Exciting Opportunity: Joint Scholarship Program for South Asian Scholars

The South Asia Institute (SAI) at Heidelberg University, in partnership with the Max Weber Forum for South Asian Studies in Delhi, has announced a new scholarship program aimed at early-career researchers from South Asia. This initiative is designed to foster research collaborations and enhance academic exchange between South Asia and Germany.

Key Takeaways

Target Audience: Early-career researchers from India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
Fellowship Duration: Up to three months, starting October 2025.
Financial Support: Monthly stipend of EUR 1,200, plus travel and accommodation coverage.
Application Deadline: June 4, 2025.

Overview of the Scholarship Program

The joint scholarship program is a prestigious fellowship opportunity that encourages young scholars to develop their research projects while collaborating with the South Asia Institute. The program is particularly focused on disciplines such as ethnology, history, political science, economics, geography, and modern languages and literatures of South Asia.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants should meet the following criteria:

Career Stage: Ideally within three to five years post-doctorate.
Research Focus: Projects should align with the disciplines mentioned above and have the potential for third-party funding applications or collaborative exchange programs.

Fellowship Details

The fellowship offers a structured program designed to support the research and professional development of selected candidates:

Duration: Up to three months.
Location: Heidelberg, Germany.
Participation: Active involvement in scientific events hosted by SAI is mandatory.

Financial Support Breakdown

The scholarship provides comprehensive financial assistance to ensure that fellows can focus on their research without financial burdens:

Monthly Stipend: EUR 1,200.
Travel Expenses: Reimbursement of international travel costs up to EUR 1,500.
Accommodation: Coverage of rental accommodation costs in Heidelberg.

Application Process

Interested candidates must prepare and submit their applications by June 4, 2025. The application should include:

Cover Letter: Maximum one page.
Curriculum Vitae: Including a full list of publications.
Doctoral Certificate: A copy of the most recent doctoral degree.
Project Description: Up to 2,000 words outlining the proposed research and funding plan.
Referees: Names and contact details of two referees.

Selection Process

The selection of candidates will be finalized by the end of June 2025. Successful applicants will receive assistance with visa procedures if necessary, ensuring a smooth transition to their fellowship in Germany.

This joint scholarship program represents a significant opportunity for emerging scholars from South Asia to enhance their research careers, engage in international collaboration, and contribute to the academic dialogue between their home countries and Germany. For more information, interested applicants are encouraged to visit the official program website.