Job Description

Opportunity Description

Looking to fund original research on Afghanistan’s development, society, or economy? The University of Central Asia (UCA), through its Graduate School of Development Afghanistan Research Initiative (GSD ARI), has opened its 2027/28 Call for Applications. Moreover, the program receives joint support from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC). Additionally, applicants can choose from three separate funding streams: research grants worth up to USD 20,000, non-resident research fellowships worth up to USD 18,000, and PhD support grants worth up to USD 10,000. Furthermore, Research Grants and Fellowships welcome researchers of any nationality worldwide, while PhD Support Grants support Afghan doctoral candidates. Finally, this program funds project-based research rather than tuition, and the number of awards depends on available funding.

Key Details

Eligible Degree Programs

ARI does not fund a specific degree course. It funds independent research projects, in any discipline, that fit one or more of ARI’s six thematic priorities:

• Economic development (livelihoods, poverty, labor markets, private sector development, entrepreneurship, finance, economic resilience)
• Regional integration and sustainable trade (regional cooperation, connectivity, trade, transportation, economic corridors)
• Climate change, natural resources, and environmental sustainability (agriculture, water, energy, mining, biodiversity, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction)
• Governance, public policy, and institutions (public administration, service delivery, accountability, peacebuilding, state-society relations)
• Society, migration, and inclusion (education, health, gender, displacement, migration, demographic change, social inclusion)
• Culture, history, and heritage (identity, languages, cultural heritage, religion, literature, and historical research relevant to Afghanistan)

Degree levels covered: PhD holders may apply for research grants or non-resident research fellowships. Currently enrolled PhD candidates (Afghan nationals only, in their final or penultimate year) may apply for PhD Support Grants.

Afghanistan Research Initiative (ARI) 2027/28 Benefits

• Research Grants: funding of up to USD 20,000 over a 12-month grant period, disbursed in installments linked to agreed milestones
• Non-Resident Research Fellowships: funding of up to USD 18,000 over an 18-month fellowship period, disbursed in installments
• PhD Support Grants: funding of up to USD 10,000 over a 12-month grant period, disbursed in instalments
• Opportunity to publish a non-technical knowledge brief or policy note through ARI
• Fellows organize and moderate three thematic roundtables (approximately 6–8 participants each) during the fellowship
• Access to ARI’s public engagement activities, including Conversations with ARI, public lectures, workshops, and webinars
• Grant funds may cover research costs, data collection, research assistance, and research materials directly tied to the approved project

Scholarship Awards Summary

Eligibility Criteria

Research Grants

• Hold a PhD degree in a relevant discipline
• Be affiliated with a recognized university or established research institution anywhere in the world
• Be based outside Afghanistan for the duration of the grant as Principal Investigator
• Propose an original research project aligned with an ARI theme
• Demonstrate ability to complete the research within the grant period
• Citizenship of Afghanistan is not required; all nationalities may apply

Non-Resident Research Fellowships

• Hold a PhD degree in a relevant discipline
• Be affiliated with a recognized university or research institution anywhere in the world
• The principal investigator must be based outside Afghanistan for the fellowship duration
• Propose an original research project aligned with an ARI theme
• All nationalities may apply

PhD Support Grants

• Be a national of Afghanistan.
• Additionally, enroll at a recognized university anywhere in the world and study in the final or penultimate year of a PhD program.
• Undertake doctoral research aligned with an ARI theme.
• Furthermore, demonstrate satisfactory progress toward completing the PhD.

Language Requirements

The official announcement requires applicants across all three streams to demonstrate English proficiency sufficient to produce research outputs and communicate with ARI. Additionally, the announcement does not specify any standardized test, such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo, or any minimum score. Furthermore, applicants do not need to meet a published standardized-test score requirement. Finally, they should demonstrate enough English proficiency to conduct their research and communicate effectively with ARI.

How to Apply?

• Applications must be submitted through the designated online application form for each funding stream. Applications sent by email or by any other method will not be considered.
• Application deadline: 1 October 2026 for all three streams
• Point of contact for questions: ari@ucentralasia.org
• Apply for Research Grants
• Apply for Non-Resident Research Fellowships
• Apply for PhD Support Grants
• For more information, visit the official ARI 2027/28 overview page

Apply Now

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