ARISC Research Grants 2026–2027 | Up to US$500 for Student Research in the South Caucasus
ARISC Research Grants 2026–2027 | Up to US$500 for Student Research in the South Caucasus. The American Research Institute of the South Caucasus (ARISC) is offering Small Grants for the 2026–2027 academic year to help student scholars cover research-related expenses in the South Caucasus.
The programme provides research grants of up to US$500 to support eligible undergraduate, master’s and PhD students enrolled in degree-granting programmes in Armenia, Azerbaijan or Georgia.
The funding can help cover transportation, accommodation, meals, incidental expenses and other eligible research costs. Applicants may propose research conducted through travel in the region or through a remote research option.
The application deadline is December 11, 2026.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to students undertaking research in the social sciences, humanities and related sciences who need financial assistance to complete a research project in the South Caucasus.
Key Details
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant | ARISC South Caucasus Small Grants 2026–2027 |
| Grant Provider | American Research Institute of the South Caucasus (ARISC) |
| Funding Amount | Up to US$500 per award |
| Number of Awards | Up to three grants expected |
| Opportunity Type | Student Research Grant |
| Eligible Research Fields | Social sciences, humanities and related sciences |
| Eligible Countries | Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia |
| Eligible Applicants | Bachelor’s, master’s and PhD students |
| Citizenship Requirement | Armenian, Azerbaijani or Georgian citizenship |
| Study Requirement | Enrolled in a degree-granting programme in Armenia, Azerbaijan or Georgia |
| Research Options | Regional travel research or remote research |
| Application Deadline | December 11, 2026 |
About the ARISC Small Grants Programme
ARISC Research Grants 2026–2027 | Up to US$500 for Student Research in the South Caucasus
The American Research Institute of the South Caucasus is an organisation supporting research and scholarly exchange related to the South Caucasus.
Its Small Grants programme is designed to help student scholars offset research costs associated with projects in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.
The programme supports research across a range of academic disciplines, including the social sciences, humanities and related sciences.
Successful applicants are expected to complete their proposed research and share their findings through an ARISC-sponsored presentation in English.
Researchers must also acknowledge ARISC in publications or presentations resulting from research supported by the grant.
Funding for the programme comes from ARISC general funds and private donations.
How Much Funding Is Available?
ARISC offers research awards of up to US$500 each.
The organisation expects to award up to three Small Grants during the 2026–2027 funding cycle.
The grant is intended to help offset research costs rather than provide a full scholarship or general living allowance.
Applicants should prepare an itemised budget showing the costs required to carry out their research.
The funding request should be realistic and directly related to the proposed project.
What Can the Grant Support?
The ARISC Small Grants programme can support eligible expenses associated with research in the South Caucasus.
1. Transportation
Applicants conducting research in the region may request support for eligible travel costs.
The budget should explain the purpose of the travel and how it relates to the proposed research.
2. Accommodation
Research-related lodging expenses may be included in the budget for applicants undertaking travel.
Applicants should provide realistic estimates and explain the need for accommodation.
3. Meals and Incidental Expenses
The grant may support meals and incidental expenses associated with research travel.
Budgeted meal and incidental amounts must not exceed the applicable US Department of State rates for the travel location.
4. Research Expenses
Applicants may request funding for other research-related costs necessary to complete the proposed project.
The budget should clearly explain each expense and demonstrate how it contributes to the research.
5. Training Workshops
Funding may also be requested for travel to training workshops where the costs are relevant to the proposed research.
Applicants should explain how the workshop will support their project.
Research Options
Applicants must clearly identify whether their proposal is for Option A: Travel in the Region or Option B: Remote Research.
Option A: Research Travel in the South Caucasus
This option is for applicants proposing to conduct research through travel in the South Caucasus.
The project statement should explain:
- The research location
- The purpose of the visit
- The research activities to be undertaken
- The expected duration of the research
- The resources required
- The proposed schedule
- The estimated travel and research costs
Applicants should confirm that the archives, institutions, research materials and other resources they need will be available during the planned visit.
Option B: Remote Research
Applicants may also propose a remote research project.
The application should clearly identify the remote option and explain the research design and methodology.
Applicants should describe how they will access the necessary resources and complete the project without relying on the proposed regional travel.
The budget must correspond to the remote research option.
Who Can Apply?
ARISC Research Grants 2026–2027 | Up to US$500 for Student Research in the South Caucasus
The ARISC Small Grants programme has specific academic, enrolment and citizenship requirements.
Applicants should review these conditions carefully before preparing their proposals.
1. Academic Status
Applicants must be students enrolled in degree-granting programmes.
Eligible academic levels include:
- Bachelor’s students
- Master’s students
- PhD students
Students graduating in spring 2027 are eligible to apply.
