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PAIE Scholars Program 2026 for International Students:
Applications are invited to apply for the PAIE Scholars Program 2026 in Africa and Asia. The program is intended for researchers who seek to examine how AI-enabled interventions affect social or economic consequences. Participants will start with a working concept note that they will refine during the training program. Also, apply for University of Queensland ARC Future Fellowships 2027 in Australia for International Researchers.
Researchers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in Asia and Africa are supported by the PAIE Scholars Program 2026 to conduct rigorous, policy-relevant research on creative uses of artificial intelligence (AI) for poverty alleviation and social good. The initial phase is planned to last around three months, from November 2026 to January 2027. Participants should plan to devote four to ten hours each week, depending on their prior experience with randomized evaluations.
A US$1,000 incentive will be given to those who successfully complete the initial program criteria. After then, the program gives chosen scholars the chance to advance to higher levels. These include a separate competitive process for pilot funding of up to US$75,000, possible research mentorship, and travel and proposal-development support of up to US$10,000.
Project AI Evidence (PAIE), a project of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), provides the program. In addition to possibilities to advance toward proposal development, research mentorship, and competitive pilot financing, chosen scholars will receive training in randomized evaluations and the assessment of AI-enabled therapies. The PAIEÂ is a competitive program. Selection for the initial cohort does not automatically guarantee proposal-development funds, travel support, research mentorship, or pilot financing. Every succeeding selection process has its subsequent stage. Must check Asia Pacific University ADB Scholarship 2027 in Japan (Fully Funded).
PAIE Scholars Program 2026 Details:
| Offered by: | Poverty Action Lab |
| Duation: | Project based |
| Scholarship coverage: | Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | All Nationalities |
| Award country: | Africa and Asia |
| Last date: | 16 October 2026 |
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Financial benefits:
- A comprehensive training program involving randomized evaluation and the assessment of AI-enabled therapies will be completed by chosen researchers.
- This test does not offer an MITx certificate and is distinct from the official MITx test.
- The US$1,000 reward will be given to scholars who finish the required training, pass the evaluation, and turn in an updated idea note that satisfies program standards.
PAIE Pilot Funding:
- Scholars may be invited to submit a complete pilot proposal if they successfully complete the proposal-development stage or if their projects are advanced enough to move on directly.
- Pilot studies should be able to inform a full-scale randomized evaluation in the future and have a well-defined research question.
- Feasibility testing, measurement development, implementation planning, pilot data collecting, and administrative data access can all be supported by funding.
- PAIE pilot funding of up to US$75,000 is available to successful pilot ideas.
- Pilot funding is subject to a separate competitive evaluation and is not guaranteed by participation in earlier rounds.
Documents Required
- Completed Application Form
- CV or resume
- One to three instances of prior research
- Brief summaries of your research background,
- Expertise in randomized assessment,
- Interest in AI-enabled therapies and
- Reasons for applying to the PAIE Scholars Program.
- A working concept note outlining their desired study idea.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Resident researchers from qualifying low- and middle-income nations in Asia and Africa, as defined by the World Bank, are eligible to apply for the PAIE Scholars Program.
- Applicants must have a PhD in economics or a related pertinent empirical field. The university must be eligible, and professional affiliation must be located in a country.
- Additionally, candidates should exhibit:
- Advanced instruction in topics such as statistics, econometrics, causal inference, experimental methods, or machine learning.
An interest to assess the social and economic impacts of AI-enabled solutions. - English proficiency is required to complete coursework, training, and assessments, as well as provide research outputs in English.
- It is not necessary for applicants to already have a connection to a professor or invited researcher affiliated with J-PAL. Additionally, they do not require an implementing partner or a completed research project in order to apply.
- Availability and readiness to finish all program requirements.
Application Deadline:
The last date to apply for the PAIE Scholars Program 2026 in Africa and Asia is  16th October 2026.
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How to Apply for the PAIE Scholars Program?
- Candidates will fill out an online application that includes information on their training in quantitative methods, research experience, academic background, and interest in assessing AI-enabled initiatives.
- At the application stage, a fully established intervention or evaluation design is not required.
- Applicants should create a focused concept note that addresses a well-defined social or economic problem and explains why robust evidence for an AI-enabled intervention is required.
- A solid proposal should show appropriate mathematical knowledge, prior research experience, and a clear understanding of how the planned research will be evaluated utilizing a randomized methodology.
- Applicants should also ensure that all statements and research examples closely relate to the program’s emphasis on AI for social good, poverty reduction, and policy-relevant evidence.
