MIT AKPIA Fellowship 2026–2027: Postdoctoral & Post-Professional Research in Islamic Architecture

Brief Information

The MIT AKPIA Fellowship 2026–2027 is a prestigious, fully funded research opportunity hosted by the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at MIT. It supports advanced scholars and experienced practitioners working on Islamic art, architecture, urbanism, design, and heritage. Fellows will conduct independent research while actively engaging with the MIT academic community.

Key Dates & Details

• Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
• Results Announcement: April 30, 2026
• Location / Type: On-site residency, MIT (USA)
• Duration: 3 months up to 9 months (September 2026 – June 2027)
• Funding / Stipend: USD 73,308 – 90,000 (monthly equivalent)
• Number of Fellowships: 1–3
• Host Institution: Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at MIT (AKPIA@MIT)
• Eligible Fields: Islamic art, architecture, urbanism, design, heritage, anthropology, archaeology, planning, and related fields

Overview

The MIT AKPIA Fellowship 2026–2027 is designed for postdoctoral scholars and post-professional practitioners whose work advances knowledge in Islamic art, architecture, urbanism, and related disciplines. Hosted at one of the world’s leading research universities, this fellowship allows fellows to pursue independent, original research while benefiting from MIT’s interdisciplinary environment.

AKPIA@MIT prioritizes research aligned with its six core areas: history and historiography in Islamic contexts; post-conflict reconstruction and resettlement; heritage conservation and memory politics; environmental approaches to architecture; contemporary art and museology; and craft futures and cultural technologies. However, applications from complementary disciplines addressing contemporary global challenges are also welcomed.

Fellows are expected to actively participate in academic life at MIT, including seminars and public events. Each fellow will work under the supervision of AKPIA faculty, deliver at least one public lecture, and submit a final scholarly output (article, publication, or exhibition). The results of the research may be published online and included in AKPIA@MIT publications.

Eligibility

Applicants to the MIT AKPIA Fellowship 2026–2027 must meet one of the following criteria:

• Postdoctoral applicants:
  • Must hold a PhD before the start of the fellowship
  • Degree should be in a relevant field (architecture, art history, urban studies, etc.)
• Post-professional practitioners:
  • Must have completed a terminal degree at least three years prior
  • Must demonstrate research-informed professional practice

Additional requirements:

• Strong alignment with AKPIA’s research priorities
• Ability to reside at MIT for the full fellowship period
• Willingness to participate in academic and scholarly activities

Remote or summer fellowships are not permitted.

Application Details

Applications for the MIT AKPIA Fellowship 2026–2027 must be submitted online.

Required application materials (single PDF or compressed file under 12 MB):

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Research proposal
3. Writing sample (for scholars) and/or portfolio (for practitioners)
4. Two letters of recommendation

Letters of recommendation may be sent separately to: [email protected]

Selected fellows will receive:

• Monthly stipend (USD 73,308–90,000 annual equivalent)
• MIT library access and email account
• Shared workspace (subject to availability)
• Access to MIT fabrication facilities (for practitioners)

Please note: travel, housing, and health insurance costs are the responsibility of the fellow and must comply with MIT’s J-1 visa health insurance requirements.

FAQ

Official Link

👉 Apply for the MIT AKPIA Fellowship 2026–2027 here:
https://mit.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_74DitqUNZmYF6Jw

Additional official details:
https://mesana.org/resources-and-opportunities/2026/01/15/mit-akpia-2026-2027-postdoctoral-post-professional-fellowships-for-research

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