2. Enrolment Requirement
Applicants must be enrolled in a degree-granting programme in:
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Georgia
The programme is designed for students studying in these countries.
3. Citizenship Requirement
Applicants must be citizens of one of the following countries:
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Georgia
Citizenship is a specific eligibility condition.
International students studying in one of these countries should not assume that local enrolment alone makes them eligible if they do not meet the citizenship requirement.
4. Research Field
Projects in the following fields are eligible:
- Social sciences
- Humanities
- Related sciences
Applicants should explain how their proposed project fits within the programme’s research scope.
5. Master’s and PhD Applicants
ARISC particularly encourages proposals from master’s and PhD students.
However, strong proposals from eligible bachelor’s students will also receive full consideration.
6. Research Feasibility
Applicants should demonstrate that their project can realistically be completed.
The proposal should explain the research methodology, schedule, required resources and possible obstacles.
Applicants should also identify potential challenges, such as archive closures, research permissions, geopolitical instability or difficulty finding research participants.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the required application materials through the ARISC application form.
The organisation identifies the following components.
1. Application Form
Applicants must complete the official ARISC Small Grants application form.
The application form is used to submit the required materials.
ARISC recommends beginning the application as soon as possible.
2. Project Statement
Applicants must provide a project statement of no more than 1,500 words.
The word limit does not include bibliographic references, tables, charts or other supporting information.
The project statement should address:
- Research question
- Research design
- Methodology
- Significance of the project
- Relevance to regional or trans-regional scholarly research
- Potential contribution to scholarship
- Applicant qualifications
- Potential research obstacles
- Plans for addressing challenges
- Whether the project is Option A or Option B
Applicants should use clear language and avoid unnecessary academic jargon.
ARISC notes that application reviewers may not be specialists in the applicant’s particular research field.
3. Work Schedule
ARISC Research Grants 2026–2027 | Up to US$500 for Student Research in the South Caucasus
Applicants must provide a specific work schedule.
The schedule should identify:
- Number of days per week devoted to research
- Hours spent on research each day
- Research location
- Planned research activities
- Availability of required resources
- Whether the proposal is for Option A or Option B
Applicants should demonstrate that they have checked the availability of the resources they need.
For example, archives may not be open throughout the year, and researchers or local scholars may be unavailable during certain periods.
Applicants should plan accordingly.
4. Itemised Budget and Budget Narrative
Applicants must submit an itemised budget and budget narrative.
The budget should clearly identify whether the project involves regional travel or remote research.
Allowable costs may include:
- Airfare
- Ground transportation
- Lodging
- Meals and incidental expenses
- Research costs
- Travel to training workshops
All flights and accommodation must be economy or coach class.
Meals and incidental expenses must comply with the applicable US Department of State rates for the travel location.
If the full project costs more than the maximum grant amount, applicants should explain:
- Other sources of funding
- How the project could be scaled
- What could be completed if only ARISC funding is awarded
5. Curriculum Vitae
Applicants must provide a curriculum vitae (CV).
The CV should demonstrate the applicant’s academic background, relevant research experience, qualifications and other experience supporting the proposed project.
6. Two Recommendation Letters
Applicants must submit two recommendation letters.
The letters must be:
- Written in English
- Submitted directly to ARISC by the recommenders
- Received by the application deadline
One recommendation letter must come from the applicant’s academic advisor.
Applicants are responsible for notifying their referees and ensuring that the letters are submitted on time.
If a recommendation letter is written in another language, an English translation must be provided.
How Applications Are Evaluated
The ARISC Small Grants programme seeks proposals that demonstrate a clear research purpose and a realistic plan for completing the project.
Applicants should focus on the following areas.
Research Question and Methodology
Explain what the project seeks to investigate and how the research will be conducted.
The proposal should demonstrate that the methods are appropriate for answering the research question.
Scholarly Significance
Describe why the research matters and how it may contribute to regional or trans-regional scholarly research.
Applicants should explain the project’s relevance and potential contribution.
Applicant Qualifications
Explain how the applicant’s academic background, experience and skills prepare them to carry out the project.
Applicants should connect their qualifications directly to the proposed research.
Feasibility
Demonstrate that the project can be completed within the proposed schedule.
Applicants should identify possible obstacles and explain how they would address them.
Budget Justification
Provide a clear explanation of the funding requested.
The budget should be realistic, itemised and connected to the research activities.
Important Research Planning Considerations
Research Permissions
Some projects may require research clearance, institutional permission or other approvals.
ARISC advises applicants to plan early because obtaining in-country research clearance can take up to six months.
Applicants should identify any permissions required and explain how they will manage potential delays.
