Kuwait Research Fellowship 2027/28 | Call for Applications

Applications are open for the Kuwait Program Research Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School. This ten-month fellowship supports policy-focused scholars from Kuwait. Fellows research health, energy, education, and digital transformation challenges. Only Kuwait-connected applicants qualify, and stipends aren’t guaranteed for everyone.

Program Snapshot

• Host Organization: Middle East Initiative, Harvard Kennedy School, funded by KFAS
• Stipend: $65,000 for recent PhDs; $75,000 for those over five years out
• Duration: Ten months, September 1 to June 30
• Eligibility: Scholars from, based in, or affiliated with Kuwait
• Funding Note: Non-stipendiary appointments are also offered
• Application Deadline: December 1, 2026

Focus Areas

• Health, education, and energy policy
• Environment, water, and food security
• Digital transformation and artificial intelligence
• Policy research for Kuwait and the Gulf region

About the Fellowship

This fellowship builds policy-relevant research capacity within Kuwait’s scholarly community. Fellows pursue independent projects aimed at peer-reviewed, open access journals. Each fellow works with a matched Harvard faculty mentor. Fellows must be physically present at Harvard throughout the program.

What Fellows Receive

Fellows may receive a ten-month stipend, depending on their funding request. Harvard library access and faculty mentorship support each research project. Recent PhDs receive less, and fellows over five years out receive more. Fellows without a recent doctorate don’t qualify for Harvard health benefits.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be from Kuwait or live and work there. Scholars formally affiliated with a Kuwaiti institution also qualify. Junior and mid-career policy-oriented researchers are the target group. Most fellows must secure a full leave from their employer.

Required Materials

Applicants submit a CV and a three-to-five page research proposal. A writing sample, written without generative AI, is also required. Three recommenders must submit letters by December 15, 2026.

How to Apply

Submit your application before December 1, 2026.

#339966;">#339966;" href="https://www.belfercenter.org/fellowship/kuwait-program-research-fellowship" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click Here to Apply

Conclusion

This fellowship offers valuable Harvard access for Kuwait-based policy researchers. Applicants should state clearly whether they seek full or partial funding. Early sabbatical planning will strengthen any application considerably.

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