Al Qasimi Foundation Doctoral Research Grants

Doctoral Research Grants financially support PhD candidates in the research phase of their dissertations. Currently, two awards are available each year for applied research projects that have Ras Al Khaimah as a primary site for data gathering and analysis. The Grant covers all student expenses associated with their field research in the United Arab Emirates, including return airfares, furnished accommodation for up to 12 months, a stipend to cover living costs, and research support. Recipients are expected to produce one to two policy papers as part of the Grant and record a podcast or make at least one presentation to the local research community.

Grant Objectives

• Provide opportunities for distinguished doctoral candidates to realize their potential in conducting innovative, applied research while making a positive impact on the Ras Al Khaimah community
• Foster high-quality research that supports the development of the region’s research capacity
• Build a community of scholars and promote collaboration among highly recognized international universities and national institutions in the United Arab Emirates
• Promote cross-cultural exchange that sparks curiosity and new ideas and also facilitates understanding

Funding Information

• International Applicants: Round-trip economy airfare from country of origin (maximum 8,000 AED), up to 12-months accommodation, pro-rated monthly living stipend (2,000 AED per month, maximum 24,000 AED total), car rental (2,000 AED per month, maximum 24,000 AED total), visa costs (maximum 2,500 AED), research support, office space.
• UAE Applicants: Maximum 35,000 AED award to cover direct, project-related research expenses based on the approved detailed budget. Permissible expenditures include travel within the UAE (e.g. car rental, hotel nights), living stipend, equipment purchases, translation, printed materials, etc. General research support and Foundation office space is also available.

Eligibility Criteria

• The Grants are open to PhD students from all nationalities studying at an accredited university in the United Arab Emirates or abroad.
• The minimum eligibility criteria for prospective applicants seeking Doctoral Research Grants:
  • Applicant must be a current PhD student at an accredited university in good academic standing.
  • Applicant must have a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 85 or IELTS score of 6.5 if English is a secondary language.
  • Applicant must have all PhD coursework completed and be ready to conduct the field research component of his/her dissertation.
  • Applicant must have a research proposal that is approved (or is in the process of being approved) by the applicant’s advisor and graduate program. The approved proposal should include a literature review and significant detail on research methodology.
  • The proposed research must have Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval from the applicant’s home institution.
  • The proposed research must focus on the United Arab Emirates, and specifically the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. If the research proposal includes other locations, Ras Al Khaimah must be a significant focus for data gathering and analysis.
  • Proposed research must address an education, public policy, or closely related social science issue or question. Relevant topics (dependent on research question) may include areas such as education, urban planning/development, public health, economic development, food access, and energy or environmental policy.
  • Note: The following research areas do not qualify for Doctoral Research Grants because they are not considered policy-related: business or marketing, agronomy, engineering, IT or computer science, laboratory-based or scientific studies, and medical degrees.

For more information, visit Al Qasimi Foundation.