What Every Fellow Receives
- Faculty Mentorship — One-on-one guidance from scholars and professionals in your field
- Harvard Sikh Center Affiliation — Credential for your CV, graduate applications, and professional portfolio
- Peer Community — Cohort of fellow scholars and creators working on Sikh Studies projects
- Credit Facilitation — Documentation kit to help enrolled students petition for academic credit at their home institutions
- Publication & Platform — Support for presenting and publishing your work
Find Your Fellowship
If you are...
Consider…
Stipend
Duration
An undergraduate student at any accredited university
-
12 weeks
A scholar with a Ph.D. working on Sikh-related research
Submit a budget
9 months
If you are...
An undergraduate student at any accredited university
Consider…
Stipend
-
Duration
12 weeks
If you are...
A scholar with a Ph.D. working on Sikh-related research
Consider…
Stipend
Submit a budget
Duration
9 months
If you are...
An artist, filmmaker, or media creator
Consider…
Stipend
-
Duration
16 weeks
If you are...
Ages 16+ passionate about Sikh education
Consider…
Stipend
-
Duration
16 weeks
Fellowships & Creative Programs
The Harvard Sikh Center cultivates Sikh leaders through funded research fellowships, creative residencies, and mentorship programs. Whether you're an undergraduate exploring Sikh studies for the first time, an established scholar pursuing advanced research, an artist bringing Sikh stories to new audiences, or a young educator building curriculum for the next generation — there's a place for you.
All fellowships are conducted virtually. No relocation required.
Four Pathways to Impact
Emerging Scholars Research Fellowship
For: Aspiring scholars ages 16-35
What You’ll Do: Conduct original research on a Sikh-related topic under the guidance of a faculty mentor, participate in weekly seminars with a cohort of peer researchers, and produce a final deliverable (research paper, creative work, or presentation).
What You’ll Receive:
- Faculty mentorship from our Affiliated Faculty network or an approved external mentor
- Weekly seminars and peer community
- Access to Harvard Sikh Center events and programming
Commitment: 8–10 hours per week for one academic term (Fall & Spring)
Eligibility: Ages 16-35. Minors under 18 require parental consent.
Senior Fellow Program
For: Established scholars holding a Ph.D. in Sikh Studies, Panjabi Literary Cultures, or a related field
What You’ll Do: Pursue an independent research project aligned with the Center’s program areas, mentor undergraduate and graduate student researchers, participate in monthly Senior Fellow convenings, and produce publishable scholarship.
What You’ll Receive:
- Virtual residency with a distinguished cohort of scholars
- Platform to present work-in-progress
- Opportunity to shape the Center's intellectual agenda
- Connection to emerging scholars seeking mentorship
Commitment: Flexible; approximately 5 hours per week for 9 months
Sikh Arts & Media Fellowship
For: Artists, filmmakers, musicians, and media creators at any stage of their career
What You’ll Do: Develop and complete a media project that advances public understanding of Sikh issues, history, concepts, or personalities. Work with a senior Sikh scholar who ensures historical and theological accuracy. Connect with a cohort of fellow creators.
What You’ll Receive:
- Mentorship from a senior Sikh scholar
- Weekly cohort meetings with fellow artists
- Distribution through Harvard Sikh Center platforms
- Certificate of completion
Commitment: 8-10 hours per week for 14 weeks
Eligibility: Open to creators of any age and background. No formal degree required. Minors under 18 require parental consent.
Khalsa Education Fellowship
For: Young Sikhs and adults ages 16+ passionate about education and curriculum development
What You’ll Do: Create pedagogically sound K–12 curriculum materials on Sikh history, values, and traditions. Participate in training workshops on curriculum design and pedagogy. Contribute your completed materials to an open-source library available to Khalsa schools globally.
