Call for Applications: Joint Fellowship Program 2025 (SAI & MWF Delhi)
The South Asia Institute (SAI) at Heidelberg University, in collaboration with the Max Weber Forum for South Asian Studies (MWF Delhi), is pleased to invite applications for its Joint Fellowship Program 2025 — a unique, fully supported three-month research opportunity.
Program Details
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Host Institutions: South Asia Institute (SAI), Heidelberg University & Max Weber Forum, Delhi
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Fellowship Location: Heidelberg, Germany
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Fellowship Period: October to December 2025
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Application Deadline: 4 June 2025
Who Can Apply
This fellowship is aimed at early-career researchers from India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, who are 3–5 years post-PhD and interested in collaborative academic work with SAI faculty.
Eligible fields include:
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Ethnology
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History
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Political Science
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Economics
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Geography
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South Asian Languages & Literatures
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Cultural and Religious History of South Asia
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
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Travel allowance: Up to €1,500 for international airfare
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Monthly stipend: €1,200
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Accommodation support: Rent covered during the stay in Heidelberg
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Visa assistance (if required)
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Access to academic resources, seminars, and events at the South Asia Institute
The primary goal of the fellowship is to enable participants to develop a third-party funding proposal (e.g., for research projects, academic exchanges, or conferences) in collaboration with a faculty member at SAI.
Application Instructions
Interested candidates should compile the following documents into a single PDF file and email it to:
scholarship@mwsindia.org by 4 June 2025
Required documents (in English):
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Cover Letter (maximum 1 page)
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Curriculum Vitae with a complete publication list
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PhD Certificate
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Project Proposal (max. 2,000 words) – outlining your research plans and proposed collaboration with SAI
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Names of two referees willing to provide recommendation letters
Outcome Notification: Final results will be communicated by end of June 2025.
Need More Information?
For any questions, please contact:
Dr. Martin Gieselmann – gieselmann@sai.uni-heidelberg.de
🔗 More information available at: SAI Official Website
Why Apply?
This fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity to join one of Europe’s top research centers for South Asian Studies, deepen your academic networks, and take meaningful steps toward future research funding or collaboration.
Early-career scholars are strongly encouraged to apply.
