2022 FAQs About the Yousriya Loza-Sawiris Scholarship- Masters of Development Practice Program (YLSS)
We are pleased to announce the launch of the eighth round of the Yousriya Loza-Sawiris Scholarship – Masters of Development Practice Program (YLSS). Established in 2016, YLSS is a program of the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development. Newton Education Services has the honor of managing the application process for the scholarship, and we are here to answer all your questions. Below are a few of those that may come first to mind. You are also welcome to ask your questions at our upcoming webinar on Tuesday, August 9 at 6.00pm Cairo Time via Zoom. Registration for the webinar is at this link.
Sawiris Foundation chairwoman, philanthropist, former member of parliament, and businesswoman, Mrs. Loza-Sawiris is active in causes ranging from bettering the situation of garbage collectors, women, and street children to prevention and treatment of liver disease, environmental protection, and much more. Mrs. Loza-Sawiris exemplifies the goals of YLSS in her application of high-level knowledge to varied challenges, investing skillfully to improve life for others in Egypt.
What is YLSS?
YLSS is a scholarship providing full funding to earn a Master in Development Practice (MDP) degree from the University of Minnesota.
Is this scholarship right for me?
If your goals and background fit, the advantages are many. University of Minnesota’s Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs is one of the best in the world and the MDP offers unique practical strengths.
What kind of study does the MDP involve?
You will find MDP study dynamic and interdisciplinary. This two-year program is largely hands-on with many team projects focused on real world action. The MDP will equip you with the skills needed to address problems in such areas as poverty, social justice, and sustainable development. MDP students take courses in public policy, education, public health, natural sciences, social sciences, and interdisciplinary research techniques. The program draws on seven different academic units at the University of Minnesota, administered collaboratively by its Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs and the university’s Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Global Change. An international field experience takes place during the summer following the first year of MDP study. Students participate in a second practical group project known as a capstone during their final semester of study. The capstone is structured as a professional consultancy and is designed and implemented by the group in response to a request by an outside organization.
What does the international field experience involve?
The international field experience takes place over 8 to 10 weeks (400 hours). It includes both professional work and academic cross-cultural training. Recently, students have worked in such locations as Peru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Rwanda, Kenya, Jamaica, and Senegal. They have completed work with such organizations as UNESCO in the Philippines, Save the Children International in Thailand, and the American Indian Cancer Foundation in Minnesota.
What is the University of Minnesota like?
Located in the north of the United States, in a vibrant urban area along the banks of the Mississippi River, the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities is a large public research university with an enrollment of approximately 50,000 students. This setting provides a wealth of opportunities, resources, and state-of-the-art facilities for MDP students.
The Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs on campus, where YLSS students are based, offers a more intimate setting with about 500 students enrolled. Only around 50 are in the MDP program specifically; more than half of these students are international, from a broad range of countries. You can explore the Humphrey School site and broader university site to learn more.
To apply for YLSS, does my undergraduate degree need to be in a particular field?
No, many fields are relevant. A strong liberal arts education background and sound quantitative and analytical skills are recommended as best preparation for success in the program.
To apply for YLSS, do I need work experience?
Yes. Applicants should demonstrate a minimum of two years of work experience in the field of development.
What qualifies for the two years of development experience?
Applicant qualifications will be reviewed individually but, typically, acceptable experience will involve full-time work with organizations or campaigns working to build a better world through alleviating poverty, social and economic exclusion, as well as providing equitable educational opportunities for the most marginalized groups in Egypt.
What costs does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers full tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance. It also covers the summer field experience.
On which basis are scholars selected?
Scholars are selected based on financial need as well as merit and character demonstrated through academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and social behavior.
What level of English is required?
You will need to show either IELTS or TOEFL exams. Minimum required score as follows:
TOEFL
Total score: 100 (22 on each section)
IELTS
Total score: 7.0 ( 7 on each section)
Please Note: (Exam date should be within two years of graduate program start.)
What about scores on other tests?
No other tests are required.
What else do I need to provide to apply for YLSS?
Please consult the YLSS page, which links to an application form and lists additional required documents. To be eligible for the current round, this application must be fully completed and all materials submitted by October 13, 2022@11:59 pm Cairo time.
Is this the only application that I need to complete?
No, you also need to apply independently for the University of Minnesota MDP program, after you are selected to receive the scholarship. If you are selected to receive the scholarship, Newton will support you to apply to the MDP program. Here is information on applying.
Does becoming a YLSS Scholar involve a commitment?
Yes, by accepting YLSS funding you are agreeing to work for at least two consecutive years in Egypt’s development sector after graduation. The priority will be working for the Sawaris Foundation should there be relevant vacancies.
How do I find out more?
Newton Education Services will host an online information session to answer all questions on the Yousriya Loza-Sawiris Scholarship. The webinar will be held on Tuesday, August 9 at 6.00pm Cairo Time via Zoom. Registration for the webinar is at this link. For more questions, write to ylss@sawirisfoundation.org or ask a question in the comment area below. Also, keep an eye on our upcoming social media posts to know more about the scholarship, scholars and more upcoming webinars.