2026-2027 PARC Tanya Baker-Asad Scholarship for Palestinian Women Pursuing PhDs
The Palestinian American Research Center announces the 4th PARC Tanya Baker-Asad Scholarship for Palestinian women pursuing PhDs in the humanities and social sciences competition. The Scholarship was established in honor of the late Tanya Baker-Asad, an anthropologist, a feminist, and a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause. A woman of great integrity and compassion, and with a strong sense of justice, Tanya Baker-Asad was a researcher and a teacher who remained steadfast in her commitment to improving the lives of women, particularly those living under conditions of hardship and political repression. The Tanya Baker-Asad Scholarship was established by Baker-Asad’s husband, Talal Asad.
The Tanya Baker-Asad Scholarship is supported by the Tanya Baker-Asad Fund
Pre-proposal applications due October 29, 2025
Final applications due January 12, 2026 (only those invited to apply may submit)
Awards announced March 27, 2026
The range of Scholarship awards for the academic year 2026-2027 is from $5,000 up to a maximum of $25,000
On Wednesday, October 8th, PARC will host an informational webinar for all interested pre-proposal applicants. To register, click here.
Qualified applicants should be applying for, in the process of enrolling in, or already enrolled in a doctoral program in the humanities or social sciences at an accredited university anywhere in the world. Scholarship awards for the academic year 2026-2027 are from $5,000 up to a maximum of $25,000. The Scholarship may be used for any expenses related to the pursuit of the degree (e.g. tuition, research expenses, dissertation write-up support, living expenses).
Interested applicants should submit a pre-proposal due October 29, 2025. Pre-proposal applicants will be notified by November 21, 2025, if their pre-proposal has been approved. Approved applicants will be invited to submit a more detailed final application. The deadline for final applications is January 12, 2026.
Information about the scholarship competition:
- Applicants must be women of Palestinian heritage.
- Applicants must be scholars applying for, in the process of enrolling in, or already enrolled in a PhD program at an accredited university anywhere in the world.
- Fields of study include but are not limited to, anthropology, sociology, economics, history, philosophy, religious studies, political science, psychology, geography, literature, languages and linguistics, archaeology, art history, law, media studies, and film studies.
- The Scholarship can be used for any expenses related to the pursuit of the degree (e.g. tuition, research expenses, dissertation write-up support, living expenses).
- Previous applicants are encouraged to apply. Previous awardees are not eligible.
- All applications must be in English.
Pre-proposal applications include the following:
- Application form
- Personal statement (500 words max)
- Research statement (500 words max)
- Curriculum vitae (3 pages max)
- Budget (maximum of $25,000)
- Information page from passport, laissez-passer, or travel document
Final applications include the following: (only approved pre-proposal applicants who are invited to apply may submit final applications)
- Application form
- Personal statement (1,000 words max)
- Research statement (1,000 words max)
- Academic transcripts (BA, MA, and PhD if currently enrolled)
- Curriculum vitae
- Budget (maximum of $25,000)
- Other funding support
- Information page from passport, laissez-passer, or travel document
- Two letters of recommendation
Evaluation criteria:
- Primary criterion is the overall excellence of the application
- Clear and compelling personal and research statements
- Qualifications demonstrate the potential to undertake, continue, or complete a PhD
- Strong support from recommenders
*Applicants who are at the research stage of their PhD program are eligible to apply to the PARC Palestinian Research Fellowships competition. Applicants to both competitions, however, may only receive an award from one competition. Please contact the Palestine Office at [email protected] with any questions.