewed and highly ranked candidates will be designated as finalists.

  • Beginning of Program Conference

    May 2025

    All MIP finalists will be required to take part in the Beginning of Program Conference in Tirana. The conference sessions will be lead initially by staff of American Councils.

  • Travel to the U.S.

    August 2025

    All MIP finalists will travel to the U.S. to begin their time on the program.

See the FAQ page for more information