Archive and Resource Availability
ARISC Research Grants 2026–2027 | Up to US$500 for Student Research in the South Caucasus
Applicants should confirm that archives, libraries, research materials and other required resources will be accessible during the proposed research period.
The work schedule should demonstrate that the applicant has checked resource availability.
Research Participants
Projects involving interviews or other forms of interaction with research participants should consider whether the necessary participants will be available.
Applicants should explain how they will address potential difficulties in finding interlocutors.
Funding Limit
The maximum award is US$500.
If the proposed project requires more funding, applicants should identify other funding sources and explain how the research could be scaled to fit the ARISC award.
How to Apply for ARISC Research Grants 2026–2027
Interested students should follow these steps.
Step 1: Visit the Official Grant Announcement
Read the full eligibility requirements and application instructions.
Step 2: Confirm Your Eligibility
Check that you:
- Are a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD student
- Are enrolled in a degree-granting programme in Armenia, Azerbaijan or Georgia
- Are a citizen of Armenia, Azerbaijan or Georgia
- Have a research project within the eligible fields
- Can complete the proposed research within the planned schedule
Step 3: Choose Your Research Option
Decide whether your project will involve:
- Option A: Travel in the South Caucasus
- Option B: Remote research
The project statement, work schedule and budget must clearly identify the selected option.
Step 4: Prepare Your Project Statement
Write a project statement of no more than 1,500 words.
Explain your research question, methodology, significance, qualifications, schedule and potential obstacles.
Step 5: Prepare Your Work Schedule
Create a realistic schedule showing research days, hours, location and resource availability.
Check the availability of archives, institutions and research participants before finalising the schedule.
Step 6: Prepare Your Budget
Submit an itemised budget and budget narrative.
Include only eligible research-related costs and follow the programme’s requirements for travel, accommodation, meals and incidental expenses.
Step 7: Prepare Your CV
Prepare a curriculum vitae demonstrating your academic background and relevant qualifications.
Step 8: Request Recommendation Letters
Contact two recommenders early.
One letter must be from your academic advisor.
Ensure that both letters are submitted directly to ARISC in English by the deadline.
Step 9: Submit the Application
Submit all required application materials through the official application form.
The deadline is:
December 11, 2026
Applicants should not wait until the final day to submit their materials.
What Happens After the Research?
ARISC Research Grants 2026–2027 | Up to US$500 for Student Research in the South Caucasus
Successful grant recipients have responsibilities after completing their projects.
ARISC expects grantees to:
- Complete the proposed research
- Give an ARISC-sponsored presentation in English on a subject related to their research
- Acknowledge ARISC in publications or presentations resulting from the supported research
Applicants should consider these requirements when planning their research and preparing their project schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does ARISC provide?
The ARISC Small Grants programme provides research awards of up to US$500 each.
How many grants will be awarded?
ARISC expects to award up to three Small Grants for the 2026–2027 cycle.
Who is eligible?
Bachelor’s, master’s and PhD students enrolled in degree-granting programmes in Armenia, Azerbaijan or Georgia who are citizens of one of those three countries may apply.
Are bachelor’s students eligible?
Yes. Bachelor’s students are eligible, and students graduating in spring 2027 may apply.
Master’s and PhD proposals are particularly encouraged, but strong proposals from all eligible academic levels will receive full consideration.
What research fields are eligible?
Projects in the social sciences, humanities and related sciences are eligible.
Can applicants conduct remote research?
Yes. Applicants may choose Option B for remote research.
The project statement, work schedule and budget must clearly identify the remote research option.
What expenses can the grant cover?
Allowable expenses include airfare, ground transportation, lodging, meals and incidental expenses, research costs and travel to training workshops.
Is the grant a full scholarship?
No. It is a small research grant of up to US$500 intended to help offset research expenses.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is December 11, 2026.
Are recommendation letters required?
Yes. Two letters are required, and one must be from the applicant’s academic advisor.
The letters must be submitted directly to ARISC.
Is an ARISC presentation required?
Yes. Grantees are expected to give an ARISC-sponsored presentation in English after completing their project.
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Final Thoughts
ARISC Research Grants 2026–2027 | Up to US$500 for Student Research in the South Caucasus
ARISC Research Grants 2026–2027 | Up to US$500 for Student Research in the South Caucasus. The ARISC South Caucasus Small Grants programme offers eligible university students an opportunity to obtain up to US$500 in research support for projects in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.
The programme is particularly useful for students who need assistance with transportation, accommodation, meals, research costs or other eligible expenses associated with their academic projects.
Applicants should carefully review the citizenship and enrolment requirements, prepare a clear project statement, develop a realistic work schedule and budget, and arrange their recommendation letters early.
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