Actually Open
The Butrint Management Foundation (BMF) is pleased to announce the call for applications for the Student Scholarship Programme for Scientific Research on Butrint, aimed at supporting academic research with a direct focus on Butrint National Park.
The programme is open to students in the second year of a Master of Science programme who intend to undertake research that contributes to expanding knowledge and supporting the study and management of the values of Butrint National Park.
Eligibility Criteria
Applications will proceed to the evaluation stage only if all of the following eligibility criteria are met. Failure to meet any one of these criteria will result in exclusion from further evaluation.
- The applicant must be an Albanian citizen and enrolled in the second year of an accredited Master of Science programme at a higher education institution in the Republic of Albania.
- The applicant must have completed a Bachelor’s degree with a grade point average of at least 8.0, or an equivalent threshold under the grading system of the respective institution.
- The research topic or proposal must have Butrint National Park as its direct focus and relate to at least one of the programme’s priority fields.
- The application must be submitted in full, within the deadline, and in accordance with the submission method and format specified in the call and the relevant guidelines.
- The applicant must provide evidence of English language proficiency at a minimum B1 level.
- The applicant must not be receiving another scholarship for the same cycle of study and the same expenses.
- The applicant must not have been convicted by a final court decision of an offence that compromises the integrity of the process or the proper use of funds.
Priority Fields
Research proposals must relate to at least one of the following priority fields: Archaeology, History, Geology, Economics, Engineering, Ecology, Agriculture, Management of Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage, and Visitor Management.
Funding
The programme has an annual budget of up to USD 15,000, while each student may apply for funding of up to USD 2,500.
The amount awarded will depend on the justified budget, final ranking, and availability of funds. The scholarship is valid for a period of 12 months from the date the successful applicant is announced.
Only approved expenses incurred during the term of the agreement and directly related to the research are eligible for funding. These may include direct research costs; books and materials; participation in conferences or scientific activities; subscriptions to libraries or digital resources; and transportation.
Transportation costs may not exceed 20% of the total amount requested.
Application Documents
The application must include:
- The Application Form – Annex 1, duly completed;
- An updated CV;
- A copy of the applicant’s passport or identity card;
- A copy of the Bachelor’s degree diploma and academic transcript;
- A certificate of enrolment and academic transcript for the first year of the Master of Science programme;
- An English language certificate demonstrating proficiency at a minimum B1 level;
- A motivation letter clearly explaining the applicant’s academic interest, connection to Butrint, and commitment to completing the proposed research;
- Two reference letters from two members of academic staff, one of whom must be the applicant’s academic supervisor, who know the applicant sufficiently well to assess their abilities, commitment, and academic or professional potential;
- A criminal record certificate;
- A financial plan or proposed budget, broken down by the categories of expenditure for which BMF support is requested;
- A research proposal with Butrint National Park as its direct focus, related to at least one of the programme’s priority fields.
The forms must be completed without deleting, replacing, or modifying any section; only additional rows or space may be added where necessary.
Before signing the agreement, successful applicants must submit notarised copies of their diploma, academic transcripts, and English language certificate.
Submission Procedure
An application will be considered complete only when both of the following requirements are fulfilled within the specified deadline:
- The scanned application documents have been sent by email to sekretaria.teknike_brg@bmf.al;
- A physical copy has been sent by post and bears a postmark dated no later than the application deadline.
Postal address:
Butrint Management Foundation
Butrint National Park
SH81 Road, Ksamil, Sarandë, Albania
Applicants must notify BMF by email once the physical application has been sent and must retain proof of postage.
Applications bearing a postmark dated after the deadline will not be accepted. A physical copy bearing a postmark within the deadline may arrive after the call has closed, provided that the electronic copy was submitted on time.
Documents for Download
To review the full programme requirements and prepare their applications, candidates may download the following documents:
For any questions or further clarification regarding the application process, please contact: sekretaria.teknike_brg@bmf.al.
Call for Applications – Butrint Community Grant Scheme
The Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF) and the Butrint Management Foundation (BMF) are pleased to announce the Call for Applications under the Butrint Community Grant Scheme.
This grant scheme aims to support individuals, local businesses, and non-profit organizations seeking to develop ideas, investments, and initiatives that contribute to the sustainable development of Butrint National Park and its surrounding communities.
