CIP Fellowship Program 2026 | $1,000 Monthly Stipend for Researchers with Disabilities in Developing Countries
CIP Fellowship Program 2026 | $1,000 Monthly Stipend for Researchers with Disabilities in Developing Countries. Applications are now open for the CIP Fellowship Program 2026, a fully funded 12-month online fellowship designed to support emerging researchers with disabilities from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
The programme provides financial support, mentorship, research training, and access to a global network of disability policy experts. Fellows will strengthen their research capabilities while contributing to evidence-based solutions that advance disability rights and inclusive social policies in their home countries.
With a monthly stipend of USD 1,000, additional research funding, and expert mentorship, the fellowship offers a unique opportunity for aspiring researchers to build their careers and influence policy change.
About the CIP Fellowship Program
The CIP Fellowship Program is an international online initiative focused on empowering persons with disabilities who are interested in research, disability inclusion, and social policy.
The programme aims to strengthen local research capacity, connect fellows to global policy discussions, and support disability advocates in generating evidence that improves the lives of persons with disabilities.
The fellowship officially begins on 1 October 2026 and runs for 12 months.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
Monthly Stipend
💰 USD 1,000 per month for 12 months
Research and Professional Development Funding
💰 Up to USD 2,000 for:
- Research costs
- Conference participation
- Professional training opportunities
Reasonable Accommodation Support
Necessary accommodation costs required for participation will be fully covered.
Mentorship
Each fellow will be paired with an experienced mentor who will provide guidance throughout the research process.
Research Training
Participants will benefit from an online curriculum delivered by leading international researchers and policy experts.
Global Networking Opportunities
Fellows will have opportunities to:
- Collaborate with international researchers
- Participate in CIP research projects
- Join a global disability policy network
Fellowship Objectives
The programme seeks to:
Strengthen Local Research Capacity
Support researchers with disabilities in conducting research relevant to their local contexts and communities.
Promote Global Policy Engagement
Connect fellows to international disability rights discussions and policy development processes.
Empower Disability Advocates
Provide knowledge, skills, and networks that help fellows advance disability inclusion and social justice.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
✅ Be a person with a disability
✅ Be based in a low- or middle-income country (LMIC) or the Global South
✅ Have an undergraduate degree
✅ Possess basic research skills
✅ Be interested in disability policy and social research
✅ Be involved in the disability movement
✅ Be motivated to strengthen research skills
✅ Have sufficient written and spoken English skills
There is no age limit for applicants.
Priority Research Areas
The fellowship is particularly interested in applicants working on:
- Disability data
- Social protection
- Care and support systems
- Inclusive budgeting
- Community support systems
- Independent living
- Disability rights policy
Disability Data Fellowship Track
In addition to the standard fellowship programme, CIP is offering a specialized Disability Data Fellowship.
This track focuses on:
- Disability-inclusive data collection
- Quantitative research methods
- Data interpretation and analysis
- Evidence-based advocacy
- Training stakeholders on disability data collection
The programme aims to strengthen the availability and quality of disability data in developing countries.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The fellowship is not intended for:
- Senior or established researchers
- Researchers with extensive UN agency experience
- Applicants working on topics unrelated to disability
- Applicants from countries subject to OFAC restrictions, including:
- North Korea
- Iran
- Cuba
- Syria
- Russia
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
1. Research Proposal
Maximum 3 pages including:
- Introduction
- Research question
- Methodology
- Data and methods
- Expected results
- Timeline for completion within 12 months
2. Updated CV
3. Cover Letter
4. Two References
Application Deadline
📅 31 July 2026 (Midnight EDT)
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via email to:
Applicants are encouraged to prepare concise proposals focused on disability policy issues relevant to their own countries.
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Final Thoughts
The CIP Fellowship Program 2026 is an outstanding opportunity for emerging researchers with disabilities who are passionate about social policy, disability rights, and inclusive development. Through financial support, mentorship, and research training, the programme equips fellows with the tools needed to generate evidence, influence policy, and create meaningful change in their communities.
For researchers seeking to strengthen their expertise while contributing to disability inclusion worldwide, this fellowship offers a valuable pathway to professional and academic growth.
Keywords
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