Apply for the AIIS Junior Fellowships 2027 for PhD candidates. Fully funded opportunities to conduct dissertation research in India with mentorship and support from Indian universities. Applications now open.
American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS) is inviting applications for its Junior Fellowships 2027, offering PhD candidates from U.S. universities the chance to conduct dissertation research in India. These fellowships provide a unique opportunity to immerse in Indian academic, cultural, and research environments, establish collaborations with local universities, and receive administrative and logistical support throughout the research period.
AIIS fellows contribute to knowledge and scholarship about India in diverse fields including public health, development studies, regional planning, natural resources management, and social sciences.
About the American Institute of Indian Studies
The AIIS is a non-profit consortium of American colleges and universities dedicated to the study of India. For over 60 years, AIIS has provided funding, mentorship, and resources for scholars, fostering international collaborations and advancing research about India.
Key benefits of AIIS Junior Fellowships include:
- Funding for dissertation research in India
- Administrative support before, during, and after the fellowship
- Affiliation with Indian universities and guidance from local research supervisors
- Exposure to interdisciplinary research and fieldwork in India
Fellowship Benefits
- Funding Amount: Junior Fellowship Award of $7,000 for research expenses
- Mentorship: Guidance from Indian university supervisors and AIIS administrative support
- Networking: Opportunities to collaborate with other researchers and participate in AIIS programs
- Career Impact: Strengthen academic and professional profiles for careers in research, policy, or global studies
Eligibility
- PhD candidates enrolled at U.S. universities in any discipline
- Non-U.S. citizens can apply if they are graduate students or full-time faculty at U.S. institutions
- Candidates conducting dissertation research in India with demonstrated research ability
Application Process
- Visit the AIIS website and review fellowship details and application instructions
- Prepare required documents, including research proposal, CV, and letters of recommendation
- Submit the application online before the deadline (December 15, 2025, for the 2025 cycle; confirm 2027 dates on AIIS site)
- Applications are reviewed in two rounds by experts with extensive India experience
- Finalists are announced by the end of March, and awardees by mid-May
Required Documents
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Dissertation Research Proposal
- Letters of Recommendation (typically 2–3)
- Proof of PhD enrollment at a U.S. university
- Any institutional approvals required for research in India
Named Fellowships
AIIS also offers several named fellowships to recognize exceptional research, including:
- Asher Family Fellowship
- Joe Elder College Year in India Junior Fellowship
- Joseph W. Elder Fellowship in the Social Sciences
- Kumkum Chatterjee Memorial Fellowship in Indian History
- Ludo and Rosane Rocher Research Fellowship in Sanskrit Studies
- Daniel H.H. Ingalls Memorial Fellowship
- Metcalf Fellowship in Indian History
- Norman Cutler Fellowship for Research in South India
- Rachel F. and Scott McDermott Fellowship
- Taraknath Das Memorial Fellowship
- Thomas R. Trautmann Fellowship
- Thomas W. Simons Fellowship
- Rajendra Vora Fellowship for the Study of Society and Culture in Maharashtra
Conclusion
The AIIS Junior Fellowships 2027 provide a unique platform for PhD candidates to conduct meaningful research in India, with fully funded support, mentorship, and university affiliations. These fellowships are ideal for scholars looking to advance their academic careers, expand international research networks, and contribute to the study of India.
Apply now to take advantage of this prestigious research opportunity and elevate your dissertation research in India.
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