NYU GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCE
THE FALAK SUFI SCHOLARSHIP
Master’s Degree Program in Near Eastern Studies
STIPEND / FUNDING
$37,132 Minimum
+ Full Tuition & Health Insurance
PROGRAM DURATION
Up to 2 Years
Full Master’s Degree Coverage
TARGET AUDIENCE
South Asian Students
Preferably Female Applicants
APPLICATION DEADLINE (FALL 2027): JANUARY 15, 2027
Apply Online via GSAS NYU: gsas.nyu.edu
New York University Falak Sufi Scholarship 2027-28: Fully Funded Master’s Program at NYU Kevorkian Center
Quick Summary of NYU Falak Sufi Scholarship
The Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) at New York University (NYU) is inviting applications for the prestigious Falak Sufi Scholarship for the academic years 2027–2028[cite: 10]. Awarded for the Master’s degree program in Near Eastern Studies at the Kevorkian Center, this fully funded award provides an academic-year stipend of at least $37,132, full tuition coverage, student health insurance, and registration fees for up to two years[cite: 10]. The application deadline for Fall 2027 admission is January 15, 2027[cite: 10].
About the NYU Falak Sufi Scholarship
The Falak Sufi Scholarship was created to honor the memory and academic vision of Falak Sufi, an exceptionally gifted scholar born in Pakistan in 1983[cite: 10]. A graduate with first-class honors in Political Science from the National University of Singapore, Falak Sufi published pioneering work on women and gender in South Asia, regional historiography, and the humanities before her tragic passing in New York in 2008 while pursuing graduate studies at NYU’s Kevorkian Center[cite: 10].
To celebrate her legacy, New York University established this fellowship to support students—preferably women—from South Asian nations with majority Islamic populations who might otherwise lack the financial means to obtain graduate education in the United States[cite: 10]. Recipients embody her intellectual courage, commitment to academia, and passion for studying gender dynamics across the Near East, Middle East, and South Asia[cite: 10].
Falak Sufi Scholarship Overview Table
Here is a detailed summary of the scholarship parameters for quick reference:
| Scholarship Feature | Details & Specifications |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | New York University (NYU), USA[cite: 10] |
| Administering Department | Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) / Kevorkian Center[cite: 10] |
| Eligible Academic Program | Master’s Program in Near Eastern Studies (including joint degrees with Journalism, Museum Studies, and Business)[cite: 10] |
| Annual Living Stipend | Minimum $37,132 per academic year[cite: 10] |
| Tuition & Fee Coverage | 100% Full Tuition, Registration, and Service Fees[cite: 10] |
| Health Insurance | Full Student Health Insurance Included[cite: 10] |
| Funding Duration | Up to 2 Years (subject to maintaining academic standards)[cite: 10] |
| Target Geographic Region | South Asian countries with majority Islamic populations (Preferably female candidates)[cite: 10] |
| Application Deadline | January 15, 2027 (for Fall 2027 Admission)[cite: 10] |
| Official Portal | gsas.nyu.edu[cite: 10] |
Eligible Programs & Academic Concentrations
The scholarship is awarded directly through the master’s degree program at the **Hagop Kevorkian Center for Near Eastern Studies** at New York University[cite: 10]. Applicants can apply for funding under any of the following academic pathways:
- M.A. in Near Eastern Studies (Core Track): Focused on the history, culture, politics, and languages of the Near and Middle East[cite: 10].
- Joint M.A. in Near Eastern Studies and Journalism: Designed for students aspiring to cover Middle Eastern and South Asian affairs in international media[cite: 10].
- Concentration in Museum Studies: Combining regional expertise with professional curation, heritage conservation, and gallery management[cite: 10].
- Business Track Concentration: Integrating Near Eastern socio-political studies with fundamental business and organizational management[cite: 10].
Eligibility Criteria and Candidate Profile
The NYU selection committee evaluates applicants based on financial need, academic potential, and alignment with the scholarship’s foundational mission[cite: 10]:
1. Geographic & Demographic Focus
- Applicants should belong to countries with a **majority Islamic population in South Asia** (such as Pakistan) who might otherwise face financial hurdles in securing graduate education abroad[cite: 10].
- Gender Preference: Preference is given to **female applicants**, continuing Falak Sufi’s legacy of advancing female scholarship and research in academia[cite: 10].
2. Academic Excellence & Research Interests
- Candidates must hold an accredited undergraduate degree with outstanding academic records[cite: 10].
- Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in studying **gender, historiography, humanities, or social issues** in Near Eastern, Middle Eastern, or South Asian contexts[cite: 10].
- Must meet the official graduate admission standards set by NYU GSAS[cite: 10].
Financial Benefits & Coverage Package
The Falak Sufi Fellowship is one of the most comprehensive graduate awards offered at New York University[cite: 10]. Selected scholars receive:
- Annual Stipend: An academic-year living allowance of at least $37,132 to cover room, board, and personal expenses in New York[cite: 10].
- Full Tuition Waiver: Total coverage of graduate tuition for all required course credits[cite: 10].
- Mandatory Fees: Exemption from university registration and service fees for up to two full academic years[cite: 10].
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Full student health insurance plan paid for by the university[cite: 10].
How to Apply Online for Fall 2027 Admission
Interested students do not need a separate application for the scholarship; consideration is integrated into the online application for the Master’s program[cite: 10]:
- Visit the NYU GSAS Admissions Application Resource Center:
gsas.nyu.edu/admissions/arc[cite: 10]. - Create an account on the NYU GSAS Online Application Portal and select the **Master’s Program in Near Eastern Studies** (or one of its joint tracks)[cite: 10].
- Upload required admission materials:
- Official Academic Transcripts
- Statement of Purpose (highlighting academic goals and interest in Near Eastern/Gender Studies)[cite: 10]
- Resume / Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Three Academic Letters of Recommendation
- English Language Proficiency Test Scores (TOEFL or IELTS, if applicable)
- Indicate your interest in financial aid and the Falak Sufi Fellowship within the application form sections[cite: 10].
- Submit your completed application prior to the deadline on January 15, 2027[cite: 10].
Official Inquiries & Support
For official questions regarding the Falak Sufi Scholarship criteria or application process, applicants can reach out directly to the NYU GSAS Admissions Office:
📧 Email Inquiries: gsas.admissions@nyu.edu[cite: 10]
Application Deadline: January 15, 2027
Start preparing your academic statement, recommendations, and application materials today to secure full financial support for your graduate education at NYU[cite: 10].
