For Prospective Predoctoral Research Fellows

The King Center's Predoctoral Research Fellows Program is a full-time, two-year postbaccalaureate program designed to prepare individuals for careers in academic research focused on issues related to global development. The program provides a set of fellows with the opportunity to gain research experience and preparation for applications to PhD programs and doctoral studies. This multidisciplinary program operates in partnership with the Stanford Graduate School of Business. 

Fellows are appointed as non-matriculated graduate students and are expected to fully engage in the intellectual life at Stanford University. Fellows will work with King Center Faculty Affiliates on research projects and can take courses at Stanford University for credit. The fellowship offers tuition, health insurance, and a living stipend. Visa sponsorship and work authorization is possible for successful applicants.

The King Center’s Predoctoral Research Fellows Program particularly encourages applications from scholars from low- and middle-income countries, as well as from others whose background and lived experiences would enrich the breadth, inclusivity, and perspectives within academia or their field of study. Applications from all backgrounds are welcome. The King Center is committed to creating inclusive research environments and to fostering the growth of the next generation of researchers in global development. We are a proud participant in Pathways to Research and Doctoral Careers (PREDOC).

Applications for positions beginning July 1, 2026 will open by November 2025.

There are other predoctoral research fellows across campus.  For more information on other programs please visit their websites:

• GSB Research Fellows Program
• SIEPR Predoctoral Research Fellows Program
• IRiSS Predoctoral Researchers Program
• Tech Ethics & Policy Rising Scholars Program
• Law School Empirical Research Fellowship Program

See current and former King Center Predoctoral Research Fellows

How to apply

Please review the predoc opportunities webpage, which includes short blurbs about the projects and faculty mentors. Each opportunity also indicates specific skills, like languages, that would be desirable for prospective predocs to have. There is no need for applicants to reach out to their proposed faculty mentor at this stage.

In your application, you can rank up to four opportunities, and/or to select the option to be considered for additional opportunities that may be added later. 

In your application, you will be asked to provide the following:

1. Application form, including short answer questions on your interest in the program and specific King Center thematic areas, your familiarity with programming languages (Stata, R, Python, Matlab, etc.), your prior experience as a research assistant and with independent research (e.g., a senior thesis), and other relevant information.
2. Answers to opportunity-specific questions (if required by the faculty mentor).
3. CV - Include all relevant education, research experience, work experience and skills.
4. Undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate transcripts - You may submit an unofficial copy.
5. Optional writing sample - A paper (or excerpt) that displays your writing and analytic skills and capacity to execute independent research. A senior thesis, Master's thesis, or a term paper are all fine choices. Any length is acceptable.
6. The contact information for two faculty members or others who can attest to your relevant skills and experience. Your recommenders will be asked to upload letters of recommendation through our application portal.

Interested applicants should have

• Completed an undergraduate degree (bachelors or foreign equivalent);
• A strong quantitative background and interest in learning cutting-edge research methods;
• A demonstrated interest in issues around global development and poverty alleviation;
• Creative and independent problem-solving skills;
• An interest in pursuing a PhD in a field related to global development. 

Have a question?

Please visit our page for frequently asked questions about the Predoctoral Research Fellows Program.

If you still have questions about the Predoctoral Research Fellows Program after reviewing the frequently asked questions page, please contact the King Center at kingcenter_programs@stanford.edu. We will strive to respond to all queries within one business week.

See all current and former Predoctoral Research Fellows