The Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026 is now accepting applications from outstanding mid- to senior-level researchers across ASEAN. The fellowship is hosted by the Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and is designed for experienced academics, researchers, policy experts, and professionals who want to strengthen their research abilities and contribute to regional policy development.
The ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026 offers a five-month research and collaboration opportunity. According to CDRI, the fellowship includes an in-person residency in Phnom Penh followed by remote collaboration, allowing fellows to work closely with CDRI researchers, participate in policy research projects, mentor junior researchers, and exchange knowledge with researchers across ASEAN.
The primary objectives of the CDRI ASEAN Scholar Fellowship are to support evidence-based policymaking in Southeast Asia, strengthen quantitative research capacity, and build regional research networks. Fellows will also have opportunities to mentor younger researchers and contribute their expertise to ongoing research activities.
Through this program, participants can gain valuable experience in policy-oriented research, develop professional connections, and contribute to long-term collaboration between CDRI and research institutions across ASEAN countries. This fellowship is an excellent opportunity for experienced scholars who want to support regional development and promote research cooperation across Southeast Asia.
CDRI ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026 – Overview
Host Country: Cambodia
Host Organization: Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI)
Program Type: Research Fellowship
Duration: 5 Months
Eligible Countries: ASEAN Member States, except Cambodia
Funding: Fully Funded
Application Deadline: 15 August 2026
Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Degree Level
The ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026 is mainly designed for experienced researchers and professionals, including:
- Mid-career researchers
- Senior researchers
- Postdoctoral researchers
- University faculty members
- Policy researchers
- Think tank professionals
- Master’s degree holders with strong research experience
Available Subjects
Applicants with research or professional experience in the following areas are encouraged to apply:
- Development Economics
- Economic Modelling and Forecasting
- Industrial and Trade Policy
- Labor Economics
- Public Finance
- Macroeconomic Policy
- Data Science for Public Policy
- Climate and Environmental Economics
- Digital Economy
- Innovation Policy
- Econometrics
- Artificial Intelligence in Research
- Statistics
- Quantitative Research Methods
Fellowship Responsibilities
During the ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026, fellows will take part in research, training, mentoring, and collaboration activities. Their main responsibilities will include:
- Teach young researchers how to conduct quantitative research.
- Provide training in statistical analysis and econometric modelling.
- Collaborate with CDRI researchers on policy research initiatives.
- Co-author research papers and policy briefs.
- Arrange and participate in technical workshops and research seminars.
- Provide advice on improving research techniques and analytical approaches.
- Encourage stronger research collaboration between CDRI and their home institutions.
- Prepare and submit a reflection report at the conclusion of the fellowship.
CDRI also states that fellows are expected to contribute to research outputs such as working papers, policy briefs, methodological notes, or other agreed knowledge products.
Eligibility Criteria CDRI ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026
To apply for the CDRI ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of an ASEAN member state, with the exception of Cambodia.
- Possess a PhD in statistics, data science, public policy, development studies, economics, or a similar discipline.
- Exceptional candidates may also be considered if they have a master’s degree and at least five years of relevant research experience.
- Be affiliated with a university, research center, or think tank in an ASEAN country.
- Have a strong background in academic publications and policy-related research.
- Have expertise in econometrics, quantitative research methods, and statistical software such as Stata, R, or Python.
- Experience with AI-assisted research is also encouraged.
- Have previous experience mentoring graduate students or junior researchers.
- Demonstrate commitment to Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles.
- Have excellent written and spoken English skills.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in long-term ASEAN partnerships and regional research collaboration.
CDRI additionally notes that experience with policy research in Cambodia or the broader Mekong sub-region is relevant, while strong quantitative and AI-assisted research skills are encouraged.
Benefits of CDRI ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026
Selected fellows will receive a range of financial, research, and professional benefits, including:
- Fellowship stipend to support living and research expenses.
- Office space at CDRI during the fellowship.
- Access to research facilities and resources.
- Access to academic and library resources.
- Use of computing facilities for research.
