The Institute for Advanced Study’s School of Historical Studies is accepting 2027–28 Membership applications from qualified scholars of any nationality. The funded residential programme offers up to US$40,000 for one term or US$80,000 for the full academic year, plus limited incoming travel reimbursement.
Funding and benefits
- Up to US$40,000 for a single term.
- Up to US$80,000 for the full academic year.
- Limited incoming travel reimbursement: up to US$1,000 from the United States, Canada or Mexico, and up to US$2,000 from elsewhere; the limit is doubled when accompanied by family members.
- Subsidized healthcare and childcare options, subject to eligibility criteria.
- Access to IAS scholarly resources and opportunities to engage with researchers at nearby universities.
- IAS campus housing may be rented, subject to availability and programme arrangements.
Who is eligible?
- Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent awarded no later than 31 July 2026.
- Applicants should have a substantial publication record.
- Qualified scholars of any nationality may apply.
- A current institutional affiliation is not required.
- Members must reside at IAS or in the immediate Princeton area during their selected term or terms.
- Members must pursue their research in residence and may not hold teaching commitments during the Membership period.
- Applicants may apply to the School of Historical Studies or the School of Social Science, but not both.
English-language test: IELTS, TOEFL and equivalent tests are not listed. IAS expressly allows writing samples in languages other than English. Age limit: not listed. Visa requirements and sponsorship: not listed in the application guidelines reviewed.
Research fields
The School lists Ancient Studies, Near Eastern and Islamic Studies, Medieval Studies, Early Modern Europe, History of International Relations, History of Art, East Asian Studies and History of Science among its research areas. Applicants should choose the School whose faculty and intellectual community best support the proposed project.
Required documents
- Completed online application.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Research proposal of no more than 1,500 words.
- One-page bibliography related to the proposal.
- Three writing samples that are published or in proofs from peer-reviewed sources.
- Two reference letters, but only for applicants whose PhD was awarded in 2020 or later.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. The official guidelines do not list transcripts, degree certificates, passport copies or English-test scores.
How to apply
- Review the School of Historical Studies faculty, research fields and Membership guidance.
- Confirm that your PhD or equivalent was awarded by 31 July 2026 and that your publication record meets the programme standard.
- Decide whether to request Term I, Term II or the full academic year.
- Prepare the CV, 1,500-word research proposal, one-page bibliography and three eligible writing samples.
- If your PhD was awarded in 2020 or later, arrange two application-specific reference letters.
- Register or sign in at the official IAS online application portal.
- Complete every field, upload the materials and submit by 15 October 2026. IAS does not state the deadline time or time zone, so submit well before the calendar date ends.
Important dates
- Application portal: open now.
- Application deadline: 15 October 2026; exact time and time zone are not listed.
- Term I: 20 September–17 December 2027.
- Term II: 10 January–14 April 2028.
- Decision notification: by early February 2027 via email.
- Alternates’ final notification: by the end of April 2027.
Selection and residency notes
Selection is based on scholarly qualifications, publication record, the research proposal and the intellectual fit with the School. All else being equal, IAS says first-time Members receive preference. Deferrals are not permitted, and reviewer comments remain confidential.
Residence in Princeton is mandatory. Members may not commute from New York City or Philadelphia, hold teaching commitments, or hold a concurrent residential fellowship. Absences beyond IAS limits can require approval and may reduce the stipend.
Separate postdoctoral option: eligible applicants with PhDs dated 1 July 2024–31 August 2026 may simultaneously seek the School’s named postdoctoral fellowship in Medieval Studies or Europe and the World after 1800. IAS lists a US$75,000 annual stipend and possible 2028–29 renewal for that option.
Frequently asked questions
Is the IAS Historical Studies Membership open internationally?
Yes. IAS explicitly invites qualified candidates of any nationality.
Is the US$80,000 stipend guaranteed?
No. It is the maximum for a full academic year. IAS calculates individual awards using salary, home-institution support and overlapping grants or fellowships.
Can scholars without a university position apply?
Yes. A current institutional affiliation is not required.
Is IELTS or TOEFL required?
No English-language test is listed. Writing samples in languages other than English are accepted.
Are recommendation letters required?
Two letters are required only for applicants who received their PhD in 2020 or later.
Can I submit unpublished writing?
The School accepts works already published or genuinely in press. Ordinary unpublished manuscripts are not listed as eligible writing samples.
Is residence in Princeton required?
Yes. Members must live at IAS or in the immediate Princeton area during their Membership.
What is the application fee?
The official IAS pages reviewed do not list an application fee.
Official sources
Related opportunities
Princeton Fung Global Fellows 2027–28 · Princeton PIIRS Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027–28 · Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship 2027–28
Verification disclaimer: ScholarshipHubNow verified this article against current IAS application guidelines, FAQs, stipend policy and application portal on 9 September 2026. Terms can change. Recheck all official pages before submitting. Facts not stated by IAS are marked “not listed.” ScholarshipHubNow is not affiliated with the Institute for Advanced Study.