What You’ll Receive:
- Mentorship from an experienced educator or scholar
- Training in curriculum design and age-appropriate instruction
- Weekly cohort meetings
- Your work open-sourced to Khalsa schools worldwide
- Certificate of completion
Commitment: 8–10 hours per week for 14 weeks
Eligibility: Ages 16+ (no upper limit). No teaching experience required — we provide training. Minors under 18 require parental consent.
Application Deadlines
Fall 2026
Deadline: July 15, 2026
Starts: September 1, 2026
Spring 2027
Deadline: November 1, 2026
Starts: January 6, 2027
Duration: 12 weeks
Open to ages 16-35.
2026–27 Academic Year
Deadline: July 15, 2026
Starts: September 1, 2026
Duration: 9 months
ROLLING ADMISSION - Apply Anytime
Duration: 14 weeks
Deadline: None — apply anytime
Start Date: Flexible, determined after acceptance
Duration: 14 weeks
Deadline: None — apply anytime
Start Date: Flexible, determined after acceptance
Open to ages 16+
Applications are reviewed as received. If accepted, we’ll work with you to determine a start date that fits your schedule.
All deadlines are 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Research Areas
All fellowships align with the Harvard Sikh Center's four program areas.
Global Affairs & Strategic Policy — Research on the Khalsa Panth’s relationship with global governance, civil rights, international relations, and geopolitical developments affecting Sikh communities worldwide.
Deep engagement with Sikh scripture, tradition, and historical sources — including Gurbani translation, manuscript studies, and theological inquiry.
Cultural production, digital storytelling, artistic heritage preservation, and media representation of Sikh communities and traditions.
Research on Gurdwara management, organizational best practices, community leadership, and institutional development within Sikh communities.
Mentorship & Faculty Network
All fellows work with mentors from our network of Affiliated Faculty — scholars from diverse institutions and disciplines who share a commitment to advancing Sikh studies.
- For Emerging Scholars Research Fellows: You must identify a faculty mentor before applying. Browse our Affiliated Faculty to find a mentor whose research aligns with your project, or propose an external mentor for approval.
- For Senior Fellows: You'll advise undergraduate and graduate student researchers as part of your fellowship responsibilities.
- For Arts & Media Fellows: You'll be paired with a senior Sikh scholar who provides subject-matter expertise on historical accuracy and theological nuance.
- For Khalsa Education Fellows: You'll work with an experienced educator or scholar who guides curriculum development.
Why Our Fellowships Matter
The Panth’s future depends on the scholars, artists, and educators we cultivate today. Our fellowships are designed to:
Build foundations — We produce the research, curriculum, and media that future generations will build upon.
Bridge scholarship and community — Rigorous scholarship finds its highest purpose when it empowers the communities it studies. Our work flows from archives to gurdwaras, from Harvard seminars to Khalsa school classrooms.
Bridge scholarship and community — Rigorous scholarship finds its highest purpose when it empowers the communities it studies. Our work flows from archives to gurdwaras, from Harvard seminars to Khalsa school classrooms.
Develop leaders — Every fellow joins a global network of scholars, creators, and educators committed to the Panth’s intellectual renaissance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements for each. However, you may only hold one fellowship at a time.
No. We welcome applicants of any background who are committed to producing thoughtful, respectful, and substantive work on Sikh topics.
Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements for each. However, you may only hold one fellowship at a time.
Currently all fellowships are unpaid. If your project requires funding for materials or travel, contact us to discuss.
Contact us at apply@harvardsikh.org — we’re happy to help you find the right fit.
AI-Generated Content Policy
All application essays and responses must be your own original work. Submissions are screened using GPTZero and similar detection tools.
AI-generated content will result in immediate disqualification.
You may use AI for grammar checking or translation assistance, but the substance and writing must be authentically yours.
Note: For the Sikh Arts & Media Fellowship, this policy applies to application materials only. Using GenAI as a creative medium for your project is encouraged.
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Building a Better Future
Your support builds the intellectual infrastructure for the Panth's future