Bassem Sabry Fellowship

The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy (TIMEP) is accepting applications for its Bassem Sabry Fellowship, hosted in partnership with the Atlas Corps Fellowship at Cultural Vistas. This fellowship is dedicated to advancing democratic and inclusive change in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

📖 About TIMEP's Bassem Sabry Fellowship

Established in memory of the late Egyptian political writer and commentator Bassem Sabry, this fellowship is awarded to a young professional committed to the principles of democratic and inclusive change.

Key Details:

• Date Published: August 20, 2025
• Application Deadline: August 28, 2025
• Category: Fellowship
• Eligible Locations: Africa, Middle East

The fellowship provides an opportunity for rising stars working on the MENA region to immerse themselves in policymaking in Washington, DC, while producing programming and analysis that furthers democratic and inclusive societies.

🎁 Benefits of TIMEP's Bassem Sabry Fellowship

The 2025-2026 Bassem Sabry Fellow will:

• Produce solutions-oriented and policy-relevant programming and analysis on a mandate of their choosing.
• Inform and participate in advocacy and policy opportunities, including meetings and briefings with decision-makers in Washington, DC.
• Drive discourse through media, policy, and event opportunities.
• Access targeted and personalized skills-building and leadership opportunities.
• Be integrated into TIMEP’s global, regional, and Washington, DC-based network of organizations, advocates, and policymakers.

Additional Benefits Through Atlas Corps Fellowship:

• Virtual orientations to prepare for the fellowship and arrival in the United States.
• Support with visa documentation and travel logistics.
• Ongoing personalized support and check-ins throughout the program.
• Networking and professional development opportunities.
• Community-building activities within Cultural Vistas and Atlas Corps alumni networks.

Covered Costs:

• Travel from home city to Washington, DC.
• Visa fees and transportation stipend for appointments.
• Monthly mobile phone bill and health insurance during the fellowship.
• Monthly stipend to cover basic living expenses (shared housing, meals, local transportation).
• Eligibility for a one-time post-fellowship stipend upon completion of graduation requirements.

Note: Fellows must be eligible to receive a visa to the United States and have at least $1,000 in savings accessible during the program.

✅ Fellowship Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Basic Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field.
• Proficient in English (reading, writing, speaking).
• International candidates based outside of the United States.
• 35 years of age or younger.
• Committed to returning to their base country after the six-month fellowship.
• Have a passport valid for 6 months beyond the program end date.

Additional Desirable Qualifications:

• Proficient in Arabic (reading, writing, speaking).
• At least 3 years of relevant work experience.
• Demonstrate commitment to the values espoused by Bassem Sabry and TIMEP’s mission.
• Connectivity to civil society, grassroots groups, and/or experts and advocates in the MENA region.

📝 Application Process

To apply for the Bassem Sabry Fellowship, candidates must submit the following:

1. Resume
2. One-Page Cover Letter:
   • Introduce yourself and your background.
   • Explain your interest in the fellowship.
   • Demonstrate how your application contributes to the values espoused by Bassem Sabry.
3. Two-Page Statement of Interest:
   • Propose a specific mandate for your six-month fellowship (policy-relevant, contemporary, and focused on a topic and country).
   • Address the following questions:
     • Why is the topic important for the MENA region and a policy audience?
     • How does the topic fit into and further TIMEP’s mission?
     • Which of TIMEP’s programmatic tools would you use during your fellowship? (Analysis, advocacy, events, legal interventions, network building, media/social media).
4. Three Professional References
5. Bachelor’s Degree Diploma or Official Transcripts
6. (Optional) English Proficiency Documentation

Applications must be submitted via the Google Form by 11:59 pm EST on August 28, 2025.

📅 Selection Process

• Short-listed candidates will be invited to interview in early and mid-September with the Bassem Sabry Fellowship Review Committee.

📌 Application Deadline

August 28, 2025

For more details, visit the official TIMEP page.

• Produce solutions-oriented and policy-relevant programming and analysis on a mandate of their choosing.
• Inform and participate in advocacy and policy opportunities including meetings and briefings with decision-makers in Washington, DC.
• Drive the discourse through media, policy, and event opportunities.
• Access targeted and personalized skills-building and leadership opportunities.
• Be integrated into TIMEP’s global, regional, and Washington, DC-based network of organizations, advocates, and policymakers.
• Receive support from the Atlas Corps Fellowship including travel, visa fees, monthly stipend, and health insurance.