Who is eligible to apply? The Fellowship is open to: Advanced PhD candidates (in the final stages of dissertation writing) Postdoctoral researchers Senior researchers Master’s students and inactive PhD students are not eligible.

Research Fellowship Program

Q: Format and Location

Who is eligible to apply? Is the Fellowship available online? No. The YCIE Research Fellowship is a residential program . Fellows are expected to spend 1–3 months in Armenia . Can I travel within Armenia for fieldwork? Yes. You may use your Fellowship grant for short-term field trips throughout Armenia related to your research travel.

Q: Practical Information

Do you provide housing? No, we do not provide housing directly. However, we assist fellows in finding accommodation by sharing a list of affordable options. What is the average monthly cost of housing in Armenia? Approximately USD 600 , depending on the location and season. What is the average monthly cost of living in Armenia? Roughly USD 1000-1,200 , including accommodation, food, and local transportation. Do I need a visa to come to Armenia? Visa requirements vary by country. You can check current information on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website .

Q: Research and Application

Should my research project be connected to the region? Research projects related to the region are appreciated and will be considered an advantage during the selection process. How many applications can one person submit? Each applicant may submit only one application . At what research stage can I apply? Research at any stage is welcome. However, the Fellowship includes a presentation at the YCIE Research Seminar, so your project should be substantive enough to present preliminary findings, data, or evidence, rather than a purely conceptual or initial idea. Are there any methodological limitations? No. We welcome research using any methods within the social sciences and humanities. Can I propose a project that will become part of my PhD thesis? Yes, projects contributing to your ongoing dissertation are welcome. Can I include additional documents, such as an accepted or forthcoming article, in my application? Yes. You may mention it in your research plan or motivation letter , or include it in the “Additional Information” field of the application form. Should I mention any approximate research budget in my application? This is not mandatory. You are welcome to include an approximate research budget if you find it helpful for outlining your project, but there is no requirement to do so. Applications will not be disadvantaged if this information is not provided.

Q: Funding

How many Fellowships will be awarded in 2025–2026? The 2026–2027 Fellowship call offers 8 slots .

Q: Application Materials

Are there any specific requirements for the CV? There are no strict formats or length requirements , but your CV should be relevant to your application and highlight your academic and research background.

The call is closed! Notification of decisions will be sent by June 30, 2026.

Deadline: May 16, 2026

Yerevan, Armenia

Overview

The YCIE Research Fellowship Program is designed to support research in the social sciences and humanities. We welcome applications from scholars at various stages of their academic careers, from advanced PhD candidates to senior researchers, provided their research focuses on Eurasia, the Caucasus, or Central and Eastern Europe.

The program aims to foster original scholarship, promote academic exchange, and strengthen academic internationalization.

Timeline

Application Period
March 16 – May 16, 2026

Evaluation Period
May 17 – June 30, 2026

Fellowship Period
September 1, 2026 – August 26, 2027

Deadline for applications:
May 16, 2026

Submission of application form
Confirmation of receipt

Notification of decisions:
June 30, 2026

Formal eligibility check
Completeness check
Anonymization of applications
Evaluation
Notification of results

Fellowship activities:
1-3 months

Implementation of the research project as outlined in the application
Participation in YCIE research seminars and delivering a public talk
Participation in the YCIE’s public events and other activities during the stay
Acknowledgement of the program and YCIE in all resulting publications

Eligibility and Focus

The program is open to scholars in the social sciences and humanities, with a focus on Eurasia, the Caucasus, Central and Eastern Europe.

Eligible applicants include the following categories:

Advanced PhD candidates (in the final stages of dissertation writing)
Post-doctoral researchers
Senior researchers

A good command of English is required, as the program seeks to foster academic exchange and to contribute to the internationalization of Armenian academia by supporting research conducted in English.

Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. While priority may be given to projects with clear regional relevance and potential for collaboration, the primary criterion remains excellence in research.

What We Offer

Fellowships are offered for a period of 1 to 3 months.

