About The
Dean’s Fellowship Program
Habib University’s three-year Dean’s Fellowship Program is a unique pre-doctoral offering that is designed to provide emerging scholars and researchers an unparalleled opportunity to prepare them for admission into competitive PhD or terminal degree programs in their field. This professional fellowship is an exclusive opportunity for aspiring academics to advance their skills and knowledge through contextual research, personalized mentoring, and teaching opportunities within a vibrant and innovative academic community.
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Opportunities For Dean’s Fellows
This program, at the best university in Pakistan, serves as a research fellowship, which allows our academics to actively and extensively participate in in-depth study. Through this research-focused program, Fellows develop a specific research plan and proposal with the support of their faculty mentors, allowing them to:
- Explore potential for collaborative research
- Access exclusive research grants
- Engage and collaborate with Habib University students for their research
- Disseminate research findings through publications and seminars
The mentoring experience is designed to support Fellows in achieving their academic and research goals. The Fellowship program includes mentoring from experienced faculty members, which allows Fellows to:
- Develop and advance their research agenda
- Explore doctorate/terminal degree programs and funding options
This teaching fellowship offers Dean’s Fellows the opportunity to gain the required pedagogical experience by designing and conducting lectures for courses in a range of areas, giving them the chance to:
- Translate their research into innovative elective courses
- Receive guidance from the Center for Pedagogical Excellence (CPE) for employing advanced pedagogical methods in class
As part of the Fellowship program, Fellows also receive professional development opportunities to improve their research skills and PhD application profile. These opportunities include:
- An extensive onboarding program
- Professionalization workshops
- Participation in trainings and development opportunities
- Exclusive interactions with global academics to enhance PhD applications
Beyond research and teaching, Dean’s Fellows get the opportunity to engage with the Habib University community for various projects. They can initiate collaboration with a variety of departments and programs, including:
- The Office of Research and Graduate School Curation Program (GSCP)
- The Career Curation Program (CCP)
- Academic Centers
- IDEAL
Is Dean’s Fellowship Program the Right Fit for You?
Before deciding, consider the following key questions:
Do You Want to Build a Competitive Research Portfolio for PhD Success?
A strong research portfolio is a cornerstone of a competitive PhD application. It demonstrates your ability to conduct scholarly work, think critically, and contribute to your chosen field. PhD admission committees look for evidence of research skills, published work, or projects that align with the expertise of potential faculty advisors. A robust portfolio signals readiness for the rigors of doctoral studies and enhances your chances of admission and funding.
You’re welcome to apply if you are committed to expand your current research portfolio. By the end of the fellowship, you'll have a well-rounded research portfolio showcasing your abilities and interests, positioning you as a competitive PhD candidate.
Disciplines & Schools at Habib – Do Your Academic and Research Interests Fit Here?
The DFP supports fellows with diverse academic interests that align with the two schools of study at Habib University:
Dhanani School of Science and Engineering (DSSE):
Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Integrated Sciences & Mathematics.
Please click here to find more information about the school and the programs.
School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (AHSS):
Comparative Humanities, Communication and Design, and Social Development and Policy.
Please click here to find more information about the school and the programs.
If your academic interests align with one or several of those disciplines & schools, the Dean’s Fellowship Program can be the ideal stepping stone toward your aspirations.
Our Placements
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Mahso Gichki was a Dean's Fellow in Social Development and Policy. She completed a BA in International Relations from King's College London and a MA in International Relations from the The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and is currently a PhD student in Sociology at the University of Virginia. Her research explores the intersection of gender, social resistance, and decolonial methods of understanding human rights, with a focus on South Asia generally and Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan specifically.
Mahso Gichki
PhD in Sociology, University of Virginia (Cohort 2021)
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Abdullah Zafar was a Dean's Fellow in Computer Science. He completed a BS in Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon University and a MS in Computer Science from IBA, and is currently a PhD student in Computer Science at the University of Sydney. His research focuses on early detection of neurodegenerative diseases using signals from the human body.
Abdullah Zafar
PhD in Computer Science, University of Sydney (Cohort 2022)
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Nimra Farooq was a Dean's Fellow in Comparative Humanities. She completed a BA in English Literature from Kinnaird College and a MA in Comparative Literature from the University of California at Davis, and is currently a PhD student in Comparative Literature at the University of Texas at Austin. Her research interests are in early print publics in colonial North India, late 19th/early 20th-century Urdu women’s reform literature, South Asian history, and feminism.
Nimra Farooq
PhD in Comparative Literature, University of Texas at Austin (Cohort 2022)
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Ahsan Mashhood was a Dean's Fellow in Social Development & Policy. He completed a BS in Economics from LUMS and a MS in Evidence-Based Social Intervention & Policy Evaluation from the University of Oxford, and is currently a DPhil student in Social Intervention & Policy Evaluation at the University of Oxford. His research lies at the intersection of youth mental health, stigma, gender, and social policy in Pakistan.
Ahsan Mashhood
DPhil in Social Intervention & Policy Evaluation, University of Oxford (Cohort 2024)
Application Details
Applying for the Dean’s Fellowship Program is simple. The sections below outline the ideal candidate profile, the application and selection process, and the generous benefits offered through the program
Program Grants & Benefits
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A Generous Monthly Fellowship Grant
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Research Funding
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Professional Development and Support Grant
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Medical Insurance
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Group Life Insurance
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Leave Packages Aligned with Leading Employers
Who is Eligible to Become a Dean’s Fellow?
