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Einaudi Center for International Studies

Cornell University

Global PhD Research Awards

Application Deadline: March 1, 2027
Application Timeframe: Spring
Angela Nankabirwa measures a large fish laying on a table.

Details

Conduct your international field research with a $10,000 award to support fieldwork expenses.

The Einaudi Center’s Global PhD Research Awards fund international fieldwork to help Cornell students complete their dissertations. This funding opportunity annually supports at least six PhD students who have passed the A exam. All disciplines and research topics are welcome.

Amount

$10,000, to be used before the end of the sixth PhD year. The award can cover the following expenses:

  • International travel (economy airfare, visa fees)
  • Domestic travel within the fieldwork country
  • Accommodation and living expenses
  • Research expenses (permits, translation costs, internet, archive access, survey costs, lab fees, etc.)

We encourage you to apply for other Cornell and external funding to complement this award, but please note that you are not eligible to apply for Einaudi’s travel grants. If you have already received a travel grant and wish to apply for a Global PhD Research Award, you may return your travel grant if you receive this award.

Please note that you may only bill for a research expense once. If an expense is already covered by this award or a Graduate School research travel grant, you may not use other Cornell or external grants to pay the same expense.

Eligibility

Cornell graduate students who have passed the A exam and been admitted to candidacy are eligible to apply. International fieldwork must be a critical component of your dissertation research. You must commit to travel abroad to conduct fieldwork for 9–12 months.

Please note that this award is meant to be supplementary to your primary funding source. This award does not provide tuition credit and requires students to be in absentia. A report is required upon completion.

Travel Requirements

International Travel Guidance

Travel to Elevated Risk Destinations

Travel to level 4 countries must be approved by the International Travel Advisory and Response Team (ITART). Graduate and professional students do not need to petition for travel to level 1, 2, or 3 level countries. Approval may be withdrawn if there is a change in the risk level of your destination or if you violate any contingencies of approval. In such instances, you will be required to refund the award.

For International Students

We encourage all international students to check International Services' Current Travel Advisory for new guidance. If you have problems or concerns about reentering the United States after your research, consult this webpage for urgent advice or reach out to an immigration advisor.

Questions?

Email our academic programming staff if you have questions about the opportunity or your application.

If selected, when am I required to start my fieldwork?

Fieldwork must commence within the academic year, which begins July 1. 

If I start my fieldwork before decisions are announced, am I eligible to receive the award? Will my fieldwork count toward the 9–12 months?

You are eligible to apply. Fieldwork completed following the award will be counted toward the 9–12 months of required fieldwork, but not fieldwork you conduct before you accept the award.

I have not taken the A exam. Can I still apply?

Yes, but you must pass your A exam before award decisions are announced (typically 4–6 weeks after the application deadline).

Can I conduct my 9–12 months of required fieldwork in two or more parts?

No. Your fieldwork needs to be continuous, since you must be in absentia during the entire duration of fieldwork.

I am currently in my fifth year and about to start the sixth year of my PhD. Am I eligible to apply?

Yes, but if selected, you must use your award before the end of your sixth year.

I need to conduct fieldwork for a duration less than 9–12 months. Can I apply?

No, you are not eligible.

I've completed my fieldwork, but I have some follow-up research expenses (for instance, lab analysis, translation, etc.). Can I apply?

No. The award is specifically for conducting international fieldwork and may not be used for other expenses incurred during or after your completed fieldwork.

I have questions about in absentia status.

Please refer to the Graduate School’s policies or contact the Graduate School.

Can you confirm you've received my application? Will I be notified if I am not selected?

Yes, all applicants receive a confirmation message. You will also be notified of the decision, typically about six weeks after the application deadline.

Is my advisor's recommendation letter due by the application deadline? How does my recommender submit the letter?

Your application and letter have the same deadline. When you submit your application, your recommender receives an email with a link to submit the recommendation letter. If your recommender has questions or encounters any issues, email programs@einaudi.cornell.edu for support.

How to Apply

Your application and recommendation letter are due Monday, March 1 (11:59 p.m. ET). Decisions will be announced in April.

Apply using the link below. In the application, you will provide the following:

  1. Abstract of your dissertation project (maximum 150 words)
  2. Introduction to your dissertation project (maximum 400 words)
  3. Statement explaining the contribution of your research to existing literature and its relevance to advancing the human condition, planetary sustainability, or other impacts (maximum 400 words)
  4. Statement about publications that have most significantly informed your research (maximum 100 words)
  5. Statement explaining your plans for international field research (maximum 600 words)
  6. International field research budget
  7. NetID email address of your recommender (graduate thesis advisor)

 

Apply

Additional Information

Funding Type

  • Award

Role

  • Student

Program

East Asia Program

Institute for African Development

Institute for European Studies

Latin American and Caribbean Studies

Migrations Program

Reppy Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies

South Asia Program

Southeast Asia Program

Southwest Asia and North Africa Program