BIGD Young Researchers’ Fellowship (YRF) 2025–26

If you are a passionate young social science researcher, the BIGD Young Researchers’ Fellowship (YRF) 2025–26 is your chance to dive into the world of applied research. The application window for the Quantitative Stream is open now—an immersive four-month fellowship offering hands-on training, field experience, mentoring, and a monthly honorarium. If you're ready to take your research skills to the next level, read on for all the essential details.

---

🎓 Fellowship Summary

• Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh (with required field visits, in modest yet safe conditions)

• Host Institution: BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD)

• Study Level: Post-bachelor / early-career researchers

• Target Group: Bangladeshi nationals only

• Focus: Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, Computer Science, Data Science, computational methods, social science research tools, particularly quantitative methods

• Value & Coverage: Monthly honorarium provided (market-average for entry-level research positions)

• Duration: Four months

• Application Deadline: 20 August 2025

• Start Date (Tentative): Likely early September (e.g., Sept 1) based on previous cohorts

• Eligible To: Only Bangladeshi nationals, ≤ 30 years old, with ≥ 3.00 CGPA (on 4.0 scale) in at least one degree

---

📘 Fellowship Overview

This four-month, in-person fellowship weaves together:

• Applied Training: Covering study design, survey and instrument development, quality assurance, field methods, basic and advanced econometrics, data analysis using tools like STATA, report writing, project management (logistics, budgeting, communications), and more .

• Immersive Learning: A blend of classroom sessions and fieldwork ensures trainees gain real-world experience through field immersion and hands-on research tasks .

• Mentorship: Trainees (TRA) will be paired with senior BIGD researchers who provide guidance, support, and feedback across the program’s components .

---

🎁 Benefits

• Honorarium: Provided monthly, aligned with entry-level research salary standards .

• Certification: On completion, trainees receive a certificate.

• Career Opportunities: Top-performing participants may be offered a full-time Research Associate position at BIGD and obtain letters of recommendation from mentors for future academic or professional steps .

---

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Required:

• Must be Bangladeshi national

• Bachelor’s degree from a reputed university

• CGPA ≥ 3.00 (on 4.0 scale)

• Age ≤ 30 as of August 1, 2025

• Strong aptitude for analytical tools and quantitative methods

• Demonstrated interest in current affairs, economics, and politics

• Commitment to academic integrity and respect toward others

Strongly Encouraged:

• Background in economics, development studies, public policy, CS, data science, or related

• Experience or keen interest in data analytics, machine learning, computational methods for social science

• Good verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills

• Prior research experience is a plus

---

📝 Application Procedure

While exact details for the 2025–26 application form and submission process are not listed on, previous fellowship cycles typically required:

• Completed application form via BIGD’s platform

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Academic transcripts (one consolidated PDF)

• Statement of Purpose (SOP) – usually around 800 words or concise, reflecting motivation and fit

• Optional: Additional documents showcasing relevant qualifications or a letter of recommendation submitted directly by a referee

✨ Extra Notes & Insights

• The Quantitative Stream is highly focused and distinct—you may only apply to one stream, and you cannot apply to both quantitative and qualitative simultaneously .

• The program demands full-time commitment, so applicants are expected to forego other academic or professional engagements during the fellowship .

• The program format combines theory and practice, blending econometric training with field immersion and output-driven research components (e.g., writing reports and possibly articles) .

• The 2024–25 cohort’s application opened for the Quantitative Stream, indicating an active recruitment cycle—with deadline set at 20 August 2025 .

APPLY NOW

🔗 OFFICIAL LINK

BIGD Young Researchers’ Fellowship (YRF) 2025–26

---