About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
The fellowship identifies talented candidates with strong potential for academic careers in development economics and connects them with leading economists and predoctoral research opportunities at internationally recognized universities. Applications close on July 24, 2026.
Fellowship Supports Future Leaders in Development Economics
The Kabir Banerjee Predoctoral Fellowship serves as a bridge between undergraduate or master’s education and doctoral studies by helping promising researchers gain valuable predoctoral research experience.
Successful applicants receive endorsement from the Weiss Fund and may be invited by faculty members to apply for pre-approved two-year predoctoral research positions at leading universities.
The fellowship also provides hiring subsidies to host institutions, increasing opportunities for selected candidates to secure highly competitive research appointments.
Opportunities at Leading Global Universities
According to the Weiss Fund, finalists from previous fellowship rounds have secured positions with affiliated faculty members at prestigious institutions, including:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Northwestern University
Stanford University
University of California, Berkeley
Yale University
While host institutions may vary each year, finalists may be invited to apply for pre-approved research positions with leading development economists.
Benefits of the Fellowship
Successful fellows who secure placement at a host institution can expect numerous academic and professional development opportunities.
Benefits include:
Direct mentorship from internationally recognized development economists.
Advanced training in research methodologies.
Development of coding and quantitative analysis skills.
Experience managing and supporting research projects.
Exposure to diverse areas of development economics research.
Guidance throughout the PhD application process.
Opportunities to contribute to academic publications.
Potential co-authorship on research papers.
Increased visibility through profiles featured on the Weiss Fund website.
The fellowship is designed to strengthen participants’ research capabilities while preparing them for admission to top doctoral programs in economics.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an institution located in a low- or lower-middle-income country.
Alternatively, applicants with secondary education from an eligible country and university education elsewhere may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Demonstrate strong mathematical ability.
Possess working proficiency in written and spoken English.
Achieve a GRE Quantitative score of at least 160, or complete an equivalent assessment administered by the Weiss Fund if selected.
The fellowship particularly encourages applications from candidates who have had limited access to mentorship, academic networks, or recommendations from leading development economists.
Preferred Qualifications
Competitive applicants are expected to possess strong analytical and quantitative backgrounds.
Preferred qualifications include:
Degrees in Mathematics, Economics, Statistics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Actuarial Science, or related quantitative disciplines.
Research experience.
Experience conducting Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs).
Proficiency in statistical software such as:
R
Python
Stata
MATLAB
Strong interest in pursuing an academic career in development economics.
Excellent organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
Ability to work independently in fast-paced research environments.
In later stages of the selection process, applicants with a GRE Quantitative score above 168 and a GRE Verbal score of 156 or higher may receive additional consideration.
Academic Conferences & Publications
Two Flexible Application Tracks
To accommodate applicants at different stages of GRE preparation, the Weiss Fund offers two application pathways.
Track 1: GRE Score Available
Applicants who already possess GRE scores may submit their applications before July 24, 2026. Applications under this track will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and successful candidates may be considered for placements beginning as early as Fall 2026.
If applicants need to improve their GRE scores, the Weiss Fund may request a retake and cover the examination fees.
Track 2: GRE Score Pending
Applicants who have not yet taken the GRE may also apply before the deadline.
Selected candidates will receive time to prepare for the examination, with final decisions expected between December 2026 and January 2027.
The Weiss Fund will pay GRE examination fees for pre-finalists participating through this track.
Application Process and Required Documents
Applicants must complete their applications before July 24, 2026.
Required application materials include:
Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Academic transcripts.
GRE Quantitative score (optional for Track 2 applicants).
Two to three recommendation letters, which are only required if applicants advance to later stages of the selection process.
Following the initial review, shortlisted candidates will participate in additional screening, GRE assessment where applicable, and placement coordination with participating universities.
Expanding Access to Global Research Careers
The Kabir Banerjee Predoctoral Fellowship continues to create opportunities for talented researchers from underrepresented regions to access world-class mentorship, research experience, and academic networks. By supporting future scholars in development economics, the fellowship contributes to building a more diverse and globally representative research community capable of addressing complex development challenges through rigorous evidence and policy-relevant research.
How to apply