Guidelines for Application

About the Programme

Afghans for Progressive Thinking (APT) is pleased to announce the next cohort of the Mentorship for Higher Education Programme designed to support Afghan women who have been banned from pursuing education inside Afghanistan. Through this program, they will receive personalized guidance from professional mentors, including academics, to receive tailored support to help them prepare competitive university and scholarship applications.

APT’s Mentorship program aims to empower Afghan women to access higher education globally, build confidence, and contribute to the future of Afghanistan.

Programme Objectives

  • Provide pathways for Afghan women banned from education to access universities abroad.
  • Provide practical guidance on university applications, scholarships, and academic readiness.
  • Connect mentees to global networks of educators and professionals.
  • Ensure mentees are prepared to secure offer letters and admission opportunities.

What the Programme Offers

  • One-on-one mentorship with international mentors. 
  • Guidance on preparing university and scholarship applications
  • Support in preparing CVs, personal statements, and motivation letters
  • English language preparation and practice sessions
  • Mock interviews and feedback to strengthen applications
  • Continued support through the APT community

Mentees: Eligibility Criteria

  • Female citizens of Afghanistan currently residing in Afghanistan
  • Motivated to pursue higher education abroad
  • Proficient in English (TOEFL/IELTS preferred but not required)
  • Reliable internet access
  • English language certificate (preferred but not mandatory)
  • Previous participants are not eligible to reapply

Roles & Responsibilities: Maintain regular contact, attend sessions, complete assignments (CVs, essays, applications), and attend mock interviews.

Mentors: Eligibility Criteria

  • Strong academic background and higher education experience
  • University lecturers, assistant professors, professors, PhD candidates, or PhD holders
  • Higher education consultants or admissions experts
  • Proficient in English
  • Familiar with scholarship and admissions processes

Roles & Responsibilities: Provide guidance, review documents, share resources, and support mentees throughout the process. 

Programme Information

  • Programme Structure

    • We will have orientation sessions for mentees and mentors
    • Our weekly mentorship meetings will be conducted virtually
    • We will have monthly group workshops (CV writing, scholarship search, interview prep)

  • Selection Committee

  • Applications will be reviewed by a dedicated selection committee who will:

    • Assess motivation and readiness of applicants
    • Match mentees with suitable mentors based on academic interests and goals
    • Ensure transparency and fairness in the selection process

  • Application Requirements

  • Applicants should prepare the following documents before applying:

    • Transcript of university (if applicable)
    • High school diploma 
    • TOEFL/IELTS test score (preferred but not mandatory)
    • Updated CV/resume
    • National ID card and passport copy
    • Motivation letter explaining academic goals and reasons for applying

  • Application Process

    1. Submit online application form with required documents
    2. Shortlisting by the selection committee
    3. Online interview for shortlisted mentees
    4. Matching with mentors
    5. Orientation and programme start

  • Timeline

    • 10 July: Applications open
    • 20 July: Deadline for mentees
    • 30 July: Deadline for mentors
    • 1–3 August: Selection committee review
    • 6–10 August: Interviews and final selection
    • 15 August: Orientation session
    • August–November: Mentorship programme (weekly sessions + monthly workshops)
    • December: Alumni integration and feedback collection

  • Support & Resources

    • Mentees will have access to scholarship databases 
    • Mentees will receive templates for CVs and motivation letters. 
    • Mentees will receive recommendation letters.
    • English language practice groups
    • Peer support through alumni network

  • Code of Conduct

    • Respectful communication between mentors and mentees
    • Commitment to confidentiality of shared personal information
    • Professionalism in all interactions
  • We will have orientation sessions for mentees and mentors
  • Our weekly mentorship meetings will be conducted virtually
  • We will have monthly group workshops (CV writing, scholarship search, interview prep)

Applications will be reviewed by a dedicated selection committee who will:

  • Assess motivation and readiness of applicants
  • Match mentees with suitable mentors based on academic interests and goals
  • Ensure transparency and fairness in the selection process

Applicants should prepare the following documents before applying:

  • Transcript of university (if applicable)
  • High school diploma 
  • TOEFL/IELTS test score (preferred but not mandatory)
  • Updated CV/resume
  • National ID card and passport copy
  • Motivation letter explaining academic goals and reasons for applying
  1. Submit online application form with required documents
  2. Shortlisting by the selection committee
  3. Online interview for shortlisted mentees
  4. Matching with mentors
  5. Orientation and programme start
  • 10 July: Applications open
  • 20 July: Deadline for mentees
  • 30 July: Deadline for mentors
  • 1–3 August: Selection committee review
  • 6–10 August: Interviews and final selection
  • 15 August: Orientation session
  • August–November: Mentorship programme (weekly sessions + monthly workshops)
  • December: Alumni integration and feedback collection
  • Mentees will have access to scholarship databases 
  • Mentees will receive templates for CVs and motivation letters. 
  • Mentees will receive recommendation letters.
  • English language practice groups
  • Peer support through alumni network
  • Respectful communication between mentors and mentees
  • Commitment to confidentiality of shared personal information
  • Professionalism in all interactions

JOIN THE PROGRAM

Thank you for your interest in supporting Afghan women through this mentorship program.
Your willingness to share your time and experience is truly appreciated.

Important Commitment Notice
Please note that this mentorship requires a clear and consistent commitment of at least one hour per week. Once a mentor is matched with a mentee, changing mentors is very difficult, and a lack of follow-up can seriously affect the mentee.

Please apply only if you are sure you can stay engaged for the full 3-months duration of the program. If you are unsure about your availability, we kindly ask you not to apply at this stage of applications.

Application Deadline: 30 July 2026

Call for Mentors - Higher Education Mentorship

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Are you a young woman looking for guidance in university applications, essay writing, and scholarship opportunities? Our Mentorship for Higher Education Program connects young women with experienced mentors who will guide them through university applications, essay writing, and personalized support. Through our virtual sessions, you’ll improve your writing, enhance your skills, and gain valuable insights to strengthen your academic journey. Fill out the application form below to join this transformative opportunity!

Important note: You must answer all questions by yourself. We use AI detection tools, and if any part is written by AI or someone else, your application will be disqualified.

Application Deadline: 20 July 2026

Call for Mentees - Higher Education Mentorship

Personal Information

Academic Background

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Answer the following questions without the use of AI assistance!

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