The Ashoka Arab World Fellowship is a prestigious lifetime fellowship for proven social entrepreneurs creating systemic change across the Middle East and North Africa. This fully funded opportunity provides a living stipend, global network access, and strategic support to scale your impact.
Ashoka is one of the world’s largest networks of social entrepreneurs, with over 3,700 Fellows in 90+ countries. Its regional arm, Ashoka Arab World, launched in 2003, has selected 100+ leading social entrepreneurs across multiple Arab countries, building a strong social entrepreneurship ecosystem in the region.
Ashoka Arab World Fellowship Benefits
- Living stipend (typically ~3 years)
- Allows full-time focus on the initiative
- Access to 3,700+ Fellows worldwide
- Connections with funders, policymakers, and leaders
- Media exposure
- Speaking opportunities
- International recognition
- Legal and financial guidance
- Scaling support programs
- Workshops and retreats
Ashoka Arab World Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Already be a social entrepreneur (not a student)
- Have a proven, working solution
- Be creating system-level impact (national/global level)
- Usually be nominated by experts or networks
How to Apply for Ashoka Arab World Fellowship
- Selection through nomination (not open application)
- The selection process can take 6–9 months and involves multiple interviews and evaluations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Ashoka Arab World Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Ashoka Arab World Fellowship?
The Ashoka Arab World Fellowship is a lifetime fellowship for proven social entrepreneurs creating systemic change in the Middle East and North Africa. It provides financial support, global network access, and strategic guidance to scale impact.
Who can apply for the Ashoka Arab World Fellowship?
This fellowship is for established social entrepreneurs, not students or early-stage ideas. Applicants must have a proven, working solution creating system-level impact and are typically nominated by experts or networks.
What benefits do Ashoka Fellows receive?
Fellows receive a living stipend (typically ~3 years), access to 3,700+ global Fellows, connections with funders and policymakers, media exposure, speaking opportunities, legal and financial guidance, scaling support, and workshops.
Is the Ashoka Arab World Fellowship fully funded?
Yes, the fellowship is fully funded. It includes a living stipend and comprehensive support, allowing fellows to focus full-time on their initiatives.
What is the deadline for the Ashoka Arab World Fellowship?
The deadline is ongoing. There is no fixed deadline; the fellowship accepts nominations and applications on a rolling basis.
How do I apply for the Ashoka Arab World Fellowship?
The fellowship is by nomination only, not open application. Candidates are typically nominated by experts or networks. The selection process involves multiple interviews and evaluations over 6–9 months.
What are the selection criteria for the Ashoka Fellowship?
Ashoka uses a 5-criteria model: New Idea (innovative solution), Creativity (unique approach), Entrepreneurial Quality (drive and persistence), Social Impact (large-scale change potential), and Ethical Fiber (integrity and trustworthiness).
Can students apply for the Ashoka Arab World Fellowship?
No, this fellowship is not for students or recent graduates. It is designed for established social entrepreneurs with a running organization or venture already creating measurable impact.
What geographic scope does the Ashoka Arab World Fellowship cover?
The fellowship focuses on the Arab region (MENA countries). However, the global Ashoka Fellowship exists worldwide, so applicants from other regions can apply through global pathways.
What other programs does Ashoka Arab World offer?
Besides the main fellowship, Ashoka Arab World runs Youth Changemakers Programs (for leaders under 20), the Women’s Initiative (WISE) supporting women social entrepreneurs, and Leadership & Ecosystem Programs with schools, governments, and media.
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