Frequently asked questions

KANIYA is built on transparency and evidence. Get answers to your most pressing questions here.

For students

How do I apply for a Scholarship?

Applying for a scholarship is easy! We only need a few documents that we can use to determine whether you are eligible for a scholarship with us. Please see the section What documents are required? to find out exactly what documents we need from you. 

For the application itself, it is important that you use the form that we have provided
here. In order to process your application, it is essential that you fill out the form completely and submit it together with all relevant documents. Unfortunately, the use of the form cannot be substituted by sending us an e-mail. The form contains information fields in the relevant places. If you still need help, you can of course reach out to us.

Am I eligible for the KANIYA scholarship?

KANIYA COLLECTIVE wants to be open to students and people from all walks of life. This is why we make no eligibility criteria concerning your background or grades. We only impose one criterion: You will need to have completed at least 66% of the credits necessary for finishing your degree at the time of your application. For example, if your degree requires 180 credits, you must have completed already 120 credits when you apply with us. This is because we want to ensure that as many scholars as possible can complete their degrees with the limited funding we have available.

Please note that due to the considerable fluctuations in the exchange rate and the adjustment of the tuition fees, we can only pay the amount with which you apply to us.

What is the application process?

First, you fill out our application form and submit all your documents. As soon as we have checked your documents for completeness, we will forward them to our jury of Lebanese public figures from media, arts, academics and the civil society.

The jury is ultimately responsible for deciding on the scholars. Each juror will assess a selected number of applications. This means you will be in touch with one juror during the application phase.

Scholars are selected based on their societal commitment, personality and ambitions, to create a group of individuals that support and challenge each other on their mission to create a better future for Lebanon.

KANIYA prioritises character over grades - so please apply, even if you are not an A+ student. Once the selection process of the jury is complete, we will contact you to let you know about the outcome.

What documents are required?

We need this information from you:

Letter of motivation: In this letter you should explain to us why you think you are suitable to become part of our KANIYA Scholarship Program. Good grades are not very important to us. More important for us are social commitment, an idea of what you want to achieve with your completed studies and what else distinguishes you to become part of our collective. The length should be about one page.

Curriculum vitae: In your CV you should give us an overview of your school, university and other relevant activities, memberships and achievements. It should be comprehensible for our jury what you engaged in the last years and how far you have come with your education so far.

Proof that you are still enrolled as a student: We need this to verify whether you are still enrolled as a student. Please note that KANIYA COLLECTIVE can pay your funding only directly at the university. Cash transfers to students are not foreseen due to legal requirements of German authorities.

Transcript of records: This helps us verify your study progress

The exact amount of funding you will need from us, both in US Dollars and in Lebanese Pound. These funds should cover all the tuition fees you will need from KANIYA COLLECTIVE in order to complete your studies. KANIYA COLLECTIVE can only commit to funding the exact amount that you have stated in your application.

Please make sure that you provide all this information before the deadline. We can only process your application if all documents are uploaded using the application form before the deadline.

Please make this the information required as clear as possible, e.g. by highlighting, pointing out important information (in color) or attaching documents and explanations. 

What if i cannot get my proof of enrolment or transcript on timE?

Your proof of enrolment helps. us verify that you are currently enrolled in a university. So in case your university needs more time to provide you with an official proof of enrolment, please upload a document which can fulfil the same purpose. For example, you can take a screenshot of your university portal which verifies your enrolment, or upload an e-mail from your university office which confirms that you are enrolled.

You can follow the same process for the transcript of records: In case your university requires more time to provide an official one, you may send a screenshot or export from your university portal.

As soon as you have the official documents, please send them to paul@kaniyacollective.org.

What is expected from me if i become a kaniya scholar?

We want our scholars not only to benefit financially from one of our scholarships, but also to become part of our collective. This includes participation in the events we organize for you and your KANIYA fellows, and a committed involvement in the administration of the scholarship.

Most importantly, during your scholarship you should let us know ahead of time of outstanding payments and their deadline,  and help us report back to our donors on your study progress and first employment after graduating.

With KANIYA COLLECTIVE, we want to create a community that thrives on everyone getting involved and engaged.

Is there a maximum amount with which I can apply?

No - the only importance is that you have completed at least 66% of your credits when applying. Please note that due to the considerable fluctuations in the exchange rate and the adjustment of the tuition fees, we can only pay the amount with which you apply to us.

For donors

How are the scholarships financed?

KANIYA is financed through crowdfunding and public donors. Our main donor for 2023 are SOS Children's Villages.

KANIYA does not accept any donations from actors with an agenda that interferes with the independence of Lebanese civil society, KANIYA's core values or the
European Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Next to strict reporting requirements by German public authorities, KANIYA holds itself accountable to highest standards of transparency. Funds provided to KANIYA will be reinvested solely in its mission in the most direct way possible. The founding team is working unsalaried, making sure to limit administrative or overhead costs to a minimum.

What is the long-term benefit of students graduating?

A lack of access to education is considered the origin of poverty. The inability to get an education or being forced to drop out of studies can lead to a cycle of poverty. However, the ability to study can break this cycle. Obtaining a degree is a great achievement for those affected and their families. It gives students the confidence they need to make something of themselves. The self-assurance they gain helps them to achieve even more in life. It also motivates others to follow a similar path and invest in education.

Especially in times when a country is going through difficult times, it is essential to strengthen the aspiring youth in their efforts to change for the better. The greater the share of the population that has received an education, the greater the increase in productivity and GDP. Well-educated societies also register a stronger sense of community and promote trust within society.

It all starts with education.

How do you make sure the donations reach the students?

On top of the strict reporting requirements made by German tax authorities, KANIYA is taking several measures to ensure the money is spent exactly on the desired purposes. Learn more about our pledge to transparency.

Tuition payments are transferred directly from KANIYA to the respective universities. By sending the money from Germany to Lebanon using well-known international financial services, KANIYA is able to cut out intermediaries and ensure that donations reach their target destination.

Doesn't your initiative encourage brain drain?

Possibly, yes. But: The positive consequences of Brain Drain outweigh the negative aspects. It is not only the country of destination which benefits from the consequences of Brain Drain. Countries of origin also profit from the emigration of parts of their population. Migrants reinvest the wealth gained abroad in their countries of origin and transfer productive ideas back there. Thus, diaspora networks of migrants can drive capital accumulation, innovation and growth in the countries of origin.

In addition to the positive economic effects, which can be seen above all in the increasing investment in education, especially for women, Brain Drain also results in ideational improvements: For example, emigrants who have managed to establish themselves in their destination countries often become role models in their countries of origin.

Young people are made aware of the importance of education. Seen from the perspective of society as a whole, this in turn has the effect of improving the economic situation in the countries of origin.

Have another question? Get in touch!

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