Fellowships, Awards, and Internships

AIAR Fellowships & Awards

Applications for 2025-2026 Fellowships are Open

Applications Close December 3, 2024

The W. F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research (AIAR) supports an annual Fellows program that brings US, Israeli, Palestinian and other international scholars together in the shared pursuit of research excellence. The AIAR offers around 12 fellowships every year, each with different requirements regarding nationality, academic status, and terms of residency (between one to six months). Continuous residency at the Albright is required without frequent trips outside the country, and each fellowship includes a stipend that is used in part to cover room and board. The option to accommodate dependants is subject to available space. While an applicant may use the same application to apply for multiple awards in each round, the committee will not award more than one fellowship per applicant. Previous Fellows may re-apply, but preference will be given to first-time awardees.

Applications are open to students and scholars of the humanities and social sciences studying any aspect of cultural development in the southern Levant from deep prehistory to the Early Modern period. Applications from related disciplines are also considered, such as museum studies or cultural heritage management. The AIAR does not support projects that engage with cultural materials of unknown provenance and/or with ownership histories that violate the terms of the UNESCO 1970 Paris Convention. Projects that engage with archaeological excavations in occupied territories are expected to adhere to the terms specified in the Hague Convention (1954) and the UNESCO New Delhi Recommendation (1956).

The AIAR is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse scholarly community. We encourage fellowship applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups, and welcome diverse perspectives in Levantine studies and related fields. We believe that a wide range of voices and experiences enriches academic inquiry and contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of our shared past. The AIAR does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or socioeconomic background, and is dedicated to providing an equitable and supportive environment for all scholars.

Short-Term Fellowships

$3,000 award for 1 month. Room and half-board at the Institute is $1,500 per month, and the remainder is a stipend. 

Open to doctoral, post-doctoral, and senior scholars of all nationalities. This Fellowship is for a residential period between June 1, 2026 and August 31, 2026. Residency at the Institute in Jerusalem is required and no exceptions can be granted.

Application Materials:

  • Project Abstract (200-word maximum)
  • CV (2-page maximum, 10 pt font)
  • Statement of Proposed Research (2,000-word maximum)
  • Bibliography (1,000-word maximum)
  • Three letters of reference
  • Transcripts (for PhD candidates and graduates within the last 5 years)
  • If relevant to the project, a statement justifying the study of unprovenanced materials or materials obtained on occupied territories (500-word max)

These materials are to be submitted through the application portal, which will open on September 3, 2024.

→ Apply Here

£3,000 award to support research that requires access to the PEF archives and collection and also time spent in residence at the Albright Institute in Jerusalem.

Open to all doctoral and post-doctoral researchers of all nationalities. This fellowship is for a residential period between September 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026. A minimum of 10 working days at the PEF in Greenwich, London, and 1-month minimum stay at the AIAR in Jerusalem is required. The room and half-board at the Albright Institute ($1,500 per month) will come from the award, with the rest being a flexible stipend for other activities. The working days at the PEF may be completed anytime from the granting of the award until May 31, 2026.

Application Materials:

  • Project Abstract (200-word maximum)
  • CV (2-page maximum, 10 pt font)
  • Statement of Proposed Research (2,000-word maximum)
  • Bibliography (1,000-word maximum)
  • Three letters of reference
  • Transcripts (for PhD candidates and graduates within the last 5 years)
  • If relevant to the project, a statement justifying the study of unprovenanced materials or materials obtained on occupied territories (500-word max)

These materials are to be submitted through the application portal.

Queries related to the PEF should be sent to grants@pef.org. Queries related to the AIAR should be sent to c_shafer-elliott@baylor.edu.

→ Apply Here

Long-term Fellowships

$12,000 award for 4 months. Room and half-board at the Institute is $1,500 per month and the remainder is a stipend.

Open to doctoral students who are US Citizens. While all topics will be considered, those involving the study of archaeology and society at the household level are encouraged. This fellowship is for a residential period between September 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026. Residency at the Institute in Jerusalem is required, and no exceptions can be granted.

