Syed Babar Ali Fellowship for Pakistan-Related Research

The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute at Harvard University offers the Syed Babar Ali Fellowship to support recent PhDs focusing on areas related to Pakistan. This fellowship prioritizes candidates with an educational history primarily in Pakistan who plan to return to the country after completing their fellowship. Applications for the 2027-2028 academic year are open until 8 December 2026. The Syed Babar Ali Fellowship aims to integrate fellows into the intellectual community at Harvard, allowing them to engage in research and collaborative projects. Fellows work with a faculty mentor and may present their research in seminars. They also participate in mentoring and possible teaching assignments. Fellows are expected to conduct research relevant to Pakistan and engage in academic activities at Harvard. They may also be involved in mentoring students and participating in other institute events. This fellowship offers an unparalleled opportunity for scholars to advance their research while engaging with a global academic community. It supports the development of projects that can contribute to scholarly and practical advancements in areas related to Pakistan. For detailed instructions, visit the application portal. Is prior education in Pakistan mandatory for the fellowship? Priority is given to applicants educated primarily in Pakistan, but others may be considered. What should my research proposal include? Your proposal should outline your research plans, methodology, and the intellectual value of your work. Who should provide my letters of recommendation? At least one letter should come from an academic familiar with your scholarly work. What is the stipend amount and payment schedule? The stipend is $22,667, paid biweekly. Taxes may apply for international fellows. How do I arrange housing? Fellows must secure their own housing. Resources are available through Harvard’s FAS Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. Interested candidates should carefully review the official guidelines on the Mittal Institute’s website and ensure all application materials are submitted by the deadline. For more information, visit The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute.