The University of Central Asia has launched the Afghanistan Research Initiative 2027/28. While the overarching initiative features three distinct tracks, two are open to scholars from Kazakhstan: the Research Grant and the Non-Resident Research Fellowship. The PhD Support Grant is strictly reserved for Afghan citizens and is therefore not covered in this guide.
Track 1. Research Grant — Up to $20,000
The research grant provides up to $20,000 for projects spanning up to 12 months. The principal investigator must hold a PhD, maintain an active affiliation with an accredited university or research institution, and reside outside Afghanistan. Citizens of any country, including Kazakhstan, are eligible to apply.
Track 2. Non-Resident Research Fellowship — Up to $18,000
The non-resident research fellowship offers up to $18,000 over an 18-month duration. Candidates must hold a PhD, possess institutional affiliation, demonstrate professional English fluency, and propose a project directly focused on Afghanistan. In addition to producing an academic research paper, fellows are expected to host three thematic roundtables and produce policy analytical briefs.
Eligible Research Themes
- Economy, entrepreneurship, and regional trade;
- Climate change, water resource management, energy, and natural resources;
- Public governance, migration flows, and regional security;
- Education, public health, and social development;
- Afghan culture, history, and contemporary societal dynamics.
There are no age restrictions or mandatory co-financing requirements. The total number of recipients has not been publicly capped. Funding is non-repayable, provided in milestone-based tranches upon the submission and approval of progress and financial reports.
Required Application Documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV);
- Proof of affiliation with an accredited university or research organization;
- Detailed research proposal, work plan, and milestone schedule;
- Comprehensive project budget with detailed justifications;
- For Fellowship applicants: a representative sample of academic writing and an outreach/roundtable plan.
All application materials must be drafted and submitted in English. When selecting a track, carefully review the deliverable requirements and timelines, as commitments vary substantially between the two programs.
Application Deadline
Applications for both tracks close on October 1, 2026. As a specific cutoff hour and timezone are not specified by the organizers, candidates are strongly advised to submit no later than September 30.
Official Links & Guidelines
UCA Research Grant (Up to $20,000)
UCA Non-Resident Research Fellowship (Up to $18,000)
General Afghanistan Research Initiative Portal
Program terms verified as of September 14, 2026.
In the RAEM Grants Directory: Afghanistan Research Initiative UCA 2027/28 — eligibility criteria, program terms, application status, and official portal link.