- Access to research data infrastructure.
- Opportunities to collaborate with experienced policy researchers and experts.
- Valuable regional networking opportunities with researchers and professionals.
- Practical experience in Cambodia and ASEAN policy research.
- Opportunities to establish long-term institutional collaboration between CDRI and regional research organizations.
CDRI officially confirms that fellowship support includes a stipend, office space, and access to its research facilities, library, computing resources, and data infrastructure.
Application Procedure
Applicants for the CDRI ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026 must prepare and submit all required documents in English. Each document should be saved as a separate PDF file.
Required Documents
Applicants should submit the following:
- Research and Collaboration Statement – Maximum 2 pages
- Updated CV – Include relevant publications, research outputs, and professional experience
- Letter of Motivation – Maximum 1 page
- One Recommendation Letter – From the applicant’s current institution
The research and collaboration statement should explain the applicant’s research expertise, methodological strengths, proposed contribution to mentoring and capacity building, collaborative research ideas, and expected research outputs.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026:
- Prepare all required application documents.
- Write all documents in English.
- Save each document as a separate PDF file.
- Attach all PDF documents to one email.
- Submit the complete application before 15 August 2026.
- Send the application to kanika.sao@cdri.org.kh.
- Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further discussion.
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered, according to CDRI.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on the following factors:
- Academic qualifications
- Research expertise and experience
- Publication record
- Experience in policy-relevant research
- Experience mentoring junior researchers or students
- Quality and relevance of proposed collaborative research ideas
- Potential to strengthen institutional partnerships between CDRI and the applicant’s home institution
Fellowship Duration and Location
The CDRI ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026 lasts for five months. The current CDRI announcement describes the fellowship as including three months of in-person residency at CDRI in Phnom Penh, followed by two months of remote collaboration.
The in-person component provides fellows with an opportunity to work directly with CDRI researchers and participate in research, mentoring, seminars, and technical workshops.
Application Deadline
Deadline: 15 August 2026
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents early and submit a complete application before the deadline.
Apply Now
Application Email: kanika.sao@cdri.org.kh
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the CDRI ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026?
The CDRI ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026 is a five-month research and collaboration fellowship for experienced researchers from ASEAN Member States. It focuses on quantitative research, policy research, mentoring, and regional research collaboration.
Who can apply for the ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026?
The fellowship is open to citizens of ASEAN Member States other than Cambodia who meet the academic, research, professional, and English-language requirements.
Can master’s degree holders apply?
Yes. Exceptional candidates with a master’s degree and at least five years of relevant research experience may also be considered.
Is the CDRI ASEAN Scholar Fellowship fully funded?
The fellowship provides a fellowship stipend, office space, and access to CDRI research facilities, a library, computing resources, and data infrastructure.
How long is the fellowship?
The fellowship has a total duration of five months, consisting of an in-person component in Phnom Penh and a period of remote collaboration.
Where will the fellowship take place?
The in-person portion of the fellowship will take place at the Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
What research fields are eligible?
Relevant areas include development economics, econometrics, economic modeling and forecasting, public finance, macroeconomic policy, labor economics, data science for public policy, climate and environmental economics, digital economy, innovation policy, statistics, and quantitative research methods.
What documents are required?
Applicants need to submit a research and collaboration statement, a CV with publications, a motivation letter, and one recommendation letter. The documents should be submitted in English as separate PDF files.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the CDRI ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026 is 15 August 2026.
How do I apply for the CDRI ASEAN Scholar Fellowship?
Applicants should prepare the required documents, save them as separate PDF files, attach them to a single email, and send the application to kanika.sao@cdri.org.kh before the deadline.
What will fellows do during the fellowship?
Fellows will mentor junior researchers, collaborate on policy research, contribute to research outputs, conduct seminars and technical workshops, provide methodological advice, and support long-term institutional collaboration.
Is English required for the fellowship?
Yes. Applicants should demonstrate excellent written and spoken English sufficient for producing research outputs and delivering seminars and workshops.