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Individuals with a strong academic background who are committed to pursue a doctorate program or a terminal degree within the next three years.
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Passionate individuals who have recently completed or are in the process of completing a Master's degree from a high-quality academic institution within or outside Pakistan. (Individuals who are graduating a few weeks later should consult the Program office about their eligibility.)
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Individuals seeking a unique teaching and research fellowship with personalized mentoring and the chance to engage with undergraduate students in a vibrant academic community.
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Individuals aged 28 years or under are preferred for this fellowship program.
Application timeline
Here's how our selection process works:
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application
Submit Your Application:
Applications begin in early November. Fill out the application form and submit the required documents before December 31st.
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SELECTION PROCESS
Research Presentation and Interview:
After initial shortlisting, applicants will be invited to present their research in February/March.
Final Interview:
Candidates shortlisted after the research presentation will be invited for a final interview in April/May.
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Admission
Offer:
Successful candidates will be offered a Fellowship contract in early June.
Joining as a Dean's Fellow:
The Fellowship commences with an extensive onboarding program in late July.
Meet Our Dean’s Fellows
Tabsheer Ali Askari
M.S. Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Arizona State University, USA
Cohort 2025
Aatka Burhan
MPhil in Statistics, National University of Sciences and Technology
Cohort 2025
Anisa Aisha Ahmed
M.S. Computer Science (Computer Graphics), Georgia Institute of Technology USA
Cohort 2025
Musab Waqar
M.S. in Civil Engineering (Environmental and Water Resources), Virginia Tech, USA
Cohort 2025
Hamza bin Sajjad
M.S Theological Studies, Harvard Divinity School, Cambridge, MA
Cohort 2023
Ashar Khan
MSc Local Economic Development, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), London, UK Cohort 2023
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Anum Ijaz
Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois Chicago
Cohort 2024
Rajaa Moini
MA in Comparative Literature Purdue University, School of Languages and Cultures
Cohort 2024
Amar Latif Qazi
Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences and Liberal Arts,IBA Karachi, Pakistan
Cohort 2024
Uswa Ali Memon
Master of Social Work (Specialization in Organization & Community Leadership) , Michigan State University
Cohort 2023
FAQs
Who can apply to the Dean’s Fellowship Program?
Passionate individuals who are interested in pursuing a research & teaching fellowship and want to apply for a doctorate program or a terminal degree within the next three years. You need to have recently completed or are in the process of completing a Master's degree before August 1, 2025, from a high-quality academic institution within or outside Pakistan. Individuals aged 28 years or under are preferred.
What is a research presentation?
In the research presentation, candidates present their research interests to a panel of faculty members. It is an opportunity for candidates to explain their scholarly backgrounds in detail and exhibit their knowledge of their respective fields. Following the presentation, the panel will ask questions regarding candidate’s qualifications, research experience, and future aspirations to assess their suitability for the research fellowship.
What should the research presentation focus on?
The content of research presentation largely depends on the subject matter of the Master's degree. If candidates have completed a Master's thesis or research project, it is expected that they present and discuss it during their presentation. However, if candidates have not conducted an original research project but possess a strong academic interest in a particular area, their research presentation can center around those interests.
Will academics from local universities in Pakistan be accepted into the program?
Regardless of whether candidates are from local or international universities, they are considered on an equal basis. Our current cohorts of Dean's Fellows consist of a diverse mix of candidates from both local and global institutions. We prioritize the quality of the application rather than the reputation of the candidate's institution.
Do I need to start teaching undergraduate students immediately? What kind of support system is available to assist Fellows with teaching?
Many of our Dean’s Fellows join without prior teaching experience, and we offer a robust support system to aid them in teaching undergraduate students. During the on-boarding week, we organize multiple workshops and mentorship sessions where you get an opportunity to engage with faculty members and existing Dean’s Fellows. Moreover, the Center for Pedagogical Excellence (CPE) ensures that you are provided with the necessary support and advanced teaching methodologies to conduct undergraduate seminars and lectures.
Are there any specific guidelines for the Statement of Interest that candidates need to follow when submitting their application?
The format of the Statement of Interest (1-2 pages) may vary depending on the candidate's academic background. However, the primary requirement is evidence of a strong research and academic interest, as well as a demonstration of motivation and potential to pursue a Ph.D.
Does the working environment at Habib University provide support and accommodations for young, competent, and motivated women, especially those who are mothers?
Habib University offers strong support to working women and takes pride in its substantial representation of women in its faculty. We have a maternity leave policy that caters to the needs of expectant mothers. Moreover, we offer a well-equipped day care facility for young children, ensuring a conducive environment for working mothers. To prioritize convenience and safety for female staff members, the university also provides a dedicated women-only transport service.
What documents do I need to submit with my application?
You are required to submit the following documents along with your application for the Dean’s Fellowship Program:
- CV
- Statement of Interest (1-2 pages), addressing: Why do you want to join the Dean’s Fellowship Program? How do you think it will help you gain admission to a MFA/PhD program?
- Research Proposal (3-5-pages) outlining the research project you plan to conduct as a Dean's Fellow (and later on, as a MFA/PhD student)
- 1 to 2 writing samples
- Copies of academic transcripts
- Personal Data Form
