CFAs: King Center’s Predoctoral Research Fellows Program

The program provides a diverse set of fellows with the opportunity to gain research experience and preparation for applications to PhD programs and doctoral studies. This multidisciplinary program operates in partnership with the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Fellows are appointed as non-matriculated graduate students and are expected to fully engage in the intellectual life at Stanford University. Fellows will work with King Center Faculty Affiliates on research projects and can take courses at Stanford University for credit. The fellowship offers tuition, health insurance, and a living stipend. Visa sponsorship and work authorization is possible for successful applicants.

The King Center’s Predoctoral Research Fellows Program particularly encourages applications from students from low- and middle-income countries, as well as from others whose background and life experiences support or enhance the diversity of academia or their field of study. Applications from all backgrounds are welcome. The King Center is committed to creating inclusive research environments and to fostering the growth of the next generation of researchers in global development.

Funding Information

• King Center predocs receive a financial fellowship that includes a living stipend, tuition, and health insurance. The benefits include:
  • Living Stipend: They give you a stipend distributed monthly to support you financially during the program ($54,804 based on 24-25).
  • Tuition: You will have the option to take up to one class (and no more than 6 units) per quarter in autumn, winter, and spring quarters in consultation with your faculty mentor, and they will cover the tuition of each class you elect to take.
  • Health Insurance/Health Services: You will be eligible for health insurance benefits through the university, and they will cover your campus health service fee for access to services provided at Vaden Health Center.
  • Transportation to Stanford: One-way transportation to Stanford to begin the program (up to $1,500 depending on location).

Eligibility Criteria

• Interested applicants should have:
  • Completed an undergraduate degree (bachelors or foreign equivalent);
  • A strong quantitative background and interest in learning cutting-edge research methods;
  • A demonstrated interest in issues around global development and poverty alleviation;
  • Creative and independent problem-solving skills;
  • An interest in pursuing a PhD in a field related to global development.

Application Requirements

• In your application, you will be asked to provide the following:
  • Application form, including short answer questions on your interest in the program and specific King Center thematic areas, your familiarity with programming languages (Stata, R, Python, Matlab, etc.), your prior experience as a research assistant and with independent research (e.g., a senior thesis), and other relevant information.
  • Answers to opportunity-specific questions (if required by the faculty mentor).
  • CV: Include all relevant education, research experience, work experience and skills.
  • Undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate transcripts: You may submit an unofficial copy.
  • Optional writing sample: A paper (or excerpt) that displays your writing and analytic skills and capacity to execute independent research. A senior thesis, Master’s thesis, or a term paper are all fine choices. Any length is acceptable.
  • The contact information for two faculty members or others who can attest to your relevant skills and experience. Your recommenders will be asked to upload letters of recommendation through their application portal.

For more information, visit Stanford King Center on Global Development.