The Kabir Banerjee Predoctoral Fellowship 2025–26, administered by the Weiss Fund for Research in Development Economics, supports outstanding early-career researchers from low- and lower-middle-income countries, this prestigious predoctoral programme equips emerging scholars with the skills, mentorship, and exposure needed to pursue advanced careers in development economics, especially in global research settings. Fellows gain hands-on experience in coding, data analysis, field research, project management, and academic writing. They also receive personalised guidance for PhD applications to top international institutions.
The fellowship aims to build a pipeline of exceptional researchers capable of generating rigorous, evidence-based solutions for complex challenges faced by developing nations. It serves as a strong launching platform for individuals aiming to join leading predoctoral programs or top-tier PhD programmes in economics, public policy, or related fields.
Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree obtained by June 2024 from an institution in a low- or lower-middle-income country
- Possess strong mathematical skills
- Have working proficiency in written and spoken English
- Hold a GRE Quantitative score above 160 (recommended; if unavailable, applicants must take a similar Weiss Fund test)
The programme is designed for talented individuals demonstrating strong analytical abilities and commitment to rigorous economic research.
Benefits of the Kabir Banerjee Predoctoral Fellowship
Selected fellows will receive extensive academic and professional development, including:
- Training in coding, research methods, and academic communication
- Exposure to the inner workings of research projects, including field and management experience
- Opportunities to explore diverse research areas across development economics
- Mentorship and structured guidance for PhD applications
- Support in building relationships with leading global faculty
- Opportunities to collaborate on research papers and potentially co-author publications
The fellowship’s comprehensive support significantly boosts career prospects for early-career economists.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Resume/CV (required)
- Academic transcripts (required)
- Two to three recommendation letters
- GRE Quantitative score (if available)
- Additional testing through Weiss Fund if GRE is not submitted
Important Deadlines
The fellowship accepts applications in two cycles:
- Deadline 1: 10 September 2025 (for Summer 2026 intake)
- Deadline 2: 30 November 2025 (for Fall 2026 intake)
Applicants are encouraged to apply early, especially those seeking summer placements.
Selection Criteria
Selections are based on:
- Academic excellence in mathematics, economics, statistics, or related fields
- Strength and clarity of recommendations
- Demonstrated quantitative capability (GRE or equivalent test)
- Research potential and motivation for pursuing a PhD
- Alignment with development economics research priorities
Finalists receive support and guidance when applying to top global predoctoral programs, significantly improving their chances of admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Who is eligible for the Kabir Banerjee Predoctoral Fellowship? |
| Graduates from low- or lower-middle-income countries with strong math and English skills. |
| Is a GRE score mandatory? |
| Not mandatory, but applicants without a GRE must take a Weiss Fund quantitative test. |
| What skills will the fellowship help develop? |
| Coding, research, communication, project management, and field experience. |
| Are recommendation letters required? |
| Yes, 2–3 letters are required. |
| What are the application deadlines? |
| 10 September 2025 and 30 November 2025. |
| Does the fellowship support PhD applications? |
| Yes, fellows receive guidance and endorsement for top predoctoral and PhD programs. |
| Can fellows co-author research papers? |
| Yes, collaboration and co-authorship opportunities are provided. |
| Who administers the fellowship? |
| The Weiss Fund for Research in Development Economics. |
The Kabir Banerjee Predoctoral Fellowship 2025–26 is a transformative opportunity for aspiring development economists from low-income and lower-middle-income countries. Offering mentorship, research experience, quantitative training, and PhD application support, the programme prepares fellows for successful academic careers in top global institutions. Interested candidates should visit the official Weiss Fund website for detailed instructions and ensure timely submission of required documents. Bookmark this page for updates and essential guidelines, for more details and apply CLICK HERE
