Early-career Writing Scholarships at Max Weber Forum for South Asian Studies (MWF Delhi), New Delhi, India

About the Fellowship

The Early-career Writing Scholarships offered by the Max Weber Forum for South Asian Studies (MWF Delhi) provide doctoral and postdoctoral scholars based in Germany with the opportunity to pursue advanced research projects with a strong focus on South Asia. These fellowships support scholars in the humanities and social sciences to utilize primary sources and contribute to global academic discourses through a South Asian lens. The fellowship is designed to foster academic collaboration, interdisciplinary dialogue, and in-depth writing in a vibrant international setting in New Delhi.

Fellowship Details

Position: Early-career Writing Scholarship
Institution: Max Weber Forum for South Asian Studies (MWF Delhi)
Administering Body: Max Weber Forum Delhi
Location: New Delhi, India
Research Field: Humanities and Social Sciences (South Asia-focused)
Type: Full-time, Residential Fellowship
Duration: 12 months
Start Date (Anticipated): 1 July 2025 (exceptions possible; must end by 30 June 2026)
Working Hours: As per institutional norms
Funding/Compensation:
- €1,800/month for doctoral scholars
- €2,200/month for postdoctoral scholars
- Up to €1,200 for round-trip airfare to Delhi
- €200/month for each accompanying dependent child

Research Areas Supported

South Asian History
Entangled/Connected Histories, Global History, and Art History with South Asian focus
Anthropology and Sociology of South Asia or multi-sited studies involving South Asia
South Asian Studies and Transnational South Asian Studies

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Based at or recently graduated from a German university or research institution
Doctoral candidates: ABD (All But Dissertation) status required by start of fellowship
Postdoctoral scholars: Must have submitted PhD thesis by the application deadline
Scholars must be enrolled in, employed by, or affiliated with a German academic institution (non-tenure track)
Majority of academic qualifications obtained from German institutions
Fluency in English and relevant research languages

Preferred Qualifications:

Postdoctoral projects aimed at producing a “second book” (e.g., Habilitation or pre-tenure research)
Alignment with thematic areas of MWF Delhi (not mandatory)

Not Eligible:

Scholars with existing funding from their home institutions
Applications that are incomplete or submitted after the deadline

Fellowship/Job Benefits

Visa support for fellowship duration
Monthly stipend (€1,800–€2,200 depending on academic level)
Travel reimbursement up to €1,200
€200/month for each dependent child (if applicable)
Participation in MWF Delhi academic events and workshops

Key Responsibilities

Conduct in-depth writing and research related to South Asia
Participate in academic events hosted by MWF Delhi
Engage with the scholarly community in Delhi
Reside in Delhi for the fellowship duration (limited travel allowed with permission)