MECAM Fellowship 2026-2027: Fully Funded Research Stay in Tunisia | Apply Now

The academic world is increasingly interconnected, yet the distinct voices of specific regions often require dedicated platforms to be truly heard. The Merian Centre for Advanced Studies in the Maghreb (MECAM) stands at this intersection, offering a prestigious opportunity for scholars to engage deeply with the social, cultural, and political fabrics of the Maghreb.

Applications are now open for the MECAM Fellowship 2026–2027. This fully funded, residential fellowship in Tunis, Tunisia is designed for postdoctoral and advanced researchers in the humanities and social sciences under the theme “Imagining Futures: Dealing with Disparity.”

If you are seeking a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment, this guide covers everything you need to know—from eligibility and benefits to expert tips for submitting a strong application.

What is the MECAM Fellowship?

The MECAM Fellowship is an 8-month residential research program hosted at the Université de Tunis. It invites international scholars to live and work in Tunis while engaging in transregional academic exchange.

More than a funding opportunity, the fellowship offers access to a high-level intellectual network examining competing visions of the future in the Maghreb, Europe, and beyond.

Interdisciplinary Research Fields (IRFs)

• Aesthetics & Cultural Practice: Cultural expressions and societal transformation
• Inequality & Mobility: Social stratification and movement
• Memory & Justice: Historical legacies and transitional justice
• Resources & Sustainability: Politics of natural resources and environmental futures
• Identities & Beliefs: Religious and social identity transformations

Key Program Details

Eligibility Criteria: Who Should Apply?

MECAM values inclusivity and academic excellence. Researchers from all countries, including Tunisia, are welcome to apply.

Eligible Applicants

• PhD holders in the humanities or social sciences
• Postdoctoral researchers (PhD obtained within the last 4 years)
• Advanced researchers (PhD obtained more than 5 years ago)
• Independent scholars without institutional affiliation
• Proficiency in at least two languages: English, French, or Arabic
• Willingness to reside in Tunis for the full fellowship duration

Fellowship Benefits: Why Choose MECAM?

The fellowship follows a “no gain, no loss” principle, allowing scholars to focus entirely on research without financial stress.

• Monthly Stipend: Covers living expenses in Tunis
• Travel & Relocation: Full reimbursement including visa and luggage costs
• Workspace: Shared office at MECAM (HIDE, University of Tunis)
• Research Support: Fieldwork and archival assistance
• Networking: Collaboration with leading institutions in Europe and North Africa
• Academic Exchange: Seminars, Spectrum Week, and Annual Study Day

Application Process: Step-by-Step

Applications are accepted online only. Email submissions will not be considered.

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents

• CV (2–3 pages, including publications)
• Research proposal abstract (maximum 1000 words)
• One academic writing sample
• Relevance statement (1–2 pages)
• Contact details of two academic referees

Step 2: Submit Online

Submit your application through the Forum Transregionale Studien secure platform before the deadline.

Tips for a Winning Application

• Connect local Maghreb research with global academic debates
• Explicitly align your proposal with the fellowship theme
• Demonstrate interdisciplinary relevance
• Clearly state how you will contribute to MECAM’s intellectual community
• Ensure clarity, structure, and strong argumentation in your abstract

Final Thoughts

The MECAM Fellowship 2026–2027 is more than a grant—it is an entry point into North African intellectual life. By creating a space where disparities are debated and future models imagined, MECAM offers scholars a rare and impactful academic experience.

For official details and application access, visit the Official MECAM Website.