Azrieli Postdoctoral Fellowship in Israel

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

style="text-align: justify;">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