The MENA Junior Fellowship is a prestigious program designed to support junior and emerging scholars specializing in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) studies. Recognizing the growing need for rigorous, regionally informed research, the fellowship aims to strengthen academic and professional capacities while fostering the next generation of thought leaders in MENA scholarship. The program provides structured research training, mentorship, and institutional affiliation, ensuring that early-career scholars can engage meaningfully with global academic and policy research networks. By offering hands-on experience, collaborative opportunities, and access to expert guidance, the MENA Junior Fellowship empowers scholars to produce impactful research and contribute to informed discourse on MENA-related issues. The fellowship is ideal for candidates seeking to advance their academic profile, gain practical research skills, and integrate into a vibrant international scholarly community. Fellowship Benefits The MENA Junior Fellowship provides participants with a comprehensive package of professional and academic support, including: One-year research affiliation with the Social Sciences Lab MENA, which may be extended through continued access to the Lab Community Tailored mentorship and supervision by experienced scholars with expertise in MENA studies Access to research data, collaborative projects, and potential publication opportunities Guidance and support in academic publishing, ensuring fellows can navigate scholarly communication and disseminate their work effectively Participation in thematic research groups focused on specialized topics within MENA studies Professional development workshops, including research methods, writing skills, and networking strategies Through these benefits, fellows acquire both the theoretical knowledge and practical tools necessary to advance their careers and strengthen the impact of their research. The program also fosters a sense of community, encouraging collaboration and ongoing scholarly engagement beyond the formal fellowship period. Eligibility Criteria The MENA Junior Fellowship is open to applicants who meet the following requirements: Nationality or research focus: Candidates must either be nationals of MENA countries or demonstrate a sustained academic interest in MENA studies Language proficiency: Applicants should be proficient in Arabic, while English proficiency is considered an additional asset Academic qualifications: A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (BA or equivalent) is required. The program is suitable for recent graduates or early-career scholars seeking to strengthen their academic profile Technical requirements: Reliable internet access is necessary for participation in online activities and meetings Commitment: Fellows must actively participate in scheduled sessions, collaborative tasks, and research group activities By establishing clear eligibility criteria, the program ensures that participants are well-prepared to benefit from mentorship, training, and collaborative opportunities. The fellowship particularly supports individuals who are poised to make meaningful contributions to the study and understanding of the MENA region. Application Process The application process for the MENA Junior Fellowship is straightforward and designed to identify motivated, high-potential candidates. The steps include: Submission of the completed application form, available via the “Apply Now” button on the fellowship website Shortlisting of applications, followed by invitations to participate in an interview Final selection of fellows based on academic merit, research potential, and alignment with the program’s goals Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the fellowship requirements and provide a clear description of their research interests, professional objectives, and reasons for applying. Selected fellows will receive personalized guidance and structured research support throughout the one-year program. Program Structure and Engagement Fellows are integrated into the Social Sciences Lab MENA through a structured program that combines research, mentorship, and professional development. Core components include: Research supervision and mentorship: Fellows work closely with experienced scholars to refine research questions, develop methodologies, and analyze findings Access to collaborative projects: Fellows engage with ongoing lab projects, contributing to publications, datasets, and other research outputs Thematic research groups: Participation in specialized groups enables fellows to exchange ideas, receive peer feedback, and build interdisciplinary knowledge Professional development workshops: Training in academic writing, data analysis, presentation skills, and networking ensures that fellows are prepared for future academic or policy roles This comprehensive approach helps fellows develop a robust research skill set, gain exposure to global academic networks, and produce research that is relevant and impactful. Contact Information For additional information regarding the MENA Junior Fellowship, prospective applicants can reach out directly to the program team: Email: fellowship@ssl-mena.org The fellowship team encourages interested candidates to reach out with any questions or clarifications prior to submission. LEARN MORE & APPLY HERE Conclusion The MENA Junior Fellowship provides a transformative opportunity for emerging scholars to strengthen their research capacity, develop professional networks, and contribute meaningfully to the field of MENA studies. By combining mentorship, institutional affiliation, and structured research support, the program equips early-career researchers with the tools, skills, and opportunities necessary to succeed in academia, policy research, and beyond. This fellowship is not only an academic enrichment opportunity but also a platform for fostering leadership, collaboration, and sustained engagement with the MENA region. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this scholarship . For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.