The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is committed to advancing Armenian Studies worldwide. It awards scholarships to research students who have been admitted to, or are already pursuing, a Master’s or PhD degree, as well as to Postdoctoral researchers, at internationally recognised universities. “Armenian Studies” is understood in a broad sense and is not limited to “Area Studies”.

This scholarship category aims to promote deeper understanding and knowledge of recent developments in Armenia, the surrounding region and the Armenian diaspora, while strengthening the theoretical and empirical foundations of Armenian Studies as a field.

In 2026, the Gulbenkian Foundation will continue to prioritise research on current and contemporary (post-Soviet) issues, while welcoming proposals addressing all dimensions of the Armenian experience. Projects with clear policy relevance and practical applicability are particularly encouraged.

Proposals from the following disciplines are of particular interest: political science and international relations, sociology, anthropology, contemporary history, social psychology, international law, human rights, peace and conflict studies, international development and humanitarian studies, diaspora, refugee and migration studies, cultural studies, and other closely related fields.

Between seven and ten Armenian Studies scholarships are expected to be awarded in 2026. Annual scholarship amounts are fixed and detailed in the “Requirements, Criteria and Conditions” document.

Eligibility Conditions

• Be admitted to, or already pursuing, a Master’s or PhD degree, or a Postdoctoral project focused on (contemporary) Armenian-related topics from a social sciences perspective, at an internationally recognised higher education institution, in the academic year for which the scholarship is sought.
• Have a designated academic supervisor or supervisory committee. Where a supervisor has not yet been formally appointed, applicants must provide a justification. For Postdoctoral applicants, a letter confirming institutional affiliation or equivalent documentation must be submitted in lieu of a supervisor or committee.

How to Apply 

• We only accept online applications.
• You need to register before applying.
• Please read the “Call conditions” document available in the documents section above before applying.
•  Your application will only be valid after all the mandatory fields of the application form are complete and the mandatory documents are uploaded. 
• At the end click on the “Submit” button. We strongly advise candidates not to wait until the last few days before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any doubts about your application, please check our Frequently Asked Questions