Please read our Frequently Asked Questions below for additional information regarding the Fellowship Program. Applicants may address additional inquiries to fellowships@wilsoncenter.org.

Fellowship Eligibility

Who is eligible to apply? 

Scholars, policy practitioners, journalists, and public intellectuals with project proposals on global issues are invited to apply. Topics and scholarship should relate to key public policy challenges and align with at least one of the following pillars of the Wilson Center: strategic competition, economic statecraft, technology and innovation, and regional issues. Academic applicants must have a doctorate or JD. For other applicants, an equivalent level of professional achievement is expected.

I am not a U.S. citizen. May I apply?

This is a non-residential fellowship with no citizenship limitations. However, fellows are expected to travel to Washington, D.C. for two visits during the fellowship; you must hold a valid passport and be able to obtain the appropriate visa.

Please note that applicants currently living in the United States must be legal permanent residents or U.S. citizens at the time of application. The Wilson Center is unable to sponsor J-1 visas.

I am retired and do not have an institutional affiliation.  May I apply?

Yes. You do not need an active institutional affiliation to apply.  

I have completed all requirements for my Ph.D. except for my dissertation. May I apply for a fellowship? 

No. Academics must be at the postdoctoral level and have published a book or monograph beyond the Ph.D. dissertation, or a substantial body of research articles (typically five or more) in reputable peer-reviewed journals. Applicants outside of academia should have an equivalent level of professional achievement. 

I have a Ph.D. but have not published a book yet. Is it worth applying?

For most academic candidates, a published book or monograph is required. However, a substantial body of research (typically five or more articles) in reputable, peer-reviewed journals may substitute for a book.

Exceptions to the book requirement are made for applicants from fields like law, where scholarly output is traditionally comprised of articles rather than monographs, and practitioners who are pursuing or obtained a Ph.D. later in their career. 

Are there age limits for eligibility? 

There are no age limits for eligibility. However, all applicants should present evidence of their ability to carry out the proposed project, such as publications and other relevant experience. 

I was previously awarded a Wilson Center Competition Fellowship. May I apply again? 

Within the last five years: Scholars and practitioners who were awarded a Wilson Center International Competition Fellowship or Research Fellowship within the past five years are not eligible to apply.

More than five years ago: Alumni who received a Wilson Center International Competition Fellowship or Research Fellowship more than five years ago are welcome to reapply.

Other award categories: Applicants who have received other types of research awards or fellowships from the Wilson Center are also eligible to apply for a Research Fellowship.

 Please note that the nature and recency of the prior award may be among the factors considered during the selection process.

The Application and Proposals

Where can I find the online application? 

After reviewing the Guidelines & Eligibility, Instructions, and FAQs on the Wilson Center website, you may apply for this opportunity through Interfolio. All applications, including letters of recommendation, must be submitted through Interfolio.

What happens if I receive an error when applying online? 

Please contact help@interfolio.com for any technical support with the Interfolio platform. You may also contact the Wilson Center at fellowships@wilsoncenter.org for additional support. 

Is the Center looking for particular topics this year? 

The Center welcomes all applications that are nonpartisan in nature, policy relevant, and demonstrate alignment with one or more of the following scholarship pillars: strategic competition, economic statecraft, technology and innovation, and regional issues. It is very important to explain the relevance of your project to contemporary policy issues.

Are applicants allowed to apply jointly or as collaborators?

No. Wilson Center fellowships are non-collaborative awards, and applicants must apply as sole investigators. The Center evaluates proposals based on the individual scholar’s project, qualifications, and capacity to complete the work independently.

Applicants may certainly be involved in larger research agendas outside the fellowship, but the proposal submitted to the Wilson Center must represent an individual, stand-alone project; led and written by the applicant; and independent of any co-authored or jointly executed research efforts. 

Can Center staff look over my proposal before I submit it? 

No. Unfortunately, Center staff are not able to read or comment on draft proposals. It is important to maintain a fair and impartial process. The Center recommends that you show your proposal to colleagues who are knowledgeable in your field so that they may make constructive comments.

What do you mean by topics and scholarship should relate to key public policy challenges?

The Center aims to unite the world of ideas to the world of policy by supporting preeminent nonpartisan scholarship and linking that scholarship to issues of concern to officials in Washington. The Center distinguishes itself from policy institutions in its consideration of issues in a broader and more reflective manner beyond a narrow analysis of current crises and policy options. Applicants should think in terms of what they have to say to policymakers in Washington and how they can inform policy decisions through their work. 

I have received my Ph.D. and would like to come to the Center to continue working toward publication of my dissertation manuscript. Is this an eligible proposal? 

No. Your project must be a separate project from your dissertation. Your application should be new research.

May I ask to see an example of an awarded proposal? 

No. The Center does not provide examples of awarded proposals because each application is reviewed on an individual basis according to the criteria for selection in the application guidelines.

If I am in the D.C. area, may I come in for an interview? 

No. The Center does not conduct fellowship interviews.

You require two letters of reference. May I send additional references? 

The Center requires two letters of reference. No additional letters will be accepted.

How will I know that you have received my application online?

The Center requires two letters of reference. No additional letters will be accepted.

How do I know the Center has received my reference letters? 

The application form will allow you to track reference letter submissions. It is up to the applicant to follow up with their referees to confirm that they have sent their letters to the Center through the online system.

I applied for a fellowship last year and did not get one. If I reapply this year with the same proposal, can I use the same letters of reference? 

No. The Center requires that your referees submit updated letters of reference with current dates to accompany your application. However, you may ask the same individual from past applications to serve as your referee.

The Selection Process and Logistics

What is the selection process?

Applications that meet all eligibility requirements undergo a comprehensive, multi-stage review process. This includes internal evaluations by Wilson Center experts, followed by external evaluations conducted by a panel of peer specialists with relevant expertise.

Final fellowship awards are contingent upon the approval of the Fellowship Committee of the Center's Board of Trustees and are subject to available funding. 

When will I know if I have received a fellowship?

All selected and non-selected applicants will be notified in March 2027.

When do I start my Fellowship?

If awarded a fellowship, your tenure will begin on June 1, 2027 and end on May 30, 2028.

What are the residency requirements? 

Fellows will work remotely for the tenure of their appointment. They will be required to travel to Washington, D.C. at the beginning and end of the program. Fellows may be invited to participate in additional Wilson Center programs throughout the year. Travel and lodging will be arranged by the Wilson Center.

Does the Center pay for fellows’ travel?

The Center will arrange for travel to Washington, D.C. at the beginning and end of the program. The Center will not pay for short-term research trips a fellow may wish to take during their tenure.

How are stipends awarded?

Money for stipends comes from allocated federal funds. The Center offers a stipend of $10,000 a month for the duration of the twelve-month fellowship. Fellows will receive their stipends on a monthly basis.

Does the Center offer health insurance?

No. Fellows are responsible for their own health insurance.

Will I be offered research assistance as a fellow?

 The Center intends to provide part-time research assistants during the fall and spring semesters. However, this is contingent upon available funding and our ability to match your specific project with an assistant who has the appropriate skills and experience.