Student Opportunities
Current Students
The Middle East Initiative (MEI) is Harvard's principal forum for policy-relevant research and teaching on the contemporary Middle East and North Africa. MEI provides a variety of opportunities and support to enhance students' academic training and help prepare them to meet the policy challenges of today.
January Term Field Study Course
Led by MEI Faculty Chair Professor Tarek Masoud and MEI Senior Fellow Sultan Al Qassemi, DPI-442M: Leadership and Social Transformation in the Arab World will take place in the U.A.E. with potential visits to other Gulf countries. The module will enable students to explore reform efforts firsthand, to place them into their broader global and historical context, and to asses their futures. Through a combination of site visits, lectures by local scholars, and opportunities for engagement with policymakers and practitioners, participants in the course will emerge with a deeper understanding of the forces shaping the Arab region, and of opportunities for, and obstacles to, modernization in the developing world more broadly.


Study Groups
Research and Internship Funding
MEI offers funding to HKS students to support PAE and SYPA research or internships during the winter and summer cycles located in or for work regarding the Middle East and North Africa.
RA Positions
Each academic year, the Middle East Initiative (MEI) onboards a few Research Assistant positions. If MEI has any positions available, then they will be on the Student Employment Office website. Please contact MEI Research Program Coordinator Marina Lorenzini at mlorenzini@hks.harvard.edu for any further details.
Student-Led Activities
MEI welcomes ideas for student-led initiatives related to public policy in the Middle East. Offering guidance and support, MEI aids HKS students in achieving their extra-curricular objectives.
Prospective Students
Are you thinking about applying to HKS? Learn more about the various degrees offered through HKS and how to apply from the Office of Admissions. There are ample fellowship opportunities for prospective students from the Middle East. We encourage you to explore the various fellowships listed below, and contact us or visit the HKS Financial Aid Office to find out more.
Prospective students apply for HKS scholarships and fellowships after completing their application for admission but before receiving their admission decision. Please note: there are very few opportunities to apply for fellowship or scholarship funding after getting admitted to or enrolling at HKS.
Fellowships and Scholarships specifically for students from the Middle East and North Africa:
Emirates Leadership Initiative Fellowship
For students with a demonstrated interest in developing leadership and public management skills in countries within the Arab League
Hamida Ben-Gacem Tunisia Graduate Fellowship
Awarded to Master in Public Administration or Master in Public Policy students from Tunisia who have demonstrated interest and/or leadership in government or civil society.
Middle East-North Africa Fellowship
Awarded to MC/MPA Edward S. Mason students from Iraq’s Kurdistan region, Somaliland region, Tunisia, and Yemen.
Sammy Ofer Graduate Fellowship for Emerging Leaders from Israel and Palestine
Awarded on a competitive, merit basis to deserving applicants from Israel and Palestine who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing peaceful relations throughout the region and demonstrated financial need.