Applications are open for the 2027–2028 Stanford Mellon Fellowship of Scholars in the Humanities. Up to four recent PhD recipients will receive a two-year residential appointment at Stanford, with a possible third-year extension. Non-U.S. citizens and holders of non-U.S. PhDs may apply. The deadline is 15 October 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
Stanford Mellon Fellowship overview
The Mellon Fellowship of Scholars in the Humanities supports recent PhD graduates as scholars and teachers. Fellows join Stanford Humanities Center’s interdisciplinary community, teach two courses per year in an eligible department, receive office space and a faculty mentor, and participate in weekly cohort meetings.
For fellowships beginning in autumn 2027, applications are accepted in German Studies, Iberian and Latin American Cultures, Music, and Philosophy. Stanford states that up to four fellowships will be awarded.
Funding and benefits
- Appointment: two years, with the possibility of a third-year extension.
- Stipend: the current official page states US$98,000 for 2026–2027; the 2027–2028 stipend rate is not listed.
- Employee benefits: full employee-benefits package.
- Research account: US$6,000 per year for research-related expenses.
- Moving and equipment support: a one-time US$9,000 stipend.
- Academic support: office space, a faculty mentor, Stanford Humanities Center affiliation, and cohort programming.
Eligibility requirements
- Your qualifying PhD must be received between 31 July 2023 and 31 July 2027.
- Your work must fit German Studies, Iberian and Latin American Cultures, Music, or Philosophy for the 2027 competition.
- Stanford University master’s or PhD recipients are not eligible.
- Current doctoral students, assistant professors, lecturers, and postdoctoral researchers may apply if they meet the PhD window.
- Doctorates in Arts and other doctoral equivalents may apply, but Stanford says they are unlikely to be selected.
- Non-U.S. citizens are eligible, and a PhD from a non-U.S. institution is accepted.
Residence and teaching
Fellows must be in residence from mid-September through mid-June, participate actively in the cohort, and teach two courses in each fellowship year. At least one quarter per year has no teaching obligation.
Required documents
- Online contact and biographical information.
- Cover letter of approximately one to two single-spaced pages describing research, teaching experience, perspectives, and interests.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Dissertation abstract of one to three single-spaced pages.
- Writing sample of article length, no more than 40 double-spaced pages.
- Two letters of recommendation, due by the application deadline.
English requirement: Stanford does not list an IELTS, TOEFL, or other standardized English-test requirement for this fellowship. All application materials other than the writing sample should be in English; a non-English writing sample is permitted, although Stanford cautions that it may be less useful to an interdisciplinary committee.
How to apply
- Confirm that your PhD date and field match the 2027 competition.
- Review the selected department’s recent courses and curriculum because fellows teach through standing Stanford departments.
- Create an account in Stanford Humanities Center’s official grant portal.
- Complete the online biographical section and upload the cover letter, CV, dissertation abstract, and writing sample.
- Enter the contact details for two recommenders early; the portal sends them submission instructions automatically.
- Check that both letters have arrived and submit the complete application by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on 15 October 2026.
Important dates
- Application deadline: 15 October 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
- Recommendation deadline: the same application deadline; late letters are not guaranteed consideration.
- Decision notification: spring 2027; a more precise date is not listed.
- Fellowship begins: autumn quarter 2027, with annual residence from mid-September to mid-June.
Selection notes
Applications are first considered by an interdisciplinary selection committee of scholars and Stanford humanities faculty. Finalists are then reviewed by faculty subcommittees in the departments where successful fellows would be placed. Stanford does not publish a numerical scoring rubric on the reviewed official pages.
Frequently asked questions
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. The official FAQ says the competition is open to non-U.S. citizens and accepts PhDs from institutions outside the United States.
Is this a postdoctoral fellowship?
Yes. It is designed for recent PhD recipients and combines research development with two courses of teaching per year.
What is the 2027–2028 salary?
The 2027–2028 rate is not listed. Stanford’s current page states a US$98,000 stipend for 2026–2027, plus benefits and separate research and moving support.
Is an English test required?
No standardized English test is listed. Most application materials must be in English.
Is there an application fee?
An application fee is not listed on the official programme page, FAQ, or application portal.
Related opportunities
Verification disclaimer
This article was verified against Stanford Humanities Center’s official programme page, FAQ, and live application portal on 8 September 2026. ScholarshipHubNow is an independent information platform. Applicants should confirm the final terms and portal requirements before submission.
