Research Fellowships for South Asian Scholars at Heidelberg University in Collaboration with Max Weber Forum Delhi
About the Fellowship
The South Asia Institute (SAI) at Heidelberg University, in partnership with the Max Weber Forum for South Asian Studies (MWF Delhi), is inviting applications for a three-month fully funded research fellowship beginning in October 2025. This prestigious fellowship is aimed at fostering research collaboration between young scholars from India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or Bangladesh and the faculty at SAI.
Ideal for early-career researchers (3–5 years post-PhD), this opportunity supports the development of a third-party funded research proposal in fields related to ethnology, history, political science, South Asian studies, economics, geography, and modern languages and literatures of South Asia. The fellowship also promotes academic exchange and participation in scientific events at the South Asia Institute.
Fellowship Details
- Position: Visiting Research Fellow
- Institution: South Asia Institute, Heidelberg University
- Administering Body: Max Weber Forum for South Asian Studies (MWF Delhi)
- Location: Heidelberg, Germany
- Research Field: South Asian Studies and Related Disciplines
- Type: Full-time, Fellowship
- Duration: 3 Months
- Start Date (Anticipated): October 2025
- Working Hours: As per institutional norms
- Funding/Compensation:
- Monthly stipend: €1,200
- Travel reimbursement: Up to €1,500
- Rental costs covered
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD in relevant discipline (within 3–5 years)
Research Areas Supported
- Ethnology
- Political Science
- South Asian History
- Cultural and Religious History
- Modern South Asian Languages and Literatures
- Economics
- Geography
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD completed within the last 3–5 years
- National of India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or Bangladesh
- Research interest aligned with the South Asia Institute’s themes
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proven academic publication record
- Experience in international research collaboration
- Interdisciplinary project proposals encouraged
Not Eligible:
- Applicants not from the specified countries
- PhD holders beyond 5 years post-degree
Fellowship Benefits
- Visa support from SAI
- Monthly stipend of €1,200
- Travel grant up to €1,500
- Accommodation rental reimbursement
- Access to SAI’s research and academic events
- Professional development and funding proposal mentorship
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and refine a third-party funding application during the stay
- Engage in academic activities at the SAI
- Participate in seminars and research discussions
- Submit a research proposal draft by the end of the fellowship
Application Process
How to Apply:
Email your complete application in a single PDF file to:
📧 scholarship@mwsindia.org
Required Documents:
- Cover letter (Max 1 page)
- CV with full publication list
- Doctoral certificate
- Project description (Max 2,000 words)
- Contact details of two referees
Important Dates
- Application Opens: Already open
- Deadline: June 4, 2025
- Selection Notification: End of June 2025
- Fellowship Start: October 2025
Where to Apply
Useful Links
- Institution Website: South Asia Institute – South Asia Institute
- Job Posting: Official link
- Apply now: email application to 📧 scholarship@mwsindia.org
