Answer first: Princeton University is accepting applications from early-career humanities and social-science scholars employed outside the United States for a ten-month, in-person fellowship on Democracy in Crisis? The official listing gives a US$100,000–US$135,000 salary range plus eligible-employee benefits. Apply by 16 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
What the fellowship provides
Funding interpretation: The official listing publishes a full-time salary range but does not state whether the amount is prorated for the ten-month appointment. This article does not calculate or infer a total payment.
Who can apply?
- Applicants must hold a faculty appointment or professional research appointment outside the United States.
- They must expect to return to that position when the fellowship ends.
- Applicants generally must have received a PhD or equivalent after 1 September 2017.
- Current PhD students are not eligible.
- Researchers currently employed as postdocs are not eligible.
- Eligible disciplines span the humanities and social sciences, and projects may examine any world region from contemporary or historical perspectives.
- The proposed research must meaningfully engage the 2027–28 theme, Democracy in Crisis?
Eligible nationalities: No nationality list or nationality restriction is stated. Eligibility instead depends on holding the required academic or professional research appointment outside the United States.
English test: IELTS, TOEFL or another English-language test is not listed. All application materials must be submitted in English.
Application fee: Free. Princeton’s Interfolio listing states that applicants receive a free Dossier account and may submit all materials, including confidential recommendation letters, without charge.
Visa note: The positions are not eligible for an H-1B visa requiring consular processing. Princeton states that other visa sponsorships may be available as appropriate.
Required documents
- Cover letter, maximum 1.5 pages, addressed to “Dear Search Committee”
- Curriculum vitae including publications
- Research proposal, maximum three pages, single-spaced
- One writing sample—an article or book chapter—maximum 50 pages
- Names and email addresses of three referees
- Three recommendation letters uploaded by the referees before the deadline
If offered the fellowship, the successful candidate must also provide an official employer letter confirming permission to accept the offer and spend the academic year at Princeton.
How to apply
- Open Princeton’s official Interfolio application page.
- Create or sign in to the free Interfolio Dossier account.
- Complete the online form and upload only the requested materials; supplementary items are not considered.
- Enter the three referees’ contact details and submit early enough for the system to invite them.
- Check that every recommendation is received before the deadline.
- Submit the complete application by 16 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Applications cannot be edited after submission.
Important dates
| Official listing opened | 18 August 2026 |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | Monday, 16 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST, as published by Princeton |
| Finalist interviews | Invitations expected between mid-December 2026 and early January 2027 |
| Successful candidates notified | By early February 2027 |
| Residency period | Ten months during the 2027–28 academic year; exact start and end dates are not listed |
Research theme and selection
The 2027–28 theme is “Democracy in Crisis?” Princeton invites research on democratic pressure or resilience, including populism, declining institutional trust, polarization, disinformation, democratic backsliding, inequality and legitimacy, grassroots mobilization, judicial independence, civic renewal, and the conceptual foundations of democracy.
Selection considers the strength of the proposed project, its relationship to the annual theme, the applicant’s scholarly record, ability to enrich the programme’s intellectual life and work experience outside the United States. Applications are reviewed by the programme director and a search committee.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Fung Global Fellows Program open worldwide?
It is designed for international scholars, but the key rule is employment: applicants must hold a faculty or professional research appointment outside the United States and return to it afterward.
Can a current postdoctoral researcher apply?
No. Princeton explicitly excludes applicants currently employed as postdocs.
Can a current PhD candidate apply?
No. Applicants must already hold a PhD or equivalent, generally awarded after 1 September 2017.
How much is the salary?
The official listing gives a US$100,000–US$135,000 salary range or pay grade. It does not state whether that figure is prorated for the ten-month appointment.
Is an English test required?
No IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent test is listed. The required documents must be in English.
Is there an application fee?
No. The official listing states that application materials and confidential letters may be submitted free of charge through Interfolio.
Related opportunities
Ready to apply?
Shape the proposal around the “Democracy in Crisis?” theme and give referees enough time to submit all three letters before the portal closes.
Apply on the Official PortalOfficial sources
- Fung Global Fellows application page
- Official programme homepage
- Official Princeton listing on Interfolio
- Direct application portal
- Princeton employee benefits information
Verification disclaimer: ScholarshipHubNow checked this article against Princeton University’s official Fung Global Fellows pages and the linked Interfolio position listing on 9 September 2026. Requirements may change; applicants should recheck the official pages before submitting. Facts not stated by an official source are marked “not listed.”
