Apply Now For The AUS Postdoctoral Fellowship Award 2026 In The UAE

About the AUS Postdoctoral Fellowship Award

The AUS Postdoctoral Fellowship Award is a competitive, two-year program that provides early-career researchers with the resources and environment they need to undertake groundbreaking independent research. Hosted by the American University of Sharjah in the UAE, the fellowship fosters innovation, academic growth, and cross-cultural collaboration across a wide range of disciplines.

The fellowship welcomes scholars from across the globe and is open to all academic backgrounds—including the sciences, engineering, business, humanities, social sciences, and the creative arts. Fellows will receive up to AED 20,000 per month (approximately USD 5,400), access to state-of-the-art facilities, and the opportunity to participate in optional teaching and extensive professional development activities.

Are you an early-career scholar or creative practitioner looking to elevate your research career in a dynamic academic environment? The American University of Sharjah (AUS) invites outstanding researchers from around the world to apply for the prestigious AUS Postdoctoral Fellowship Award 2026. This fully funded, two-year opportunity is designed to support emerging global talent through world-class mentorship, generous stipends, and access to exceptional research infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates.

If you are ready to produce impactful, interdisciplinary work in a multicultural academic hub, this fellowship could be the ideal next step in your professional journey.

About the American University of Sharjah (AUS)

Founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, AUS is one of the region’s most respected academic institutions. With U.S. accreditation and a strong liberal arts foundation, the university offers cutting-edge programs in engineering, science, design, business, and the humanities. Its commitment to excellence, research, and diversity makes it a top destination for international scholars.

AUS is located in Sharjah, a UNESCO-recognized cultural capital, offering a rich intellectual and artistic environment perfect for innovation and interdisciplinary exploration.

Eligible Fields

The fellowship accepts applications from scholars and professionals in all academic fields, especially those aligned with AUS’s strategic priorities. These include:

Science and Engineering – Energy, sustainability, health technologies, AI, materials science
Business and Economics – Innovation, entrepreneurship, digital transformation
Humanities and Social Sciences – Cultural studies, political economy, sociology, Middle East studies
Creative Arts and Design – Architecture, visual arts, media, and design-led research

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the AUS Postdoctoral Fellowship, candidates must meet the following requirements:

Hold a PhD or equivalent terminal degree awarded within the last three years
Demonstrate a clear and innovative research proposal aligned with AUS’s academic strengths
Be committed to interdisciplinary inquiry and capable of working independently
Secure the support of an AUS faculty member willing to serve as a mentor
Be available to begin the fellowship in 2026 and commit to the full two-year duration

Teaching experience is not mandatory, but selected fellows may opt to teach one course per academic year to build their academic portfolio.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

The quality and originality of the proposed research project
Alignment with AUS’s institutional mission and interdisciplinary research priorities
Evidence of past academic excellence and research potential
The strength of the faculty mentorship arrangement
The candidate’s potential for contributing to scholarly or creative output during the fellowship

Preference may be given to candidates whose work addresses regional or global challenges, promotes knowledge exchange, and strengthens cultural or academic linkages.

Eligible Countries

The AUS Postdoctoral Fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities. Scholars from both developed and developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents for submission:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A detailed research proposal (highlighting goals, methodology, timeline, and expected outcomes)
A letter of support from an AUS faculty member confirming willingness to serve as mentor
Personal statement outlining career goals and motivations for applying
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
Any relevant portfolio or creative work samples (for applicants in the arts or design fields)

All documents must be submitted in English.

Benefits of the AUS Postdoctoral Fellowship Award

Successful fellows will enjoy a wide range of benefits designed to support both their personal and professional growth:

Generous Monthly Stipend: Up to AED 20,000 per month (approx. USD 5,400), inclusive of benefits
Mentorship: Guidance and support from leading AUS faculty members
Research Infrastructure: Access to state-of-the-art labs, studios, libraries, archives, and computing tools
Professional Development: Opportunities to attend conferences, workshops, and internal training programs
Optional Teaching: Gain teaching experience by leading one undergraduate course annually
International Community: Join a vibrant and diverse research culture in Sharjah, a global academic hub

How to Apply

To apply for the AUS Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026:

Secure Mentorship: Contact an AUS faculty member in your field to request mentorship.
Prepare Your Application: Gather the required documents, including your project proposal and CV.
Submit Electronically: Applications must be submitted via the official AUS fellowship portal.
Deadline: All applications must be received by 30 September 2025. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Final Thoughts

Launch Your Global Research Career at AUS
With strong mentorship, generous funding, and a supportive academic community, the AUS Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 is the perfect opportunity for talented scholars and creative professionals to pursue impactful research in one of the world’s most vibrant academic hubs. Apply now and take the next step toward becoming a leader in your field.