The NYU Abu Dhabi Humanities Research Fellowship for the Study of the Arab World supports postdoctoral scholars conducting humanities research connected to the Arab world. Fellows relocate to NYUAD’s Saadiyat campus in Abu Dhabi, pursue their own projects, and participate in the university’s intellectual community.
The 2026–27 call offered up to two postdoctoral places, subject to budget approval. Applications for that cycle are closed, and the next cycle has not yet been announced.
Benefits & funding
- Competitive fellowship stipend and free housing.
- Health insurance, campus workspace, library access, and administrative support.
- Research allowance, support for travel to and from Abu Dhabi, and an opportunity to host a small workshop.
- Applicants may request one semester or the full academic year, which typically lasts ten months.
Eligibility
- Open to scholars of all backgrounds and nationalities.
- Applicants must hold a PhD; for the 2026–27 call, the program welcomed candidates with a PhD in hand between 2021 and 2026.
- Anyone completing a PhD had to provide documents confirming completion by September 1, 2026.
- Research must concern the Arab world broadly defined, including its humanities, history, literature, cultural or artistic heritage, or connections with other regions.
- Fellows must relocate to Abu Dhabi and take an active role in talks, seminars, workshops, and related scholarly activities at NYUAD.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Education required
PhD
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Application process
- 1Review the fellowship call and FAQ, then open the linked Interfolio application.
- 2Upload a curriculum vitae of no more than four single-spaced pages.
- 3Upload a project proposal of no more than 1,250 words and a doctoral dissertation abstract of no more than 250 words.
- 4Arrange two reference letters through Interfolio, including at least one that addresses dissertation progress.
- 5Review all required sections and submit the application in English by the deadline.
Program timeline
December 1, 2025
Applications for the 2026–27 cycle opened.
Application deadline.
January 12, 2026
Applicants were due to be notified.
Spring 2026
Full-year appointments were expected to begin; applicants could also request a fall or spring semester.
September 1, 2026
The full academic-year fellowship was expected to end.
June 2027