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.

  • Dean’s Fellowship Program(1)
  • Dean’s Fellowship Program(2)
  • Dean’s Fellowship Program(3)
  • Dean’s Fellowship Program(4)

Your Life as a Dean’s Fellow at Habib University

The Dean’s Fellowship Program embodies Habib University's dedication to cultivating emerging talent, fostering dynamic intellectual spaces, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Through this teaching fellowship, Habib University aims to foster well-rounded academic excellence by nurturing Fellows ' research prowess, teaching skills, and professional skills.

Opportunities For Dean’s Fellows

This program 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:

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:

Hear From Our Dean’s Fellows

  • Aatyka Fatima

    Habib University’s Dean’s Fellowship Program supports faculty research through funding opportunities while also providing access to various research resources like databases, libraries, and other tools. As a Dean's Fellow, I have many opportunities to participate in research activities and develop my skills and contribute to the academic community. I would highly recommend the Dean’s Fellowship Program to anyone who is passionate about meaningful research and wants to make an impact on the academic community and beyond.

    Aatyka Fatima

    Dean’s Fellow, Cohort 2022

  • Ana Tawfiq Husain

    I would encourage any student who is finishing their Master’s to apply for the Dean’s Fellowship Program here at Habib University, especially if one aims to work towards a career in research and academia. If you are interested in gaining exposure & experience in designing courses that are centered around or close to your own personal research interests and teaching a range of interdisciplinary courses at the undergraduate level, this would be a fantastic opportunity for you.

    Ana Tawfiq Husain

    Dean’s Fellow, Cohort 2021

  • Areeba Aziz Rajput

    The Dean’s Fellowship Program is an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring scholars and leaders to take their careers to new heights. As a current Dean’s Fellow, I am thrilled to have access to senior faculty mentors and exciting research opportunities. Engaging with undergraduates provides new perspectives and the community engagement keeps me at the forefront of my field. The Dean’s Fellowship Program is an utterly unique and valuable experience, and I feel honored to be part of it.

    Areeba Aziz Rajput

    Dean’s Fellow, Cohort 2022

Program Grants & Benefits

  • Monthly Fellowship Grant

  • Research Funding

  • Professional Development Grant

  • Health Insurance

  • Life Insurance

  • Annual Leaves

Who is Eligible to
Become a Dean’s
Fellow?

  • Individuals with a strong academic background, who are interested in pursuing a doctorate program or a terminal degree within the next three years.
  • Passionate individuals who have recently completed or are in the process of completing a Master's degree before August 1, 2024, 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.)
  • Individuals seeking unique teaching and research fellowships with personalized mentoring and the chance to engage with undergraduate students in a vibrant academic community.
  • Individuals aged 28 years or under are preferred for this fellowship program.

Application Timeline

application

Fill out the application form and submit the required documents before the deadline.

SELECTION PROCESS

Research Presentation and Interview

After the initial short listing, the applicants will be invited to present their research followed by a question-and-answer session.

Final Interview

Candidates shortlisted after the research presentation will be invited for a final interview.

recruitment

Offer

Successful candidates will be offered a Fellowship contract.

Joining as a Dean's Fellow

The Fellowship will commence at the end of July 2024 with an extensive on-boarding program.

deadline: 31st January, 2024

Applications for the '24 cohort are now closed.

For queries: deans.fellowship@habib.edu.pk

Meet Our Dean’s Fellows

Aatyka Fatima

Aatyka Fatima

MS Mathematics, Institute of Business Administration, Karachi, Pakistan
Cohort 2022

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Abdullah Mirza

Abdullah Mirza

MA Comparative History, Central European University, Vienna, Austria
Cohort 2022

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Abdullah Zafar

Abdullah Zafar

M.S. Computer Science, Institute of Business Administration Karachi, Pakistan
Cohort 2022

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Ana Tawfiq

Ana Tawfiq

M.A. International Relations, King’s College London, UK
Cohort 2022

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Hamza bin Sajjad

Hamza bin Sajjad

M.S Theological Studies, Harvard Divinity School, Cambridge, MA
Cohort 2023

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Mohammad Salman

Mohammad Salman

M.Eng. Robotics, University of Maryland, USA
Cohort 2022

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Ashar Khan

Ashar Khan

MSc Local Economic Development, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), London, UK
Cohort 2023

