Advance your academic career with the prestigious Azrieli International Postdoctoral Fellowship. Conduct cutting-edge research at top Israeli universities, receive generous funding, and join a global network of scholars committed to innovation, leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Applications close November 19, 2025—start preparing your proposal and secure a faculty sponsor today.
The Azrieli International Postdoctoral Fellowship represents one of the most prestigious research opportunities available to recent PhD graduates from around the world. Administered by the Azrieli Foundation, this program invites outstanding scholars to conduct cutting-edge research in Israel while gaining access to academic resources, mentoring, and a dynamic community of researchers. The fellowship not only supports scientific innovation but also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and leadership development in academia.
Eligibility Requirements
1. Academic Background
Applicants must have earned their PhD from a non-Israeli university on or after November 1, 2022. Those expecting to complete their degree by June 1, 2026, may also apply, provided they submit formal confirmation of their thesis defense.
2. Academic Sponsorship
Each applicant must secure a faculty sponsor from one of the eligible Israeli institutions. Sponsors are limited to supporting one applicant per cycle and must provide written confirmation of their commitment to supervise and guide the fellow throughout the program .
3. Prior Connection to Israel
Candidates who have earned any academic degree in Israel are not eligible. However, prior visits for academic or professional purposes are permitted. Applicants must not have commenced a postdoctoral position in Israel before September 1, 2025.
4. Nationality and Citizenship
The fellowship is open to all nationalities. However, Israeli citizens or residents who obtained this status after September 1, 2024, may still be eligible.
Application Timeline and Evaluation Process
- Call Opens: September 1, 2025
- Submission Deadline: November 19, 2025
- Results Announced: By March 31, 2026
Selection Process:
- Initial Screening – Applications undergo administrative and eligibility checks by the foundation’s academic team.
- Expert Review – Applications are evaluated by subject-specific panels assessing academic merit, innovation, and potential impact.
- Final Interview – Shortlisted candidates are invited to participate in interviews with a multidisciplinary selection panel .
Fellowship Benefits
Financial and Academic Support
Fellows receive a generous monthly stipend along with annual research and travel support. STEM researchers benefit from an additional co-funding mechanism through their Israeli host institutions.
Professional Development
The program includes a variety of enrichment activities such as interdisciplinary workshops, skill-building seminars, and leadership training. Fellows gain exposure to Israel’s vibrant academic ecosystem and have numerous opportunities for networking, mentorship, and collaboration across institutions.
Community Involvement
Fellows are encouraged to participate in outreach initiatives, mentor junior researchers, and contribute to the broader academic and social discourse in Israel. Alumni are also expected to maintain ongoing engagement with the Azrieli Fellows Program.
Responsibilities of Fellows
- Residency: Fellows must reside in Israel and are expected to spend at least 75% of their fellowship period on site.
- Reporting: Faculty sponsors must submit biannual reports evaluating the fellow’s academic progress and participation.
- Engagement: Fellows must actively engage with the Azrieli Fellows community by attending seminars, conferences, and other official events.
Preparing a Competitive Application
Applicants are advised to begin preparations well in advance of the submission deadline.
- Secure a Sponsor: Early engagement with a host researcher is crucial as each sponsor may support only one candidate.
- Research Proposal: Develop a strong, innovative, and feasible research plan that aligns with the expertise of the host institution.
- Documentation: Ensure all required materials—including recommendation letters, PhD certification, and sponsor agreement—are complete and submitted on time.
- Personal Statement: Highlight interdisciplinary strengths, academic leadership, and how the research contributes to broader societal or scientific goals.
Why Choose the Azrieli Fellowship?
The Azrieli Fellowship stands out for its:
- Merit-Based Selection: Highly competitive and transparent process focused on research excellence and leadership potential.
- Generous Funding: Substantial financial support covering living expenses, travel, and research needs.
- Interdisciplinary Environment: Encourages collaboration across scientific, social, and humanistic disciplines.
- Long-Term Engagement: Alumni become part of a robust and influential academic network.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The Azrieli International Postdoctoral Fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity for recent PhD graduates to accelerate their research careers in Israel’s leading institutions. With its strong emphasis on academic merit, community building, and professional development, this fellowship equips scholars to become global thought leaders.
Interested candidates should begin the process by reviewing the official guidelines, connecting with potential sponsors, and preparing their materials well before the deadline of November 19, 2025.
Recommended Review Update Cycle: Review and update this content annually in July to reflect the upcoming application cycle and revised program guidelines.
Key Fellowship Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Duration | Two years initially, with an optional third-year extension based on performance evaluations (PDF Guidelines) |
| Monthly Stipend | ILS 14,000/month, paid directly to the fellow |
| Research & Travel | ILS 20,000 per year to support academic travel and project-related expenses |
| STEM Sponsorship | Host institutions in STEM disciplines are responsible for 25% co-funding of the stipend |
| Start Date Window | Between June 1, 2025, and February 1, 2026 (academic year starts in October 2025) |
| Award Numbers | Up to 24 fellowships awarded annually: 18 in STEM, 3 in Humanities, and 3 in Social Sciences |
| Eligible Institutions | Includes Bar-Ilan, Ben-Gurion, Reichman, Technion, Tel Aviv, Hebrew University, University of Haifa, and Weizmann Institute |
References
FAQs
You must contact faculty members at eligible Israeli universities and request written support for your postdoctoral project.
Yes, if they obtained Israeli citizenship or residency after September 1 of the previous year and meet all other criteria.
Yes, the program supports researchers in STEM, humanities, and social sciences, with specified awards for each category.
The fellowship is for two years, with an optional third year based on academic performance.
