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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fill out the application form and submit the required documents before the deadline.
After the initial short listing, the applicants will be invited to present their research followed by a question-and-answer session.
Candidates shortlisted after the research presentation will be invited for a final interview.
Successful candidates will be offered a Fellowship contract.
The Fellowship has commenced with an extensive on-boarding program.
If you are interested in 2025 cycle, please complete an expression of interest here.
We will reach out to you when the next cycle is launched.
MS Mathematics, Institute of Business Administration, Karachi, Pakistan
Cohort 2022
MA Comparative History, Central European University, Vienna, Austria
Cohort 2022
M.S. Computer Science, Institute of Business Administration Karachi, Pakistan
Cohort 2022
M.S Theological Studies, Harvard Divinity School, Cambridge, MA
Cohort 2023
MSc Local Economic Development, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), London, UK
Cohort 2023
M.A. Muslim Cultures:
Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations, Aga Khan University, UK
Cohort 2021
Master of Social Work (Specialization in Organization & Community Leadership) , Michigan State University
Cohort 2023
M.A Near Eastern Studies (Falak Sufi Scholar), New York University, New York, USA
Cohort 2021
M.S Materials Engineering, (Fulbright Scholar), Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
Cohort 2021
M.S Electrical and Computer Engineering (Fulbright Scholar), Northeastern University, USA
Cohort 2022
MUEP Urban and Environmental Planning (Fulbright Scholarship), Arizona State University
Cohort 2022
MSc Product Service Systems Design, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
Cohort 2020
MSc International Relations, London School of Economics and Political Sciences, UK
Cohort 2021
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You are required to submit the following documents along with your application for the Dean’s Fellowship Program:
MSc Product Service Systems Design, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
Cohort 2020
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.
MSc International Relations, London School of Economics and Political Sciences, UK
Cohort 2021
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.