Application Materials:

  • Project Abstract (200-word maximum)
  • CV (2-page maximum, 10 pt font)
  • Statement of Proposed Research (2,000-word maximum)
  • Bibliography (1,000-word maximum)
  • Three letters of reference
  • Transcripts (for PhD candidates and graduates within the last 5 years)
  • If relevant to the project, a statement justifying the study of unprovenanced materials or materials obtained on occupied territories (500-word max)

These materials are to be submitted through the application portal, which will open on September 3, 2024.

→ Apply Here

$12,000 award for 4 months. Room and half-board at the Institute is $1,500 per month and the remainder is stipend.

Open to all doctoral students and recent Ph.D. recipients (degree granted within last 5 years) of all nationalities. This fellowship is for a residential period between September 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026. Residency at the Institute in Jerusalem is required, and no exceptions can be granted.

Application Materials:

  • Project Abstract (200-word maximum)
  • CV (2-page maximum, 10 pt font)
  • Statement of Proposed Research (2,000-word maximum)
  • Bibliography (1,000-word maximum)
  • Three letters of reference
  • Transcripts (for PhD candidates and graduates within the last 5 years)
  • If relevant to the project, a statement justifying the study of unprovenanced materials or materials obtained on occupied territories (500-word max)

These materials are to be submitted through the application portal, which will open on September 3, 2024.

→ Apply Here

$12,000 award for 4 months (three awards available). Room and half-board at the Institute is $1,500 per month and the remainder is stipend.

Open to doctoral students and recent Ph.D. recipients (degree granted within last 5 years) who are US citizens. This Fellowship is for a residential period between September 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026. Residency at the Institute in Jerusalem is required and no exceptions can be granted.

Application Materials:

  • Project Abstract (200-word maximum)
  • CV (2-page maximum, 10 pt font)
  • Statement of Proposed Research (2,000-word maximum)
  • Bibliography (1,000-word maximum)
  • Three letters of reference
  • Transcripts (for PhD candidates and graduates within the last 5 years)
  • If relevant to the project, a statement justifying the study of unprovenanced materials or materials obtained on occupied territories (500-word max)

These materials are to be submitted through the application portal, which will open on September 3, 2024.

→ Apply Here

$13,500 award for 4 months. Room and half-board at the Institute is $1,500 per month and the remainder is a stipend. 

Open to post-doctoral scholars who are also US citizens. The ECA Annual Professor is expected to be a leader among the community of fellows, and a mentor to younger fellows while in residence. As such, the recipient is expected to assist the Albright’s Director in planning and implementing the US State Department Educational and Cultural Affairs Program for Albright Fellows, and to organize informal events to build community among the residents. A working knowledge of living and traveling in Israel and Palestine is desirable. Contact the director with any questions about the duties of the position. This fellowship is for a residential period between September 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026. Residency at the Institute in Jerusalem is required and no exceptions can be granted.

Application Materials:

  • Project Abstract (200-word maximum)
  • CV (2-page maximum, 10 pt font)
  • Statement of Proposed Research (2,000-word maximum)
  • Bibliography (1,000-word maximum)
  • Three letters of reference
  • If relevant to the project, a statement justifying the study of unprovenanced materials or materials obtained on occupied territories (500-word max)

These materials are to be submitted through the application portal, which will open on September 3, 2024.

→ Apply Here

$13,500 award for 4 months. Room and half-board at the Institute is $1,500 per month and the remainder is stipend.

Open to post-doctoral scholars of any nationality. The Frerichs Annual Professor is expected to be a leader among the community of fellows, and mentor to younger fellows while in residence. As such, the recipient is expected to assist the Albright’s Director in planning and implementing the Ernest S. Frerichs Program for Albright Fellows, and to organize informal events to build community among the residents. A working knowledge of living and traveling in Israel and Palestine is desirable. Contact the director with any questions related to the duties of the position. This fellowship is for a residential period between September 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026. Residency at the Institute in Jerusalem is required and no exceptions can be granted.

Application Materials:

  • Project Abstract (200-word maximum)
  • CV (2-page maximum, 10 pt font)
  • Statement of Proposed Research (2,000-word maximum)
  • Bibliography (1,000-word maximum)
  • Three letters of reference
  • If relevant to the project, a statement justifying the study of unprovenanced materials or materials obtained on occupied territories (500-word max)

These materials are to be submitted through the application portal, which will open September 3, 2024.

