The project “Pathways Beyond Neoliberalism: Voices from the Middle East and North Africa” at the American University in Cairo (AUC) has opened applications for a Visiting Fellowship built specifically for junior researchers.

PhD candidate or early-career researcher with something to say about political economy in the Middle East and North Africa? The American University in Cairo wants to fund your next big publication.

If you’re working on political economy, economic sociology, or related fields with an eye on MENA this one deserves a spot on your radar.

Quick Overview

Host Institution: American University in Cairo (AUC)
Project: Pathways Beyond Neoliberalism: Voices from MENA
Opportunity Type: Visiting Research Fellowship for junior researchers
Duration: 9 months
Location: Cairo, Egypt (in-residence)
Application Deadline: 17 August 2026

What Is This Fellowship About?

The fellowship is designed to give junior researchers the opportunity, time, space, and support to focus on the research that actually matters to them. The call is open to researchers looking to undertake a significant piece of publishable work — preferably with a focus on the Middle East and North Africa.

Areas of Research

Applicants can bring work from any of the following fields:

Political Economy
Economics
Economic Sociology and Anthropology
Political Science
Political and Economic Theory
Economic History
Environmental Economics
Gender Studies
Migration and Refugee Studies

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

This fellowship is aimed squarely at the next generation of researchers. To apply, you should:

Be enrolled in a PhD program, or have obtained a PhD degree between 2020 and 2026
Be prepared to reside in Cairo for the entire duration of the fellowship

Applications from students enrolled in public or private Arab universities are particularly welcome.

What Fellows Are Expected to Commit To

This is a hands-on, in-residence fellowship — not a remote grant. Fellows are expected to:

Be a full-time resident at AUC for the duration of the fellowship (flexible attendance considered upon prior request and approval from the project’s Principal Investigator)
Produce a publishable, peer-reviewed article in a reputable international journal within one of the listed research areas
Organize a workshop based on their research topic, receiving detailed feedback from leading academics in the field
Assist with the program’s broader research activities under the supervision of the project’s PI
Acknowledge the program’s support in any subsequent publications resulting from the fellowship
Attend relevant presentations, conferences, and workshops held at AUC
Submit a monthly report outlining tasks performed
Submit a final report upon completion of the fellowship

What’s In It for You? (Benefits)

The fellowship comes with real practical support, including:

Monthly compensation
One economy-class flight ticket covered for non-Egyptian fellows
Full access to AUC library facilities
Dedicated funds to organize a research-focused workshop at AUC
Direct mentoring from the program’s Principal Investigator

Why This Fellowship Stands Out

It’s built specifically for junior researchers PhD candidates, early-career researchers, and young faculty rather than established academics
It centers MENA-focused research, with a clear emphasis on including scholars from Arab universities
It combines funded time, mentorship, publication support, and a built-in platform (the workshop) to get feedback from senior academics in your field
Nine months in Cairo means genuine immersion access to AUC’s academic community, not just a stipend from a distance

How to Apply

Interested candidates should prepare their application ahead of the deadline. Full details and the application link are available through the project’s official page at AUC’s Research Hub.

Application Deadline: 17 August 2026

Final Thoughts

For junior researchers looking to move a serious piece of scholarship from draft to peer-reviewed publication — with funding, mentorship, and a Cairo-based research community behind them this fellowship offers a rare combination of time, support, and academic visibility.

Deadline: August 17, 2026

If your research speaks to political economy, economic sociology, or the broader future of MENA’s economic systems, this could be the platform that gets it published.

APPLY HERE

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.

Pathways Beyond Neoliberalism: A 9-Month Cairo Fellowship for Junior Researchers Reimagining MENA’s Economic Future ·Month Cairo Fellowship for Junior Researchers Reimagining MENA’s Economic Future