The Wilson Center is accepting applications for its 2027–28 Research Fellowship from established scholars, policy practitioners, journalists and public intellectuals worldwide. The 12-month remote fellowship pays US$10,000 per month and includes two Wilson Center-funded visits to Washington, D.C.
Funding and benefits
- US$10,000 per month for the 12-month fellowship, paid monthly.
- Total scheduled stipend of US$120,000 across the full tenure.
- Travel and lodging arranged and paid for the required Washington, D.C. visits at the start and end of the programme.
- Potential access to a part-time research assistant during fall and spring, subject to available funding and a suitable skills match.
- Access to policymakers, scholars and the Wilson Center’s policy community.
- Support in translating research into policy reports, briefings, op-eds and public-facing products.
Who is eligible?
- Scholars, policy practitioners, journalists and public intellectuals proposing policy-relevant, nonpartisan research on global issues may apply.
- Academic applicants must hold a doctorate or JD and have published a book or monograph beyond the dissertation, or usually at least five substantial peer-reviewed research articles or chapters.
- Government, policy and nonprofit applicants must demonstrate professional distinction equivalent to advanced academic standing—typically at least ten years of relevant experience plus substantial policy impact, publication or leadership.
- Applicants must be proficient in English.
- No institutional affiliation or age limit is required.
- The project must be new research rather than continued work on the applicant’s dissertation.
- Recipients of a Wilson Center International Competition or Research Fellowship within the previous five years should not apply.
English test: English proficiency and English-language application materials are required, but the official pages do not name IELTS, TOEFL or a minimum test score.
Eligible research themes
Projects must address contemporary public-policy challenges, remain nonpartisan and align with at least one Wilson Center scholarship pillar:
- Strategic competition
- Economic statecraft
- Technology and innovation
- Regional issues
The proposal should explain its relevance to U.S. and global foreign-policy challenges and how its findings can reach policymakers and wider audiences.
Required documents
- Online Fellowship Application Form.
- Current CV, maximum three pages in 12-point font.
- Project proposal, maximum five pages in 12-point font, including a brief bibliography.
- Two current letters of recommendation submitted online by the referees.
All materials and reference letters must be in English. Pages beyond the stated CV and proposal limits may be removed before review. Degree certificates, transcripts, passport copies and English-test scores are not listed as required documents.
How to apply
- Read the official guidelines, instructions and FAQs.
- Confirm that your career record meets the academic or professional-experience standard.
- Choose a policy-relevant, nonpartisan project aligned with at least one Wilson Center pillar.
- Prepare the three-page CV and five-page proposal in English using 12-point font.
- Choose two referees who know your work and send them the project description.
- Open the official Interfolio listing and complete every field in the Fellowship Application Form.
- Request the two recommendation letters through Interfolio and monitor their receipt.
- Submit the complete application, including both letters, by 30 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Important dates
- Applications opened: 15 July 2026.
- Application and reference deadline: 30 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
- Results: applicants will be notified by early March 2027; the FAQ states March 2027.
- Fellowship begins: 1 June 2027.
- Fellowship ends: 30 May 2028.
Selection and fellowship expectations
Eligible applications undergo a multi-stage review involving internal Wilson Center experts and external peer specialists. Final awards require approval by the Fellowship Committee of the Center’s Board of Trustees and remain subject to available funding.
Fellows must complete the proposed research, give an internal Work in Progress presentation, attend colleagues’ presentations and actively contribute to the Wilson Center community. Engagement may include policy briefings, public talks, workshops and accessible publications.
Frequently asked questions
Can applicants from any country apply?
Yes. The programme has no citizenship limitation, although special rules apply to applicants currently residing in the United States.
Is this fellowship based in Washington?
No. Fellows work remotely but must make two funded visits to Washington, D.C., at the beginning and end of the fellowship.
How much is the stipend?
The official amount is US$10,000 per month for 12 months, equivalent to US$120,000 over the scheduled tenure.
Do I need a PhD?
Academic applicants need a doctorate or JD. Experienced applicants from government, policy, journalism, nonprofit work or public life may qualify through equivalent professional achievement.
Is IELTS or TOEFL required?
The Center requires English proficiency and English-language materials but does not list a specific English test or minimum score.
Does the fellowship include health insurance?
No. Fellows are responsible for arranging their own health insurance.
Is there an application fee?
The official programme, instruction and FAQ pages reviewed do not list an application fee.
Can I continue working on my dissertation manuscript?
No. The proposed project must be separate from the dissertation and constitute new research.
Official sources
Related opportunities
IAS Historical Studies Membership 2027–28 · Princeton Fung Global Fellows 2027–28 · Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship 2027–28
Verification disclaimer: ScholarshipHubNow verified this article against the Wilson Center’s current programme page, eligibility guidelines, application instructions, FAQs and Interfolio listing on 9 September 2026. Terms can change. Recheck every official page before submitting. Facts not stated by the Wilson Center are marked “not listed.” ScholarshipHubNow is not affiliated with the Wilson Center.
