The Falak Sufi Scholarship offers comprehensive financial support to students pursuing a master's degree in Near Eastern Studies at New York University. Learn about the eligibility requirements, application steps, and funding opportunities available through this prestigious award.
Introduction to the Falak Sufi Scholarship
The Graduate School of Arts and Science of New York University is pleased to announce the Falak Sufi Scholarships awarded by the master’s program in Near Eastern Studies at the Kevorkian Center. Candidates for the master’s program in Near Eastern Studies are eligible to apply, including applicants to the program’s joint degree with Journalism.
Established in memory of Falak Sufi, a dedicated scholar and activist who studied at New York University, this fellowship honors her enduring commitment to human rights, gender equality, and social justice. The scholarship is aimed at supporting individuals whose academic interests and personal convictions reflect the values championed by Falak Sufi throughout her life.
Program Overview: The Hagop Kevorkian Center
The Hagop Kevorkian Center for Near Eastern Studies at New York University has long stood as a preeminent hub for research, language acquisition, and interdisciplinary analysis of the modern Middle East and Islamic world. Offering flexible degree pathways, the Center fosters an intellectually rigorous environment where scholars can tailor their coursework across history, politics, anthropology, and literature.
In addition to the standard terminal Master of Arts in Near Eastern Studies, students have the opportunity to pursue specialized joint degrees, most notably the dual M.A. in Near Eastern Studies and Journalism. This interdisciplinary approach equips graduates with both deep regional knowledge and the professional storytelling skills necessary to report on complex geopolitical issues with accuracy and depth.
Scholarship Benefits and Financial Coverage
Graduate study in New York City presents immense intellectual opportunities, yet securing funding is often a primary consideration for prospective applicants. The Falak Sufi Scholarship is designed to relieve financial burdens, allowing fellows to focus wholly on their coursework, research, and professional development.
Recipients of the scholarship typically receive comprehensive financial assistance, which includes a full-tuition scholarship covering required degree credits, comprehensive coverage of mandatory university fees, an annual living stipend distributed across the academic year, and enrollment in NYU student health insurance. This level of support ensures that scholars from diverse geographic and socio-economic backgrounds can participate fully in the academic community.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Falak Sufi Scholarship, individuals must fulfill specific academic criteria established by the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS). Most importantly, applicants must be seeking admission to the Master of Arts in Near Eastern Studies or the joint M.A. with Journalism at the Kevorkian Center.
Special consideration is traditionally extended to candidates from South Asia who demonstrate an active commitment to addressing issues of social justice, women's rights, and human development. While priority is often given to students facing significant financial barriers, all eligible applicants with a demonstrated alignment with Falak Sufi’s legacy are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply for the Falak Sufi Scholarship
Candidates apply for the scholarship directly through the standard NYU GSAS online application for graduate admission. Within the application portal, prospective students must indicate their interest in the Falak Sufi Scholarship in the designated financial aid or program-specific section.
A complete application requires official undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation from academic or professional references, a detailed resume or curriculum vitae, and a comprehensive statement of purpose. In the statement of purpose, candidates should articulate how their research interests intersect with Near Eastern Studies and explain how their academic or career goals advance the values of civic engagement and human rights.
Preparing a Competitive Application
Because the Falak Sufi Scholarship is highly competitive, successful candidates typically exhibit both academic excellence and a clear sense of purpose. Reviewers evaluate an applicant's potential to contribute meaningfully to scholarship and public discourse regarding the Near East and related regions.
Prospective applicants are advised to submit their admission materials well before the departmental deadline to ensure all supplementary documents, including letters of recommendation, are received on time. Taking the time to highlight previous research, language competencies, and extracurricular leadership in the application essay will significantly strengthen one's candidacy for this transformative award.
Always confirm details on the official programme page before applying.
