ACSS Fellowship 2026 for Arab Students in the Social Sciences

The Arab Council for the Social Sciences (ACSS) has announced the opening of applications for the seventh cycle of the New Generation of Social Scientists in the Arab Region program. This is a fellowship and academic development program that targets a new generation of students and young researchers interested in the social sciences in the Arab region.

The program runs over two years and gives participants the opportunity to engage in research, training, and academic activities, including workshops, methodological and thematic courses, mentoring, networking, intellectual exchange, and research and publication activities. The program aims to support outstanding students at the undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels, and to strengthen their interest in social sciences, critical research, and knowledge production about Arab societies.

The program’s activities are offered in Arabic and implemented in collaboration with partner universities in Lebanon, Palestine, Tunisia, and Egypt. This year, the program also opens a special track for refugee and displaced students residing in Lebanon, Palestine, Egypt, or Tunisia whose educational paths have been affected by war, conflict, displacement, or forced migration.

• Joining a two-year academic and research program.
• Participating in specialized workshops and training courses in the social sciences.
• Developing research, academic writing, critical thinking, and publishing skills.
• Attending monthly activities such as field trips, professional meetings, discussions, and conferences.
• Networking with students and young researchers from different Arab universities.
• Receiving academic mentoring and guidance within the program.
• Participating in group projects and research and intellectual activities.
• Opportunity to explore professional and academic pathways in the social sciences.
• The program does not require any financial commitment from participants.
• All program activities are fully funded, including travel or transportation costs when needed.
• A suitable opportunity for students interested in social research and social change in the Arab world.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. The applicant must hold Arab nationality and reside in an Arab country.
2. The applicant must be an undergraduate, master’s, or PhD student at one of the partner or eligible universities.
3. For undergraduate and master’s students: applicants may apply from any academic discipline, whether within or outside the social sciences.
4. For PhD students: the field of study must be within the social sciences or humanities.
5. The applicant must have at least two academic years remaining to complete the degree, or at least one year remaining until graduation at the start of the program.
6. The applicant must be interested in social sciences, critical research, and social change in the Arab region.
7. The applicant must be able to participate in the program’s activities for two years.
8. The applicant must be proficient in Arabic in reading, writing, and speaking, as Arabic is the main language of the program.
9. Refugee and displaced students residing in Lebanon, Palestine, Egypt, or Tunisia may apply through a special track, even if they are not currently enrolled in a university or are enrolled in a non-partner university, provided that their educational paths have been affected by war, conflict, displacement, or forced migration.

Eligible Universities and Countries

The seventh cycle includes partner universities in four countries:

1. Lebanon: Lebanese American University, Lebanese University, American University of Beirut, University of Balamand, Saint Joseph University, and Notre Dame University–Louaize.
2. Palestine: Birzeit University, An-Najah National University, Al-Quds University Abu Dis, and Bethlehem University.
3. Tunisia: University of Sfax, University of Tunis El Manar, University of Manouba, and University of Tunis.
4. Egypt: The American University in Cairo, in addition to students from Egyptian universities that offer master’s and PhD programs in the social sciences and humanities.

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