→ Apply Here

$20,000 award for 4 months (two awards available). Room and half-board at the Institute is $1,500 per month and the remainder is a stipend.

Open to internationally recognized senior scholars of all nationalities who made significant contributions to their field of study. This fellowship is for a residential period between September 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026. Residency at the Institute in Jerusalem is required and no exceptions can be granted.

Application Materials:

  • Project Abstract (200-word maximum)
  • CV (2-page maximum, 10 pt font)
  • Statement of Proposed Research (2,000-word maximum)
  • Bibliography (1,000-word maximum)
  • Three letters of reference
  • If relevant to the project, a statement justifying the study of unprovenanced materials or materials obtained on occupied territories (500-word max)

These materials are to be submitted through the application portal, which will open on September 3, 2024.

→ Apply Here

The NEH award is a prestigious fellowship for outstanding scholars at any stage of their career who are U.S. citizens (or alien residents for at least three years). Applicants from outside the Albright Institute’s core fields of archaeology or biblical studies, or those pursuing innovative research within these fields, are especially encouraged to apply.

The award is $5,000 per month for 4 to 6 months. Room and half-board at the Institute is $1,500 per month, and the remainder is a stipend. Applicants must have completed all requirements of a PhD, except for the actual conferral of the degree, by the application deadline for the fellowship. This fellowship is for a residential period between September 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026. Up to three NEH Fellowships may be awarded for the 2025-2026 period.

Application Materials:

  • Project Abstract (200-word maximum)
  • CV (2-page maximum, 10 pt font)
  • Statement of Proposed Research (2,000-word maximum)
  • Bibliography (1,000-word maximum)
  • Three letters of reference
  • Transcripts (for PhD candidates and graduates within the last 5 years)
  • If relevant to the project, a statement justifying the study of unprovenanced materials or materials obtained on occupied territories (500-word max)

These materials are to be submitted through the application portal, which will open on September 3, 2024.

→ Apply Here

AIAR Prizes

This prize provides $750 for the best paper, presented at a conference, which treats a topic in the field of Syro-Palestinian or Biblical Archaeology.

Authors must be Ph.D. candidates in the semester in which the winner is announced (Spring 2025). They may be of any nationality but the paper must be in English. Submissions must be conference papers not already published or prepared for submission to a publication. Co-written or co-presented papers may be submitted if all the authors or presenters are doctoral candidates; the prize, if awarded, will be divided equally among authors or presenters.

All submissions must be in PDF format only. Conference papers must include images (if used in the presentation) in PDF format (either as a separate document or embedded within the text of the paper), and citations and bibliographic references.

These materials are to be submitted through the application portal, which will open on September 3, 2024.

Prize Deadline: February 1, 2025

→ Apply Here

Outside-Funded Fellowships

Currently not open for applications.

$7,000 to be used to cover transportation, one month on a specific dig, and one month of travel to other digs, combined with a one-month residency (room and half-board) at the W. F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research in Jerusalem.

Applicants must be American or American-based Ph.D. candidates or non-tenured faculty members, or graduate students in the field of Biblical Studies who wish to acquire elementary, first-hand experience in the field of archaeology.

For more information on this fellowship: https://www.asor.org/william-dever-fellowships/

Approximately nine awards of $11,500 for scholars to carry out research in two or more countries outside the US, at least one of which must host a participating Overseas Research Center.

Open to US doctoral candidates who are all but dissertation, and scholars who have earned their Ph.D. The fellowship supports advanced research in the humanities, social sciences, and allied natural sciences.

For more information on this fellowship: https://www.caorc.org/multi-fellowship-guidelines

https://us.fulbrightonline.org/countries/middle-east-and-north-africa

Several opportunities exist under the Fulbright Program for working at the Albright Institute. Consult with the Albright Director before applying as our location and the nature of your project may fall under the jurisdiction of one of two Fulbright committees:

https://eca.state.gov/fulbright/country/palestinian-territories
https://eca.state.gov/fulbright/country/israel

For further information:

Cynthia Shafer-Elliott, Ph.D.
Chair, Albright Fellowship Committee
Associate Professor of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
Department of Religion
Baylor University
One Bear Place #97284
Waco, Texas 76798
Office: (254) 710-3258

c_shafer-elliott@baylor.edu