Kabir Banerjee Predoctoral Fellowship 2025-26

To be eligible, an applicant must:-

• hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an institution in a low- or lower-middle-income country by June 2024
• possess strong mathematical skills
• possess working proficiency in written and spoken English
• hold a GRE quantitative score above 160 points

Note:-

• Applicants with a high school degree from a low- or lower-middle-income country and a university degree from a country outside the list will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Preferred qualifications for applicants are:
• Degree in Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Engineering, Computer Science, Actuarial Science, Economics, or a related social science with strong math emphasis.
• Experience in a research environment with strong analytical and quantitative skills, including conducting Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs).
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software (R, Python, or Stata).
• Strong interest in pursuing a career in development economics and commitment to self-directed learning.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail and the ability to prioritise tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Preferred GRE quantitative score above 168 (90%) and GRE verbal score of 156 (70%). Candidates who have not taken the GRE will be required to during the final selection stage, with fees covered by the Weiss Fund for pre-finalists.

Selected candidates will receive the following opportunities:-

• Develop coding, research, and communication skills;
• Understand the inner workings of research projects and gain management and field experience;
• Explore a variety of research areas to satisfy intellectual curiosity;
• Receive mentorship and support throughout the Ph.D. application process;
• Build relationships with esteemed faculty members who can guide your learning and highlight your strengths to graduate schools;
• Collaborate on research publications and have the opportunity to co-author papers.

The fellowship identifies promising candidates, endorses their applications to highly competitive predoctoral programs, and subsidises hiring costs.

• Resume/CV (required)
• Transcripts (required)
• 2-3 Recommendation Letters
• GRE quantitative score (if available)

Note:- Recommendation letters are optional at the time of submitting the initial application. They will be required if the application advances further in the process. Please have the letters submitted directly to 'weissfund@uchicago.edu'.

Eligible applicants can apply by following these steps:-
Step 1: Click on the 'Apply Now' button and read the details carefully.
Step 2: Log in to the account using valid credentials. (Note - If the applicants are not registered, fill in the required details and 'Register'.)
Step 3: Scroll down and click on ‘Apply Here’.
Step 4: Fill in the required details and upload the necessary documents.
Step 5: Click ‘Submit’ the application.

Application Deadline 1: 10 September 2025 (for Summer 2026)
Application Deadline 2: 30 November 2025 (for Fall 2026)