The PAIE Scholars Program supports resident researchers in eligible Asian and African low- and middle-income countries. J-PAL focuses this route on evaluating AI applications for social benefit. Applications close on 16 October 2026 at noon Eastern Time.
The first-stage US$1,000 award is conditional on completing training, passing the assessment and submitting an acceptable revised concept note. Later research support is competitive. Selection for training does not guarantee a funded pilot.
PAIE Scholars Program Details
The table below summarises the current official opportunity, including its study or work route and application timing.
Use these details to identify the correct programme before applying. The official page linked at the end contains the controlling conditions and any later notices.
Organisation | J-PAL / PAIE |
|---|---|
Location | Eligible LMICs in Asia and Africa |
Applicant | PhD researcher primarily affiliated with an eligible university |
Initial award | US$1,000 after required first-stage completion |
Focus | AI interventions and randomized evaluation |
Deadline | 16 October 2026, 12 PM ET |
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PAIE Scholars Program Benefits
The staged programme combines training with research-idea development. Keep your proposed evaluation question specific enough to explain what evidence would change a policy or implementation decision. Selected scholars may receive proposal-development grants of up to US$10,000.
Selected training includes material from Designing and Running Randomized Evaluations. That course covers study design, piloting, measurement, data collection and research integrity; PAIE’s assessment does not itself issue an MITx certificate.
For a separate opportunity, review CIFAR Global Scholars. Its funding and eligibility conditions differ, so compare the individual guide before deciding.
PAIE Scholars Program Eligibility
Applicants need a relevant PhD, advanced quantitative training, suitable English proficiency and primary university affiliation in an eligible country. Check J-PAL’s definitive country list before preparing your submission.
Assess whether your methods background supports the question you want to study. A strong application should connect your prior research with an AI intervention and an outcome that can be evaluated.
Requirements and Documents
Prepare a CV, one to three research examples, short research statements and a working concept note. A fully developed intervention and implementing partner are not required at this first stage.
For a clear concept note, distinguish the social problem, proposed AI use and evidence gap. Identify the population, outcome and practical uncertainties without claiming an impact that has not been tested.
Other current guides include MENA Non-Resident Fellowship and MBZUAI Postgraduate Scholarships. Check their own subject, nationality and application requirements independently.
How to Apply
Apply through the form linked from J-PAL’s official programme page. Use that page to confirm the country list and submission requirements.
Before submitting, reconcile the dates, affiliations and research examples across your CV and statements. Keep a copy of the concept note so later revisions can respond to training and feedback.
Application Deadline
The confirmed closing date is 16 October 2026 at 12 PM ET. No later-stage assessment or pilot date has been substituted for this application cutoff.
Training is tentatively planned for November 2026–January 2027. Its final schedule will be supplied by the programme, so avoid making conflicting commitments based solely on the tentative window.
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers address the main conditions that can affect whether this opportunity fits your plans.
They reflect the checked official information. Use the programme’s own application instructions for any requirement specific to your circumstances.
Is the US$1,000 paid when I am selected?
No. Payment follows successful completion of the required first-stage training, assessment and revised concept note.
Do I need an implementing partner immediately?
No. The initial concept-note stage does not require one.
Does the assessment award an MITx certificate?
No. The PAIE assessment and official MITx certification process are separate.
Conclusion
The PAIE Scholars Program combines research training with a competitive pathway toward evaluating AI interventions. Check your university affiliation, country and methods background before applying. Treat the initial award and later research funding as separate stages.
Before submitting, review the official programme information and check the current application instructions. Keep your supporting evidence consistent and retain the submission confirmation. Any selection or funding decision must come from the programme itself.
