Princeton University Fung Global Fellowship 2027–2028 Application Method

The Princeton Fung Global Fellows Program 2027–2028 is open for a ten-month research appointment in the United States, bringing humanities and social sciences scholars together around “Democracy in Crisis?” The Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies welcomes projects on democratic pressures, resilience and the ideas that shape political life.

This is a salaried academic appointment for eligible scholars with positions outside the US, rather than a degree scholarship. The application deadline is close, and three reference letters must arrive too. Your first task is to establish appointment eligibility and give referees enough time.

Who can apply for Princeton’s Fung fellowship?

You need a faculty or professional research appointment outside the United States and must expect to return to it after the fellowship. The PhD or equivalent should generally have been awarded after 1 September 2017. Current PhD students and employed postdocs are explicitly ineligible.

Successful applicants later provide an employer letter authorising the Princeton stay. I would discuss leave internally while preparing the application, because a strong proposal cannot resolve an employment condition your institution cannot support.

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What makes a democracy project a good fit?

Your project should investigate democratic pressures or resilience, drawing on any world region and historical or contemporary evidence. The theme welcomes humanities and social sciences perspectives: political institutions, media, inequality, civic action and the meaning of democracy itself can all provide starting points.

The useful move is to turn a broad concern into a researchable question. For example, an archival project could examine how courts defended their independence during a political crisis. This is an editorial illustration, not a preferred topic. My recommendation is to identify the evidence, method and realistic output of your proposed stay.

The research proposal guide can help organise that argument. Keep Princeton’s own length limit and theme central; a generic proposal template cannot establish the fit for you.

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What support and commitment should you expect?

Fung fellows receive a salary. Princeton’s guidance for current fellows describes month-end salary payments and reimbursement of visa fees for fellows and dependants. Plan for initial expenses before the first payment; the current public call does not publish a salary amount.

This is an in-person appointment on Princeton’s campus. The call excludes H-1B sponsorship requiring consular processing; other appropriate sponsorship may be available. Arrange leave and relocation around the terms of an actual offer.

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What belongs in your Fung application?

Prepare the application in English and keep each item within its limit. Use the documents together: the proposal explains the future project, while your CV and writing sample demonstrate that you can carry it out.

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Why do your referees need time before the deadline?

Referee invitations are sent after you submit your application. Leaving submission until the last evening could therefore prevent an otherwise complete application from receiving its letters in time.

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How to apply to Princeton’s Fung Global Fellows Program

Use the dedicated fellowship application, keeping your proposal and references on the same schedule.

1. Read the official call and application FAQs alongside the 2027–2028 research theme. Establish your employment eligibility before preparing the final files.
2. Contact your three referees and share your proposal and deadline. Prepare the cover letter, CV, proposal and writing sample in English; proofread the files before submission.
3. Apply through the Princeton Fung Interfolio portal. Create the requested Interfolio dossier account, upload the materials and provide your referees’ accurate contact details. Email, fax and postal applications are not accepted.
4. Submit in time for the automated reference invitations, retain confirmation and monitor letter completion. All required material must arrive before the portal locks.
5. If shortlisted, prepare for a virtual interview about your project and contribution to the cohort. Successful candidates then arrange employer permission and use Princeton’s guidance for fellows to plan their appointment.

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Questions before submitting to Princeton

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Princeton Fung Global fellowship deadline

Finalists can expect interview invitations between mid-December 2026 and early January 2027. Successful candidates are expected to hear by early February 2027.

With the deadline approaching, prioritise the employment check, a focused proposal and your referees’ availability. Submit a reviewed application while there is still time for the letters to arrive.

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