The Newberry Library is accepting 2027–2028 Long-Term Fellowship applications from PhD-holding scholars worldwide. Fellows receive US$5,000 per month for four to nine months of continuous, in-person humanities research in Chicago using Newberry collections.
Funding and fellowship benefits
- US$5,000 monthly stipend for four to nine months.
- Dedicated time for a large-scale research project directly connected to Newberry materials, such as a book manuscript.
- Participation in the Newberry’s weekly Colloquium, Fellows’ Seminar and Research Center activities.
- Opportunities to present work publicly and receive interdisciplinary feedback.
- Potential DS-2019 documentation for eligible foreign scholars seeking a J-1 visa.
Eligibility requirements
- You must hold a PhD or another qualifying terminal degree when submitting the application.
- Applicants may be at any career stage and may work in any field, regardless of faculty rank or position.
- Your large-scale project must have a direct relationship to specific Newberry collections, with emphasis on humanities or related disciplines.
- Applicants from all countries and citizenships may apply; citizenship is not a selection factor.
- Institutional affiliation is not required.
Current doctoral candidates who have not completed the degree by the application date are not eligible for the Long-Term Fellowship. Applicants who previously held a Newberry Long-Term Fellowship must wait five years before applying again and must propose a different project.
Required documents and information
- Personal, demographic and professional information.
- Project title and abstract of no more than 300 words or 2,000 characters.
- Project description of up to 1,500 words, including scholarly context, the importance of specific Newberry materials and a work plan; upload as Word or PDF without embedded images.
- List of Newberry collection materials you plan to consult.
- One-page selective secondary-source bibliography in Word or PDF.
- Curriculum vitae of no more than five pages in Word or PDF.
- Requested fellowship duration of four to nine months.
- Contact information for two required recommenders.
Recommendation letters must be in English and are uploaded directly by the recommenders. The official sources do not list IELTS, TOEFL or another English-test requirement.
How to apply
- Study the official Long-Term Fellowship page and identify the exact Newberry holdings required for your project.
- Create a user account in the Newberry SlideRoom portal.
- Select the 2027–2028 Long-Term Fellowship application.
- Complete the applicant sections and upload the project description, bibliography and CV.
- Add both recommenders early so SlideRoom can send their confidential upload links.
- Review and submit the application by 20 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.
The official pages do not list an application fee. SlideRoom shows a confirmation number and sends an email after successful submission.
Important dates and residency rules
| Milestone | Date or rule |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | Friday, 20 November 2026, 11:59 p.m. Central Time |
| Recommendation deadline | 30 November 2026 |
| Expected notification | Early March 2027 |
| Nine-month awards | Begin in September 2027 |
| Four- or five-month awards | Begin in September 2027 or January 2028 |
Time remaining
Selection process
Long-Term applications receive two rounds of review. Newberry staff first assess the relevance and uniqueness of the proposed collection materials and the need to consult them in person. An independent interdisciplinary panel of senior scholars then selects the fellows; Newberry staff do not participate in that final selection.
Reviewers consider the project’s research contribution, the importance of Newberry collections to the project, and the viability of the applicant’s plan. Successful proposals should explain their significance clearly to non-specialists.
Frequently asked questions
Can international scholars apply?
Yes. The Newberry explicitly accepts non-US citizens and may provide DS-2019 documentation for a J-1 visa when needed.
How much does the fellowship pay?
US$5,000 per month for four to nine months, equivalent to US$20,000–US$45,000 depending on the awarded duration.
Can current PhD candidates apply?
No. Long-Term applicants must already hold their PhD or qualifying terminal degree when they submit.
Is housing provided?
No. Fellows arrange their own housing, using the stipend to help cover housing, travel and other living costs.
Is there an application fee?
The official fellowship and application pages do not list an application fee.
Is an English test required?
No English-test requirement is listed. Both recommendation letters must be in English.
Can the fellowship be remote?
No. Continuous in-person residence at the Newberry is required.
Official sources
Long-Term Fellowships — eligibility, funding and termsHow to Apply — documents and exact deadlinesFellowships FAQ — citizenship, visas and selectionDirect official application portal — SlideRoomPrepare your collection-specific proposal
Submit the complete Long-Term Fellowship application before the Central Time deadline.
Apply Now on SlideRoomVerification disclaimer: ScholarshipHubNow verified this guide against the Newberry Library’s official program, application and FAQ pages on 10 September 2026. Requirements can change; confirm the final form and instructions in SlideRoom before submitting.
