Asia Fellows Program

Applications for the Asia Fellows Program are by invitation only.  

About the Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia Fellows Program

The Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia Fellows Program allows visiting scholars and practitioners to engage in independent research projects pertaining to various Asian public policy issues and challenges.

Fellows appointment begins in August and ends in July. Fellows are required to pay a fellow fee during their affiliation with the Ash Center.

Visiting Scholars/Practitioners participate in monthly research seminars that feature guest speakers from both within and outside the Harvard Kennedy School working on various public policy issues pertained to Asia. Pre-Doctoral Fellows participate in bi-weekly workshops which allow them to present their academic works in progress, network with other Ph.D. students in local area, and present their final presentations in public panels at the end of the academic year. 

Benefits 

Fellows have access to a wide range of academic resources at Harvard, including libraries, e-resources, course auditing (subject to instructor's approval), research centers, and scholars. Fellows will receive a certificate upon satisfactory completion of their program requirements at a farewell luncheon at the end of the academic year, but no degrees will be conferred. Fellows have access to working stations equipped with shared computers and printers that are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition to academic pursuits, fellows are encouraged to explore the various cultural and historical activities available in the Boston area. Many of our fellows are also encouraged to interact with HKS degree-seeking students with overlapping research interests and professional backgrounds.

Eligibility 

Fellows must:

  • Be fluent in both written and spoken English
  • Be capable of independent research
  • Attend the new fellows orientation at the beginning of the semester
  • Participate in monthly research seminars (visiting scholars/practitioners) or weekly workshops (pre-doctoral fellows)
  • Submit a final paper in order to qualify for the program completion certificate

The Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia Fellows Program does not offer any financial support or stipend for individuals’ expenses, such as living costs, health insurance, travel expenses, and mandatory fellows program fees. In the past, fellows have funded their affiliation with grants from such sources as the Fulbright/IIE, China Scholarship Council, Ford Foundation and/or personal funds.

The Ash Center is a global and values-driven community that believes diverse perspectives are paramount to better understanding and addressing real-world problems. In fostering an environment of rigor, curiosity, and integrity, we value and respect different opinions, lived experiences, and diverse research and policy areas and approaches. We actively seek candidates who share our commitment and values.

How to Apply 

Applications to the Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia Fellows Program are by invitation and only in research areas that are of relevance to the Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia. We do not accept open applications.

If you have been invited to apply, to learn more about the application process, please visit our frequently asked questions (FAQ) page

Additional inquiries should be directed to:

Laura Ma
Associate Director, Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia 
Harvard Kennedy School
E-mail: Laura_ma@hks.harvard.edu

Please note that we do not provide critique/feedback on unsuccessful applications.

Current Asia Fellows

Chi Zhao

Chi Zhao

Post-Masters Research Fellow, July 2023-July 2024
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