Application period: 16 July – 15 October 2026
Application deadline: 15 October 2026, 4:00 PM (local time)
Funding: Grants of up to USD 20,000
Who can apply?
Individuals
Individuals with a concrete project idea or initiative related to the area and the priority sectors supported by the grant scheme are eligible to apply.
Applicants are not required to be registered as a business at the time of application. However, successful applicants must register at least as a small business before the grant agreement is signed.
Local Businesses
Local businesses that operate, or intend to develop, activities contributing to the territory, community, and sustainable development of the Butrint area are eligible to apply.
Non-Profit Organizations
Non-profit organizations (NGOs) carrying out activities within Butrint National Park or in support of its surrounding communities are eligible to apply.
Each applicant category must download and complete the relevant application package.
Eligible Areas
The call is open to applicants located in:
- Vrina
- Shëndëlli
- Xarrë
- Çiflik
- Mursi
- Other rural areas bordering Butrint National Park
These areas have been identified as priority zones for economic, social, and tourism development under the Integrated Management Plan.
A map of the eligible areas is attached to this call.
What Types of Projects Are Supported?
The grant scheme supports initiatives related to:
- Handicrafts
- Agriculture and livestock farming
- Local products
- Accommodation services
- Traditional gastronomy
- Tourist guiding services
- Culture
- Community services
- Community-based initiatives
What Can Be Funded?
Eligible expenditures include:
- Purchase of machinery and equipment
- Purchase of business furniture and fittings
- Improvement and renovation of business premises
- Signage and landscaping
- Cultural and promotional activities
- Training and capacity-building activities
- Representation and promotional events
- Business premises rental support (in specific cases)
The scheme operates on a co-financing basis, meaning applicants are expected to contribute to the project while the grant finances the remaining eligible costs.
Funding Available
AADF provides grants of up to USD 20,000, depending on the type of investment, project budget, and applicant category.
Each applicant may receive only one grant under this grant scheme.
How to Apply
- Download the application package corresponding to your category (Individual, Business, or NGO).
- Prepare the required documentation.
- Complete the application form.
- Attach all required supporting documents.
- Submit the complete application package to the Butrint Management Foundation (BMF) before the application deadline.
Information and Applicant Support
Throughout the application period, BMF will organize public information sessions where interested applicants can learn more about the grant scheme, eligibility criteria, and application process.
BMF has also appointed a dedicated Grants Officer to answer applicants’ questions and provide information, including through field visits where necessary.
Email: info@bmf.al
WhatsApp: +355 69 702 7379
Final application deadline: 15 October 2026, 4:00 PM (local time).
Download the Documents Below
Please download the relevant documents before submitting your application.
- Community Grant Scheme – Call for Applications
(Complete information about the grant scheme and application process.) - Application Package – Business
- Application Package – Non-Profit Organization (NGO)
- Application Package – Individual
The Butrint Management Foundation (BMF) is pleased to announce a call for applications for research grants supporting academic and scientific projects related to the Cultural Heritage and Cultural Landscape subzones of Butrint National Park.
Application Deadline
30 April 2026
Who Can Apply?
- Higher Education Institutions;
- Public and private scientific research institutions whose activities include scientific research;
- Individual researchers affiliated with research institutions.
Priority Areas
The grant scheme will support research projects in the following priority fields:
- Archaeology
- History
- Geology
- Economics
- Structural Engineering
- Ecology
- Agriculture
- Social History
- Heritage Management
- Visitor Management
Grant Information
BMF supports scientific and academic research projects through a total funding pool of up to USD 30,000.
Application Requirements
Applications must include the following documentation:
- Completed Application Form (Annex 1);
- Financial Proposal Budget completed in accordance with Annex 2;
- Cover letter describing the proposed project, signed by the head of the institution;
- Curriculum Vitae of the scientific and academic personnel involved;
- General Grant Conditions as set out in Annex 3;
- Declaration of Commitment by the academic/scientific personnel;
- Copy of the institution’s statute or official extract demonstrating that scientific or academic research in the field of the proposed project is among its core activities;
- Cooperation Agreement, where the project involves multiple partner institutions.
Submission of Applications
Applications must be submitted both by post and by email.
By Post
Butrint Management Foundation
Butrint National Park
SH81 Road, Ksamil, Saranda, Albania
By Email
Application Guidelines
Please refer to the document below for detailed guidance on the application process:
Further Information
For any questions or additional information regarding this call, please contact:
