Applications are open for the Getty Conservation Guest Scholars 2027–2028 program in Los Angeles. Established cultural heritage conservation researchers and practitioners of any nationality can receive a US$21,500 grant for a three-month residency, together with scholar housing, a travel stipend, research assistance, a workstation and an available healthcare option.
Funding and benefits
- US$21,500 grant for the three-month residency.
- An apartment in the Getty scholar housing complex.
- A workstation at the Getty Conservation Institute.
- Research assistance.
- A travel stipend.
- An available healthcare option.
- Access to Getty research collections and participation in the intellectual life shared with other Getty scholars, fellows and interns.
Eligibility
- Researchers and practitioners of all nationalities may apply.
- Applicants must work in cultural heritage conservation or preservation, including objects, collections, architecture or sites.
- Applicants should have at least seven years of professional experience.
- Applicants should have an established record of publications and other contributions to the field.
- Projects must be suitable for independent research during the residency.
- Previous Conservation Guest Scholar recipients may reapply after a six-year waiting period.
English-test and application-fee requirements
English test: the official Conservation Guest Scholars page and Getty Residential Grants FAQs do not list IELTS, TOEFL or another standardized English-language test for this program.
Application fee: the official program page, FAQ and grant portal do not list an application fee.
Required documents
- Project proposal: maximum five pages, typed and double-spaced. It must cover the project description, methodology, expected outcome, contribution to conservation practice, applicant qualifications, and the benefit of conducting the work using Getty resources.
- Abridged curriculum vitae: maximum five typed, single-spaced pages focused on the applicant’s most relevant professional activities.
- Selected bibliography: maximum two typed, single-spaced pages citing scholarly works other than the applicant’s own that frame the project intellectually.
Letters of reference are not required for Conservation Guest Scholar applications and are not considered in the evaluation.
How to apply
- Read the official Conservation Guest Scholars program page and confirm that the proposed work is conservation or preservation research rather than degree-related or postdoctoral research.
- Open the Getty Foundation Grant Portal and create or update an applicant account.
- Start a new Conservation Guest Scholars application in the portal.
- Prepare and upload the project proposal, abridged CV and selected bibliography within the official page limits.
- Review the application carefully and submit it by 1 October 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Los Angeles time (GMT−7).
Getty’s grant portal states that it is not compatible with mobile devices; applicants should use a desktop or laptop computer. Chrome is recommended.
Important dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 1 October 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Los Angeles time (GMT−7) |
| Decision notification | March or April 2027 |
| Possible residency periods | September–December, January–March, or April–June |
Time remaining
Selection notes
Applications are reviewed competitively on overall application quality, the project’s contribution to conservation practice, the applicant’s past achievements and qualifications, and how the project would benefit from Getty resources.
Getty states that applications undergo screening by two separate selection committees. Strong applications should present an original topic, a clearly defined methodology and expected outcomes, demonstrate field impact, show the ability to work independently, and explain why Getty is an appropriate place for the research.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the Getty Conservation Guest Scholars program?
Researchers and practitioners of all nationalities working in cultural heritage conservation or preservation may apply if they have at least seven years of professional experience and an established record of contributions to the field.
How much funding is provided?
The official 2027–2028 terms list a US$21,500 grant for the three-month residency, plus housing, a travel stipend, research assistance, a workstation and an available healthcare option.
Can PhD students or postdoctoral researchers apply?
No for degree-related research. Getty states that proposals for postdoctoral research or work contributing to a PhD or another academic degree will not be considered for this program.
Is IELTS or TOEFL required?
No standardized English test is listed in the official program or residential grant guidance.
Is there an application fee?
No application fee is listed in the official program page, FAQ or grant portal.
Are recommendation letters required?
No. Getty states that Conservation Guest Scholar applicants are not required to submit letters of reference, and such letters are not considered in the evaluation.
When will applicants receive a decision?
Getty states that applicants will be notified in March or April 2027.
Official sources
Getty Conservation Guest Scholars — official call, eligibility, terms, documents, deadline and selectionGetty Residential Grants FAQs — nationality, housing, residency, references and general application guidanceGetty Foundation Grant Portal — direct official application portalRelated opportunities
Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program 2027The Met History of Art Fellowship 2027–2028Newberry Long-Term Fellowships 2027–2028Apply before the Los Angeles deadline
Prepare the proposal, CV and bibliography early and submit through Getty’s grant portal before 5:00 p.m. Los Angeles time on 1 October 2026.
Apply NowVerification disclaimer: ScholarshipHubNow verified this guide against current primary Getty sources on 10 September 2026. Facts not stated by Getty are reported as “not listed.” Applicants should recheck the official program page and grant portal before submitting.
