About the opportunity
The South Asia Institute (SAI) of Heidelberg University, in cooperation with the Max Weber Forum for South Asian Studies Delhi (MWF), invites applications for a fellowship program designed for young researchers from India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or Bangladesh. The program supports scholars wishing to establish and develop research collaborations with the SAI. Applications are particularly encouraged from fields such as ethnology, history, political science, economics, geography, modern languages and literatures of South Asia, and the cultural and religious history of South Asia (Classical Indology). Fellows will spend up to three months in residence in Heidelberg between April and June 2027 to advance a previously defined project into a third-party funding application.
Funding and benefits
- Monthly scholarship instalment of EUR 1,200
- Payment of rental costs in Heidelberg
- Reimbursement of international travel expenses of up to EUR 1,500
- Assistance with visa applications provided by the SAI Delhi office
Who can apply?
- Open to young researchers from India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or Bangladesh
- Applicants must hold a doctoral certificate
- Fields of study of particular interest include ethnology, history, political science, economics, geography, modern languages and literatures of South Asia, and cultural and religious history of South Asia (Classical Indology)
Required documents
- Online Application Form
- Single PDF comprising a short cover letter (max. 1 page)
- Curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages) including top ten publications
- A copy of your doctoral certificate
- Project description (using the downloadable template)
- List of two referees who may be contacted later
- Letter of reference by an SAI member (optional)
When to apply
- Application deadline is 01 December 2026, 23:59 CET
- Selection takes place by the end of the year 2026
- Fellowship scheduled to begin between April and June 2027
How to apply
- Download and complete the project description template
- Prepare all required application documents into a single PDF file
- Submit your application online via the official application portal
Additional information
- During the stay, scholars are expected to develop a project into a third-party funding application aimed at acquiring research funding or exchange/event programs.
- Scholarship holders must actively participate in scientific events at the SAI during their stay.
- Applications sent by email cannot be considered.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Young researchers from India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or Bangladesh who hold a doctoral certificate.
- Scholars focusing on fields such as ethnology, history, political science, economics, geography, or South Asian languages, literatures, and cultural history.
- Academics seeking to build research collaborations with the South Asia Institute at Heidelberg University.
- Researchers looking for short-term fully funded international fellowships.
What should you think carefully about?
- Relocation to Heidelberg, Germany, is required for the duration of the three-month residence between April and June 2027.
- Fellows are explicitly expected to develop their research project into a third-party funding application during the stay.
- Active participation in scientific events at the SAI is mandatory.
- Applications must be submitted as a single PDF adhering strictly to document guidelines, and email submissions are not accepted.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship provides an exceptional short-term opportunity for early-career scholars from South Asia to secure international research exposure, establish European academic networks, and transition projects into externally funded grants.
Our take
Doctoral holders from eligible South Asian countries aiming to advance their academic profile through European research collaboration should apply, whereas researchers without a completed PhD or those unable to travel to Germany are ineligible.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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