Deadline: 31-Jan-2026
The Asia House Fellowship Programme 2026 supports early-career professionals to produce original, policy-relevant research on Asia and the Middle East. Two Fellows will receive a £24,000 stipend to conduct a year-long research project, with applications closing on 31 January 2026.
Programme Overview
The Asia House Fellowship Programme is a competitive, policy-focused research fellowship designed to support early-career professionals working on Asia- and Middle East-related issues.
Now in its fifth year, the Fellowship aims to nurture the next generation of business and policy leaders who share Asia House’s vision of a strong, dynamic relationship between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Each year, two Fellows are selected to conduct original, high-quality research that addresses real-world policy and business challenges shaping developments across Asia and/or the Middle East.
Research Focus and Priority Themes
Applicants must propose an original research project that is relevant to current policy, economic, or commercial debates.
Research proposals should ideally fall under one of the following broad thematic areas:
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Geopolitics and trade
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Technology, data, and artificial intelligence
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Energy and sustainability
Proposals outside these categories may still be considered if they clearly align with Asia House’s mission and engagement priorities.
Purpose and Expected Impact
The Fellowship is designed to produce research that directly informs decision-making.
Research outputs will be:
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Published and distributed by Asia House
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Shared with senior business leaders, policymakers, and global stakeholders
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Used to inform Asia House’s wider programme of engagement
Fellows are expected to conduct rigorous, evidence-based research with practical relevance for government, trade, business, and technology audiences.
What the Fellowship Offers
The Asia House Fellowship provides both financial support and professional development opportunities.
Key benefits include:
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A stipend of £24,000 per Fellow
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Payments made in equal instalments over 12 months
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Research support from Asia House throughout the Fellowship
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Integration into Asia House’s business and policy programme
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Access to an extensive global network across public and private sectors
The Fellowship can be completed remotely, making it accessible to candidates worldwide.
Fellowship Duration and Timeline
The Fellowship runs for a fixed 12-month period.
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Fellowship start: October 2026
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Fellowship end: September 2027
During this period, Fellows are expected to complete and publish their research project in collaboration with Asia House.
Who Is Eligible?
The Fellowship is open to candidates of all nationalities.
To be eligible, applicants must:
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Be in the early stages of their professional career
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Have completed a Master’s degree and/or PhD by October 2026
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Be fluent in written and spoken English
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Demonstrate strong interest in Asia- and/or Middle East-related issues
The programme welcomes applicants from academic, policy, business, and interdisciplinary backgrounds.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Strong candidates typically demonstrate:
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Knowledge of economic, political, or commercial issues affecting Asia and/or the Middle East
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Clear motivation to influence policy and business discussions
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Experience conducting independent research or analysis
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Self-motivation, enthusiasm, and leadership potential
Prior publication is not required, but the ability to deliver a substantial research project is essential.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Applicants must submit a complete application by the stated deadline.
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Prepare a CV of no more than two pages outlining academic background, research experience, and leadership roles.
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Write a personal statement explaining motivation for applying and alignment with Asia House’s mission.
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Provide an example demonstrating independent project leadership or initiative.
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Submit an outline of the proposed research project, including topic, relevance, and intended outcomes.
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Include contact details for two professional or academic referees.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Key Dates and Selection Process
Applicants should note the full selection timeline.
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Application deadline: 31 January 2026
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Interviews for shortlisted candidates: Mid-March to mid-April 2026
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Offers issued: By the end of April 2026
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Public announcement of Fellows: May 2026
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Fellowship period: October 2026 to September 2027
All shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly regarding interviews.
How Applications Are Assessed
Applications are reviewed competitively by Asia House.
Assessment criteria include:
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Quality, originality, and relevance of the research proposal
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Applicant’s academic and professional background
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Demonstrated leadership potential
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Alignment with Asia House’s policy and business focus
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Ability to communicate research to non-academic audiences
Only two Fellows will be selected.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants can strengthen their chances by avoiding the following issues.
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Submitting overly academic proposals without clear policy relevance
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Failing to explain the real-world impact of the research
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Exceeding the two-page CV limit
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Proposing topics unrelated to Asia or the Middle East
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Submitting incomplete application materials
Clear, concise, and policy-focused applications are more competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Asia House Fellowship Programme?
It is a one-year research fellowship supporting early-career professionals to produce policy-relevant research on Asia and the Middle East.
How many Fellows are selected?
Two Fellows are selected each year.
How much funding does the Fellowship provide?
Each Fellow receives a stipend of £24,000 paid over 12 months.
Can the Fellowship be completed remotely?
Yes. The Fellowship can be completed remotely from anywhere in the world.
What qualifications are required?
Applicants must have completed a Master’s and/or PhD by October 2026.
Is the Fellowship open to all nationalities?
Yes. Candidates of all nationalities are eligible to apply.
When does the Fellowship begin?
The Fellowship begins in October 2026 and ends in September 2027.
Conclusion
The Asia House Fellowship Programme 2026 offers a unique opportunity for early-career professionals to influence policy and business thinking on Asia and the Middle East.
With generous funding, global visibility, and access to senior decision-makers, the Fellowship provides a strong platform for emerging leaders to produce impactful research that shapes international dialogue and cooperation.
For more information, visit Asia House.