MENA Junior Fellowship 2026–2027 (Online) | Research Fellowship for Emerging Scholars

Early-career researchers, recent graduates, and emerging scholars interested in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Studies are invited to apply for the MENA Junior Fellowship 2026–2027.

Organised by Social Sciences Lab - MENA (SSL-MENA), the fellowship is designed to strengthen the research capacity of junior scholars through structured research training, mentorship, academic supervision, and institutional affiliation. Participants will also gain access to collaborative research opportunities, publication support, and an international network of researchers working on MENA-related issues.

The fellowship is delivered entirely online, making it accessible to participants from different countries while providing a flexible environment for professional and academic development.

Host Organization: Social Sciences Lab – MENA (SSL-MENA)

Programme Type: Online Research Fellowship

Location: Online (Hosted by SSL-MENA, Estonia)

Programme Duration: Three months (Beginning 1 September 2026)

Research Affiliation: One-year institutional affiliation with SSL-MENA (extendable through the Lab Community)

Eligible Applicants: Early-career scholars, recent graduates, independent researchers, and emerging academics interested in MENA Studies

Application Deadline: 16 August 2026

The MENA Junior Fellowship was established to support emerging scholars pursuing research on the Middle East and North Africa by providing structured academic guidance, professional mentorship, and opportunities for international collaboration.

Throughout the programme, fellows receive practical support to strengthen their research skills, improve academic writing, and prepare their work for publication. They also become part of an interdisciplinary research community that encourages collaboration on projects related to politics, society, economics, culture, and other issues affecting the MENA region.

Successful participants receive a one-year research affiliation with Social Sciences Lab - MENA, allowing them to remain connected to the institution beyond the fellowship period.

Selected fellows will receive:

• One-year research affiliation with Social Sciences Lab – MENA
• Opportunity to extend engagement through the SSL-MENA Lab Community
• Tailored research training and academic capacity development
• One-on-one mentorship and research supervision from experienced scholars
• Access to research datasets and collaborative research projects
• Academic publishing guidance and publication opportunities
• Participation in thematic research groups
• Professional development workshops
• Membership in an international interdisciplinary research network
• Institutional affiliation with a European-based research institute

Applicants should:

• Be nationals of a MENA country or demonstrate a strong academic interest in MENA Studies
• Hold at least a Bachelor's degree (BA or equivalent)
• Be a recent graduate, early-career scholar, independent researcher, or emerging academic
• Be proficient in Arabic (English proficiency is an added advantage)
• Have reliable internet access for online participation
• Be willing to actively participate in scheduled sessions, mentorship activities, and collaborative assignments

The selection process includes:

• Submission of the online application form
• Review of submitted applications
• Shortlisting of qualified applicants
• Online interview for shortlisted candidates

Interested applicants should complete the official application form available on the SSL-MENA fellowship webpage before the application deadline.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

16 August 2026