The Sharmin and Bijan Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Iran and Persian Gulf Studies provides grants for the purpose of graduate research and/or intensive language training related to scholarship on Iran and the Persian Gulf. 

To apply, you will be asked to submit the following: (1) a project statement (no more than two pages) of your proposed summer activity and how this directly relates to the scholarship of Iran and the Persian Gulf (2) the location and proposed dates of research, (3) a detailed budget with an explanation and documentation of how your projected costs were calculated and (4) one recommendation letter from your principal or prospective adviser.  

When preparing your budget, please keep in mind that grants from our Center may be subject to tax reporting.  For non-resident aliens, taxes may be withheld. You may contact the Center Manager to inquire with whom you should consult on tax matters. 

*Near Eastern Studies graduate students are expected to apply to their home department as the primary source of research and language funding.  The Center can provide supplemental funding to help support NES-based grants, where needed.

For scholarly travel to other areas of the Persian Gulf and beyond, the Center will consider funding applications from all graduate students up through the first year of DCE status. 

To apply, use the online Student Activities Funding Engine (SAFE) and follow the directions below: 

Search “Graduate Research” for “MRC Graduate Research & Language Funding”

The Sharmin and Bijan Mossavar-Rahmani Center supports undergraduate students pursuing research and language training related to Iran and the Persian Gulf in the 19th-21st Century. Funds can be used to support students' research and/or intensive language study during the academic year or summer. 

Successful proposals will include a detailed description of the research's significance to Iran and Persian Gulf Region, the intended outcome of our research project, and a statement of how your research contributes to the broader knowledge and understanding of the region. Outcomes could include your Junior Paper, senior thesis, a conference presentation, a podcast, or more.

If funded, upon completion of your research or language program, you will be required to submit a report on the work accomplished, as well as a budget reconciliation. Reports must be submitted to the Center Manager by October 31st, following the summer in which you received the funding. 

To apply, use the online Student Activities Funding Engine (SAFE) and follow the directions below:

Search “Undergraduate Independent Projects” for “MRC Undergraduate Research & Language Study”