Are you an internationally recognised scholar working in the field of Classical Arabic Literature and interested in Ismaili Studies? The Zahid Ali Fellowship in Ismaili Studies offered by The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) in the United Kingdom is a prestigious research opportunity for specialists committed to exploring the intellectual, literary, and historical heritage of the Ismaili tradition.
This partial funding fellowship offers £5,000 every five years to support original scholarly work that deepens the understanding of Ismaili thought and culture.
👉 Read on to explore the full eligibility criteria, application process, required documents, and the official URL to apply before the deadline on 30 September 2025.
🎓 Fellowship Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | Zahid Ali Fellowship in Ismaili Studies |
| Institution | The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Funding Type | Partial Funding |
| Award Amount | £5,000 |
| Award Frequency | Every five years |
| Focus Area | Classical Arabic Literature related to Ismaili Studies |
| Eligible Nationalities | Open to all nationalities |
| Application Deadline | 30 September 2025 |
| Apply Link | Apply Now Official URL |
🔍 Why Apply for the Zahid Ali Fellowship in Ismaili Studies?
The Zahid Ali Fellowship was established to honour the legacy of Dr. Zahid Ali, a prominent Ismaili scholar. This fellowship supports ongoing academic inquiry into the Ismaili intellectual tradition, with a particular emphasis on Arabic literature, philosophy, and history.
🔑 Key Features of the Fellowship:
- Recognition of Scholarly Excellence
- Direct Funding for Publication-Ready Research
- Support for Original Work in Islamic and Ismaili Studies
- Encouragement for Interdisciplinary Methodologies
This is not just a fellowship—it’s a platform to amplify your voice in Islamic intellectual history, especially through the lens of the Ismaili tradition.
📚 Eligible Field of Study
The Zahid Ali Fellowship supports scholars focused on:
✅ Classical Arabic Literature
Your research must engage deeply with classical Arabic texts, particularly in ways that inform or expand the understanding of Ismaili Studies.
✅ Ismaili Heritage and Thought
Scholars must contribute to the broader narrative of Ismaili culture, including its textual, literary, philosophical, or historical aspects.
💡 What Does the Fellowship Offer?
This is a partial funding award designed to provide financial support to scholars working independently or institutionally.
🎁 Fellowship Benefits:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Award Amount | £5,000 (one-time grant) |
| Award Frequency | Every five years |
| Focus of Research | Original research in Ismaili Studies |
| Publication Support | Encourages monographs, translations, or articles |
| Institutional Affiliation | Not mandatory—open to independent scholars |
🌐 Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
The Zahid Ali Fellowship in Ismaili Studies is aimed at internationally recognised scholars with a strong academic background in Classical Arabic Literature and a clear commitment to Ismaili Studies.
🧾 Ideal Applicant Profile:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Specialization | Classical Arabic Literature with relevance to Ismaili thought |
| Language Proficiency | Fluent in reading classical Arabic texts and interpreting literary traditions |
| Publication Record | Proven research output related to Islamic intellectual history or Ismaili heritage |
| Project Goal | Publication of a monograph, academic article, or annotated translation |
| Research Alignment | The project must contribute meaningfully to Ismaili Studies |
Note: This is not a student scholarship—it is a research fellowship for experienced academics and researchers.
📝 Application Process – How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via email and should include all of the following documents in PDF format.
📤 Required Documents:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cover Letter | Express interest, outline suitability and relevance to the fellowship |
| Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) | Include academic background, publications, affiliations, and achievements |
| Writing Sample | Preferably a previously published academic work (PDF) |
| Research Proposal | Max 2,000 words detailing project scope, objectives, methodology, and relevance |
📧 Submission Details:
- Email your complete application to: [email protected]
- Subject line: Zahid Ali Fellowship Application 2025
- Deadline: 30 September 2025 (late submissions will not be accepted)
📅 Fellowship Timeline & Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | Currently Open |
| Deadline for Submission | 30 September 2025 |
| Selection Review Period | October – November 2025 |
| Award Announcement | Late November or Early December 2025 |
| Project Timeline | Flexible, as proposed by the researcher |
🔖 Project Outcomes Expected
The fellowship encourages work that will lead to high-quality publications, such as:
- 📘 Monographs on Ismaili literature, thought, or philosophy
- 📜 Translations of classical Arabic texts with annotations
- 📄 Peer-reviewed journal articles that explore Ismaili intellectual traditions
Your project should offer new insights, preserve Ismaili heritage, and advance global academic understanding of the Ismaili tradition.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Why This Fellowship Is Worth It
The Zahid Ali Fellowship in Ismaili Studies offers more than just financial support. It provides scholars with an international platform to expand critical discourse on Islamic and Ismaili Studies, especially through the lens of Classical Arabic Literature.
✅ If you’re working on a relevant research project and have the academic credentials to match, this is your chance to contribute to a legacy of excellence.
👉 Apply Now Official URL
📅 Deadline: 30 September 2025
📝 Quick Summary Table
| Fellowship Name | Zahid Ali Fellowship in Ismaili Studies |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS), UK |
| Funding Type | Partial Funding – £5,000 grant |
| Eligible Applicants | International scholars in Classical Arabic Literature |
| Application Deadline | 30 September 2025 |
| How to Apply | Via email to [email protected] |
| Apply Link | Apply Now Official URL |
