Wilson Center Research Fellowship 2027–2028: Process of Application Explained
The Wilson Center Research Fellowship 2027–2028 is now accepting applications from established scholars, policy practitioners, journalists and public intellectuals worldwide. The competition will select approximately 10 to 20 fellows for a year of policy-relevant research, offering each successful applicant a stipend worth $120,000 across 12 months.
Quick Review of Fellowship
Status: OpenEligible applicants: Scholars, practitioners, journalists and public intellectuals of any nationality
Funding: $10,000 per month for 12 months
Duration: June 1, 2027–May 30, 2028
Age limit: None
English: Proficiency required; no IELTS score is specified
Deadline: September 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET
Verified: September 21, 2026.
What Does the Wilson Center Fellowship Cover?
Each fellow receives $10,000 monthly during the 12-month appointment. Fellows work remotely, but the Wilson Center arranges travel and lodging for required visits to Washington, D.C., at the beginning and end of the programme. Health insurance and independent research trips are not covered.
Who Can Apply?
- Academic applicants must hold a PhD or JD and have published a post-dissertation book/monograph or at least five qualifying peer-reviewed articles or book chapters.
- Government, policy and nonprofit applicants normally need at least 10 years of relevant experience plus evidence of policy impact, publication or leadership.
- Applicants must be proficient in English, but the official guidance does not request IELTS or another test.
- No institutional affiliation or age limit applies.
- The proposed individual project must be nonpartisan, policy-relevant and address strategic competition, economic statecraft, technology and innovation, or regional studies.
International applicants can apply because the fellowship has no citizenship restriction. However, applicants already living in the United States must be US citizens or lawful permanent residents when applying; the Center does not sponsor J-1 visas.
How to Apply?
Applications must be completed through Interfolio. Prepare the online form, a CV of no more than three pages, a maximum five-page project proposal and exactly two English-language recommendation letters. Both referees must submit their letters through Interfolio before the deadline. Applicants should first review the official eligibility rules and application instructions.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the Wilson Center Research Fellowship 2027–2028 is September 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Recommendation letters must also arrive by the same deadline, and results are expected in March 2027.