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Muzammil Patel

Muzammil Patel

M.A. Muslim Cultures:
Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations, Aga Khan University, UK
Cohort 2021

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Uswa Ali Memon

Uswa Ali Memon

Master of Social Work (Specialization in Organization & Community Leadership) , Michigan State University
Cohort 2023

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Haniya Habib

Haniya Habib

M.A Near Eastern Studies (Falak Sufi Scholar), New York University, New York, USA
Cohort 2021

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Haseeb Shaikh

Haseeb Shaikh

M.S Materials Engineering, (Fulbright Scholar), Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
Cohort 2021

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Areeba Aziz

Areeba Aziz

M.S Electrical and Computer Engineering (Fulbright Scholar), Northeastern University, USA
Cohort 2022

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Sumbul Yousuf

Sumbul Yousuf

MPhil International Relations, University of Karachi, Pakistan
Cohort 2023

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Nimra Farooq

Nimra Farooq

M.A. Comparative Literature, University of California, USA
Cohort 2022

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Zaineb Makati

Zaineb Makati

MSc. International Development, Mundus Joint Masters Degree (EMJMD)

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Sana Rizwan Gondal

Sana Rizwan Gondal

MUEP Urban and Environmental Planning (Fulbright Scholarship), Arizona State University
Cohort 2022

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Ahmed Ali

Ahmed Ali

M.S. Power Engineering,
TU Munich, Munich,
Germany
Cohort 2023

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Manahil Huda

Manahil Huda

MSc Product Service Systems Design, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
Cohort 2020

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Mahso Gichki

Mahso Gichki

MSc International Relations, London School of Economics and Political Sciences, UK
Cohort 2021

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FAQs

Who can apply to the Dean’s Fellowship Program?

Passionate individuals who are interested in pursuing a research or 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, 2024, 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 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 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:

  • Statement of Interest
  • CV
  • Personal Data Form
  • Copy of identity document
  • Copy of degree certificates
  • Recommendation letters (1 - 3)
  • Writing sample (1 - 3)

events

  • Workshop on PhD Proposal
    Writing for the Dean's Fellows

    Instructor:Dr Xiaoxi Zhang

    Date:October 20th, 2023

    Time:11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

  • Conversation on Path to PhD
    with the Dean's Fellows (AHSS)

    Instructor:Mehreen Odho

    Date:October 6th, 2023

    Time:11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

  • Workshop on Scientific Writing
    for the Dean's Fellows (DSSE)

    Instructor:Dr Shafayat Abrar

    Date:October 6th, 2023

    Time:02:00 PM – 03:30 PM

  • Social Critique in the Poetical
    Compositions of 18th Century Punjab

    Instructor: Dr Naila Pervaiz

    Date:August 4th, 2023

    Time:11:30 PM – 01:00 PM

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Manahil Huda

Manahil Huda

MSc Product Service Systems Design, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
Cohort 2020

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Manahil Huda is dedicated to exploring Pakistan's visual and material culture, driven by a passion for transformative design. Her focus is on leveraging innovative design methods, incorporating local materials and traditions to create positive impacts at individual and community levels. Engaged in social innovation, she merges Design for Social Impact and Systems Oriented Design, particularly emphasizing South Asia. With a wealth of teaching experience at Habib University, she actively contributes to academia and real-world design challenges through consultancy and industry projects. Currently pursuing an MSc in Product Service Systems Design at Politecnico di Milano, Italy, her studies concentrate on service design, systemic design, and design for social and public innovation.

Mahso Gichki

Mahso Gichki

MSc International Relations, London School of Economics and Political Sciences, UK
Cohort 2021

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Mahso Gichki is an accomplished scholar with an MSc in International Relations from the London School of Economics (LSE) and a BA in International Relations from King’s College London. With roles at the Society for International Development and the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs, she honed qualitative research and editing skills. As an Assistant Brand Manager Intern at Newell Brands, Mahso enhanced teamwork and communication by collaborating across EMEA countries. Her leadership shone during an NGO internship, managing a team for a library initiative. Alongside academic pursuits, she excelled in martial arts, presiding over clubs and earning accolades in Brazilian Jujitsu competitions. Published in Development, her paper explores transgender identities in Pakistan, India, and Iran. Fluent in Balochi, Urdu, and English, Mahso showcases diverse linguistic abilities alongside her multifaceted interests in poetry and sports.