Depending on the category of a candidate and available funding, the program offers:

Monthly scholarship:
up to $1000 for scholars permanently residing in Armenia
up to $1700 for scholars coming from abroad
Travel allowance (covers an economy class flight to and from Yerevan):
up to $800 for scholars traveling from Europe and similar distances
up to $1700 for scholars traveling from the USA and similar distances
Modest office space
Research support
Access to educational, research and academic institutions, libraries, and professional networks within Armenia

What is Required of You

Fellows are expected to:

Conduct the research project as outlined in their application
Take part in the YCIE research seminars and make a presentation within its framework
Participate in the YCIE’s public events and other activities during the stay
Acknowledge the program and YCIE in all publications and talks resulting from the fellowship

How We Select

Fellowships are awarded through an open call for applications
Applications are evaluated based on academic merit, feasibility, regional relevance, and potential contribution to the field

How to Apply

Applicants should fill in the application form using this link and be ready to indicate the following information and attach the following materials:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Project description outlining research goals and planned activities during the fellowship in Yerevan, including a proposed research plan and timeline (max. 3 pages)
Motivation letter explaining their interest in the program and its relevance to their academic work
Preferred dates and duration of the fellowship period
Names and contact information of two academic referees

All application materials must be submitted in English.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Information Session

To present the program and answer all your questions about the application, we will host an information session via Zoom on April 16, 2026, at 7:00 PM (GMT+4). Register here.

In Case of Questions

Feel free to ask any questions regarding the program and contact us: fellowships@yerevancenter.org

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Eligibility

Who is eligible to apply?
The Fellowship is open to:

Advanced PhD candidates (in the final stages of dissertation writing)
Postdoctoral researchers
Senior researchers

Master’s students and inactive PhD students are not eligible.

Format and Location

Who is eligible to apply?
Is the Fellowship available online?
No. The YCIE Research Fellowship is a residential program. Fellows are expected to spend 1–3 months in Armenia.

Can I travel within Armenia for fieldwork?
Yes. You may use your Fellowship grant for short-term field trips throughout Armenia related to your research travel.

Practical Information

Do you provide housing?
No, we do not provide housing directly. However, we assist fellows in finding accommodation by sharing a list of affordable options.

What is the average monthly cost of housing in Armenia?
Approximately USD 600, depending on the location and season.

What is the average monthly cost of living in Armenia?
Roughly USD 1000-1,200, including accommodation, food, and local transportation.

Do I need a visa to come to Armenia?
Visa requirements vary by country. You can check current information on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Research and Application

Should my research project be connected to the region?
Research projects related to the region are appreciated and will be considered an advantage during the selection process.

How many applications can one person submit?
Each applicant may submit only one application.

At what research stage can I apply?
Research at any stage is welcome. However, the Fellowship includes a presentation at the YCIE Research Seminar, so your project should be substantive enough to present preliminary findings, data, or evidence, rather than a purely conceptual or initial idea.

Are there any methodological limitations?
No. We welcome research using any methods within the social sciences and humanities.

Can I propose a project that will become part of my PhD thesis?
Yes, projects contributing to your ongoing dissertation are welcome.

Can I include additional documents, such as an accepted or forthcoming article, in my application?
Yes. You may mention it in your research plan or motivation letter, or include it in the “Additional Information” field of the application form.

Should I mention any approximate research budget in my application?
This is not mandatory. You are welcome to include an approximate research budget if you find it helpful for outlining your project, but there is no requirement to do so. Applications will not be disadvantaged if this information is not provided.

Support and Collaboration

Do you help fellows connect with Armenian academic institutions, museums, or archives?
Yes. We have a broad network of institutional contacts and will gladly assist fellows in establishing relevant connections.

Funding

How many Fellowships will be awarded in 2025–2026?
The 2026–2027 Fellowship call offers 8 slots.

Application Materials

Are there any specific requirements for the CV?
There are no strict formats or length requirements, but your CV should be relevant to your application and highlight your academic and research background.