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Joint SAI–Heidelberg & Max Weber Forum Delhi Scholarship for Young Scholars from South Asia

The South Asia Institute (SAI) of Heidelberg University, in partnership with the Max Weber Forum for South Asian Studies Delhi (MWF Delhi), invites applications for a three-month Scholarship in summer 2026.

The award is open to researchers from India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or Bangladesh, it supports project development into funding proposals in SAI fields like anthropology and political science. Eligibility for the Joint Scholarship Program of the South Asia Institute (SAI), Heidelberg University, and the Max Weber Forum Delhi targets early-career researchers from specific South Asian countries.

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Founded in 1386, Heidelberg University is Germany’s oldest university and one of Europe’s most prestigious research institutions. Located in the historic city of Heidelberg, it is renowned for excellence in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and medicine. The university emphasizes interdisciplinary research, international collaboration, and academic freedom, attracting students and scholars from around the world.

Application Deadline: 11 January 2026

Brief Description

  • University or Organization: South Asia Institute (SAI), Heidelberg University, in cooperation with Max Weber Forum for South Asian Studies Delhi (MWF Delhi)
  • Department: SAI Departments (Anthropology, History, Political Science, etc.)
  • Course Level: Postdoctoral Research
  • Award: Up to EUR 1,500 for international travel, rental costs coverage, and monthly stipend of EUR 1,200 for 3 months
  • Access Mode: Online
  • Number of Awards: NA
  • Nationality: Young researchers from India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or Bangladesh
  • The award can be taken in: Heidelberg, Germany

Eligibility

  • Eligible Countries: India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh
  • Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship supports research in ethnology/anthropology, history, political science, economics, geography, modern South Asian languages and literatures, or cultural and religious history of South Asia (Classical Indology), aligned with SAI’s departments.
  • Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, the applicants must meet all the following/given criteria:

  • Hold a doctoral degree (provide copy of certificate).

  • Propose a project to develop into a third-party funding application (e.g., research, exchange, or events).

  • Commit to SAI events during the April–June 2026 residency in Heidelberg.

How to Apply

Submit via the online application portal by 11 January 2026, 23:59 CET. Upload a single PDF with:

  • Short cover letter (max. 1 page).

  • CV (max. 2 pages, including top 10 publications).

  • Doctoral certificate copy.

  • Project description (use provided template).

  • List of two referees.

  • Optional: Letter of reference from SAI member.
    Selection by end of January 2026. Visa assistance available.

Benefits

  • International travel reimbursement (up to EUR 1,500).

  • Rental costs covered.

  • Monthly stipend of EUR 1,200 for three months.

  • Research collaboration and networking at SAI.

Key Details

  • Duration and Location: 3 months in Heidelberg, Germany.

  • Focus: Develop a pre-defined project into a third-party funding proposal; participate in SAI events.

  • Fields: Anthropology, history, political science, economics, geography, modern South Asian languages/literatures, cultural/religious history of South Asia.

Benefits

 Travel (up to €1,500), rent coverage, €1,200 monthly stipend.

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