Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. MIP will provisionally accept all diplomas from all universities. Having said that, the question of whether a diploma is valid is ultimately up to our partner institutions. They will ultimately make such decisions after a thorough review of the circumstances. So, while we will accept an application and put a candidate through the application process regardless of where they got their diploma, we may not be able to place them at a U.S. university. Additionally, the U.S. Embassy may issue rules restricting J-1 visas to individuals holding an unaccredited diploma. Both of these factors - university acceptance of Albanian diplomas, and Consular granting of J-1 visas - are beyond AADF's control.

Please submit your inquiry to master@mip-aadf.org

All semi-finalists will be required to take the TOEFL exam at their own cost.
Addtionally, those candidates that pass the interview stage will be required to take either the GRE or GMAT exam depending on their field of study.
All business majors would be required to take the GMAT.
In general, all other fields of study would be required to take the GRE exam. The applicants do not need to sit for these tests prior the application phase. The Albanian - American Development Foundation and American Councils office in Tirana will administer the GRE & GMAT official tests for semi-finalists. They will coordinate and cover all related costs for the GRE/GMAT (test fees, transportation costs to test site, accommodation).

The following items will be paid for by the program:
- Tuition Fees
- A modest stipend for your room and board
- Book allowance
- Medical Insurance
- Round-trip travel
- Visa Fees
Any further expenses while on program would need to be paid for by the participant.

There are no geographic restrictions to where MIP Participants can be placed in the U.S.

Most U.S. graduate programs will last 2 academic years. However, some may be of a shorter duration; either one academic year or 18-months.

You can apply, but keep in mind that those candidates with significant amounts of professional experience will be given preference throughout the selection process.

If you are unable to complete an online application, e-mail to master@mip-aadf.org or contact the contact the Albanian – American Development Foundation in Tirana.

The deadline for the application and supporting materials is in the Spring. Check the timeline of the Fellowship section for the exact date. By this date you must have completed an online application and should have already begun preparing for the TOEFL and other standardized exams. The Albanian - American Development Foundation and American Councils office in Tirana will administer the TOEFL, GRE & GMAT official tests for semi-finalists. They will coordinate and cover all related costs (test fees, transportation costs to test site, accommodation).

The selection is a three-step process. First, all applications are reviewed by U.S. admissions experts and AADF staff. Second, highly-ranked candidates are interviewed and tested in Tirana, Albania. Finally, the applications, TOEFL/GRE/GMAT results, and interview notes are reviewed and highly ranked candidates will be designated as finalists. Results are announced by mid-December.

Yes. Individuals who have applied to U.S. institutions independently are eligible to apply for the master’s degree fellowship. However, there is no guarantee that if you win the master’s degree fellowship you will be placed at the same university you wish to attend independently. Submit copies of any letters of acceptance with your MIP application.

For the initial application process, simply fill in and submit your online application. If you are selected as a semifinalist, you will be required to submit physical documents verifying the information you provided in your online application. In the event that the information you provided in your online application does not match the information contained in the physical documents you provide at the semifinalist stage, you may be disqualified from the competition. If you become a semifinalist, you will need to submit the following at the time of your interview:
- Official copies of all university transcripts in the language(s) in which they were issued. One transcript from each institution of higher education attended must be attached. Each transcript must bear the stamp or seal of the department of the university that issued it. For the purposes of this program, a transcript is a listing of every course you took to receive your diploma and the grade you received in each course.
- Certified English translations of your university transcripts. Each English language transcript must bear the stamp or seal of the department of the university that issued it. Also, each English language transcript must have the stamp or seal of the English language department or translating service confirming the accuracy of the translation. Applicant may not certify his/her own translation.
- Official copies of all diplomas you have received in the language(s) in which they were issued. Each diploma must bear the stamp or seal of the department of the university that issued it.
- Certified English translations of your diplomas. Each English language diploma must bear the stamp or seal of the department of the university that issued it. Also, each English language diploma must have the stamp or seal of the English language department or translating service confirming the accuracy of the translation. Applicant may not certify his/her own translation.
- Copies of TOEFL, GRE, and/or GMAT score reports (if taken previously).
- Photocopy of the picture page of your Albanian passport (if you have one).

In case of technical problems with online application, please contact the project staff at master@mip-aadf.org to discuss for other arrangements if possible. We highly encourage not to wait for the last day to apply because the system may encounter problems.

MIP Fellows are required to return to Albania after their studies and apply their skills to the economic development of the country. Failure to return will result in the full repayment of the participant's program costs.

Provided all relevant program requirements are met, American Councils and AADF will provide you with the necessary documents and support to apply. However, the graduate institution, American Councils or AADF cannot guarantee that the U.S Embassy or Consulate will issue the J-1 visa; any visa related decision is solely and only responsibility of the U.S Embassy or Consulate.

The fellowship does not support financially the stay of spouse and children of fellowship holder throughout the academic study period.

MIP is eligible only to Albanian citizens who live in Albania during the application process and plan to live in Albania in the future. All applicants must convincingly demonstrate their devotion to the long-term, economic development of Albania; and that, therefore, the status as a dual-citizen will be a subject of inquiry during the application process.

No, you do not need to be accepted (or even have applied) to a U.S. university prior to submitting an application for the MIP Program. If you are identified as a finalist, the staff of American Councils will find a university admission on your behalf.

You only need translate the document into English for the selection committee to be able to read the document. You do not need to have an official translation.