The Human Development and Capability Association (HDCA), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme’s Human Development Report Office (UNDP/HDRO), is now accepting applications for the prestigious ul Haq Early Career Scholarships 2026.
This competitive mentorship programme is designed for outstanding early-career researchers committed to advancing the field of human development and capabilities. Successful applicants will join a global network of scholars and gain expert mentorship to support academic publishing and career growth.
About Mahbub ul Haq
The scholarship is named after Mahbub ul Haq (1934–1998), a pioneering economist and architect of the Human Development Index (HDI). His work revolutionized global development thinking by shifting the focus from economic growth to people-centered development. Through his leadership, the UNDP Human Development Reports became a cornerstone of international policy discourse.
About the ul Haq Early Career Scholarships
The ul Haq Scholarships aim to nurture the next generation of leaders in human development research. Selected scholars will contribute to knowledge creation, policy engagement, and global dialogue within and beyond the HDCA community.
- Start Date: Must commence by 1 September 2026
- Duration: Up to 24 months
- Selection Process: Competitive, with possible virtual interviews
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the ul Haq Early Career Scholarships will enjoy a wide range of academic and professional benefits, including:
- Recognition as an ul Haq Scholar by HDCA and UNDP/HDRO
- Free HDCA membership throughout the scholarship period
- Personalized mentorship from leading experts in human development
- Support to publish in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities (JHDC)
- Opportunity to present research in a global HDCA webinar
- Access to a global network of academics, practitioners, and policymakers
Conference Support (Bursary Opportunity)
Scholars may also apply for a conference bursary to attend an in-person HDCA global conference. The bursary may cover:
- Conference registration fees
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation
Bursary awards are based on financial need, quality of submitted research abstracts, and active engagement in the mentorship programme.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a PhD programme in any discipline, or
- Be an early-career researcher within 5 years of completing a PhD
- Submit a writing sample (5,000–8,000 words) such as:
- Journal article
- Book chapter
- Thesis excerpt
Special Track
For 2026, applications are open under two tracks:
- General Track
- Lusophone Track (priority given to applicants from, working in, or writing in Portuguese within Lusophone countries)
Selection will also consider disciplinary diversity, geographic representation, and inclusion factors.
Scholar Responsibilities
During the programme, selected scholars are expected to:
- Join and actively participate in HDCA thematic and regional groups
- Maintain active HDCA membership
- Present at least one HDRO–HDCA joint webinar
- Develop and submit a research paper to the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, with guidance from an assigned mentor
Application Timeline
- Application Deadline: 15 May 2026
- Shortlisting (if interviews required): Mid-June 2026
- Final Results: End of July 2026
All applications will be reviewed by a selection committee comprising representatives from HDCA and HDRO.
Why You Should Apply
The ul Haq Early Career Scholarship is more than funding—it is a career-shaping opportunity. With expert mentorship, global exposure, and strong publication support, it offers a powerful platform for emerging researchers to make meaningful contributions to human development scholarship.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should prepare their application materials, including a strong academic writing sample, and submit before the deadline.
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