MENA Scholars Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded Two-Year Research Fellowship for Early-Career Economists and Policy Researchers

The third cohort of the MENA Scholars Fellowship (MSF) is now open for applications, offering a unique opportunity for early-career economists and researchers from the Middle East and North Africa to gain hands-on experience in rigorous impact evaluation and policy-relevant research.

Launched by J-PAL Middle East and North Africa in partnership with Egypt Impact Lab, the fellowship is a prestigious two-year program designed to strengthen local research capacity and deepen evidence-based policymaking across the MENA region.

About the MENA Scholars Fellowship

The MENA Scholars Fellowship creates a structured pathway for researchers to design, implement, and contribute to randomized evaluations addressing poverty reduction and social development challenges. Fellows work closely with J-PAL-affiliated researchers, receive tailored mentorship, and participate in advanced training that blends academic rigor with real-world policy impact.

Each selected fellow receives a USD 15,000 stipend over the two-year period to support active participation in fellowship activities.

What Fellows Will Gain

Over the course of the fellowship, scholars will benefit from a comprehensive program that includes:

• Hands-on randomized evaluations alongside J-PAL affiliates, J-PAL MENA staff, and implementing partners

• One-on-one mentorship from senior researchers and scientific directors

• Access to regional and global research networks, including other Scholars Fellowship cohorts worldwide

• Advanced training, including completion of two MIT MicroMasters online courses focused on impact evaluation and econometric analysis

• Capacity-building workshops on proposal writing, technical research skills, and professional development

• Media and policy engagement support to amplify research findings

• Participation in regional policy events and presentations with leading academics

• An independent evaluation design project in the second year, guided by expert mentors

Information Webinar

To help prospective applicants better understand the fellowship, an information webinar will be held on Thursday, March 05, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Cairo local time. The session will cover eligibility requirements, the application process, and insights from previous fellows.

Interested candidates can register via the official webinar registration form. After registration, participants will receive a Google Calendar invitation with the webinar link and event details.

Application Timeline

• Application deadline: March 26, 2026, at 11:59 pm Cairo Local Time

• Shortlisting notification: Mid-April 2026

• Final interviews: Mid-May 2026

• Fellowship start date: By June 2026

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Applicants must submit an online application form along with a resume and a motivation-focused cover letter. Shortlisted candidates will advance to a second application phase, which includes additional written questions and a short recorded video.

Funding and Institutional Support

The fellowship is supported by Community Jameel and the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, reinforcing a shared commitment to strengthening evidence-based policy research in the MENA region.

For complete fellowship details, eligibility criteria, and access to the application form, applicants are encouraged to visit the official MENA Scholars Fellowship webpage.