PAIE Scholars Program Scholarship 2026 in Africa and Asia

The PAIE Scholars Program supports researchers based in low and middle income countries in Africa and Asia who want to develop rigorous, policy relevant research on the effects of artificial intelligence applications on social and economic outcomes.

The programme combines structured training, an assessment and staged funding opportunities. Selected scholars can develop their research concepts into pilot proposals and may receive research, travel, mentorship and pilot funding.

The programme is run by Project AI Evidence (PAIE), an initiative of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL).

PAIE Scholars Program Scholarship Summary

• Programme: PAIE Scholars Program 2026
• Organisation: Project AI Evidence (PAIE), an initiative of J-PAL
• Eligible Regions: Africa and Asia
• Study Level: PhD / Researchers
• Eligible Countries: Low and middle income countries
• Funding: Partially Funded
• Initial Award: US$1,000
• Proposal Development and Travel Support: Up to US$10,000
• Potential Pilot Funding: Up to US$75,000
• Deadline: October 16, 2026

Details of the PAIE Scholars Program 2026

The PAIE Scholars Program is designed for researchers who want to study how AI enabled interventions affect social and economic outcomes, particularly in low and middle income countries.

Selected scholars receive training in randomized evaluations and methods for evaluating AI applications. The programme also provides resources and guidance to help participants refine research ideas and develop them into potential pilot studies.

Scholars who successfully complete the initial phase and meet the programme requirements can progress to additional opportunities for proposal development, travel, research mentorship and pilot funding.

Benefits of PAIE Scholars Program 2026

• Training in randomized evaluation and the evaluation of AI enabled interventions.
• US$1,000 award for successfully completing the first phase of the programme.
• Consideration for proposal development and travel support after passing the assessment and submitting a revised concept note.
• Research mentorship opportunities.
• Proposal development and travel grants of up to US$10,000.
• Successful pilot proposals may receive up to US$75,000 in PAIE pilot funding.
• Access to selected training modules and resources, including J-PAL 102x and the AI Evidence and AI Evaluation Playbooks.
• Participation in live online workshops.
• A PAIE administered proctored assessment.

Eligibility Requirements for PAIE Scholars Program 2026

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a researcher residing in a low or middle income country in Africa or Asia, as classified by the World Bank.
• Have completed a PhD.
• Have a primary professional affiliation with a university in an eligible country.
• Hold a PhD in economics or another relevant empirical discipline.
• Have advanced quantitative training in areas such as statistics, econometrics, causal inference, experimental methods or machine learning.
• Demonstrate an interest in evaluating the effects of AI enabled interventions on social or economic outcomes.
• Have sufficient English proficiency to complete the programme’s coursework, training and assessment and produce research outputs in English.
• Be available and willing to complete all required programme components.

How to Apply for PAIE Scholars Program 2026

1. Complete the online application form.
2. Provide information about your academic background, research experience and quantitative training.
3. Explain your interest in evaluating AI enabled interventions.
4. Upload your CV.
5. Provide one to three examples of previous research.
6. Submit the required statements about your research experience, randomized evaluation experience and interest in the programme.
7. Prepare and submit a working concept note explaining your proposed research idea and how it could lead to a randomized evaluation.
8. Review the application carefully and submit it before the deadline.