Aresearcher, scholar, journalist, policy practitioner, or public intellectual looking for an opportunity to conduct meaningful research in the United States? The Wilson Center Research Fellowship Program 2027–2028 is now accepting applications from qualified applicants from around the world.
The fellowship is offered by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C. It supports individuals who want to carry out independent, policy-relevant research on important issues affecting the United States and the wider world.
For the 2027–2028 competition, applications opened on July 15, 2026, and the deadline is September 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Wilson Center Fellowship 2027–2028 Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | Wilson Center Research Fellowship |
| Host Institution | Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars |
| Location | Washington, D.C., USA |
| Fellowship Period | June 1, 2027 – May 30, 2028 |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Monthly Stipend | $10,000 |
| Eligible Applicants | Scholars, practitioners, journalists & public intellectuals |
| Citizenship Requirement | No citizenship limitation for applicants outside the U.S. |
| Application Opens | July 15, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | September 30, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET |
| Application Platform | Interfolio |
The official Wilson Center FAQ confirms that the 2027–2028 fellowship runs for 12 months and provides a $10,000 monthly stipend.
What Is the Wilson Center Research Fellowship?
The Wilson Center Research Fellowship is the Center’s flagship research fellowship program. It brings together researchers and professionals who are working on important global and public-policy questions.
Fellows conduct their own research and have opportunities to interact with policymakers, Wilson Center experts, and other fellows.
The Center is looking for nonpartisan, policy-relevant research proposals connected to important challenges facing the United States and the world.
The current competition highlights four broad areas:
- Strategic competition
- Economic statecraft
- Technology and innovation
- Regional issues
Applicants should explain how their proposed research connects to contemporary policy challenges.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to several types of applicants, including:
- Scholars
- Policy practitioners
- Journalists
- Public intellectuals
Academic applicants must have a Ph.D. or J.D. and meet the Center’s publication requirements.
For academic applicants, the Center requires either:
- A published book or monograph beyond the doctoral dissertation, or
- At least five published peer-reviewed research articles or book chapters in reputable journals or edited volumes.
Applicants outside academia are expected to demonstrate an equivalent level of professional achievement.
There is no age limit for the fellowship.
Can International Applicants Apply?
Yes. The Wilson Center states that the Research Fellowship has no citizenship limitations.
However, international fellows are expected to travel to Washington, D.C. twice during the fellowship and must have a valid passport and be able to obtain the appropriate visa.
Applicants currently living in the United States must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents at the time of application. The Center also states that it cannot sponsor J-1 visas.
What Does the Fellowship Provide?
One of the major components of the 2027–2028 fellowship is the monthly stipend.
$10,000 Monthly Stipend
Selected fellows receive a $10,000 monthly stipend for the 12-month fellowship.
That means the published stipend totals $120,000 over 12 months, assuming the full fellowship period and monthly payments specified by the program.
Travel and Lodging
The fellowship is primarily conducted remotely, but fellows must travel to Washington, D.C. at the beginning and end of the fellowship.
According to the Wilson Center, travel and lodging for these required visits will be arranged by the Center.
The Center does not cover short-term research trips that fellows independently choose to undertake during the fellowship.
Research Opportunity
Fellows receive time and support to develop their research and engage with the policy community.
The fellowship provides an opportunity to exchange ideas with other researchers and interact with policymakers and Wilson Center experts.
What Research Topics Are Accepted?
The Wilson Center welcomes proposals that are nonpartisan and policy relevant.
For the 2027–2028 competition, projects should align with at least one of the Center’s four scholarship pillars:
- Strategic Competition
- Economic Statecraft
- Technology and Innovation
- Regional Issues
Your proposal should also clearly explain why the research matters to current public-policy discussions.
What Kind of Research Project Should You Propose?
The proposed fellowship project must be a new research project.
The Wilson Center states that applicants cannot simply use the fellowship to continue working on their dissertation or prepare their dissertation for publication.
The project should be an independent research project that you can complete during the fellowship period.
How to Apply for the Wilson Center Fellowship 2027
The application process is completed online through Interfolio.
Step 1: Review the Official Requirements
Before applying, carefully read the Wilson Center’s:
- Fellowship Guidelines
- Eligibility requirements
- Application instructions
- Frequently Asked Questions
Step 2: Develop Your Research Proposal
Your proposal should clearly explain:
- What you want to research
- Why the topic is important
- The main research questions
- How your research contributes to existing knowledge
- Why the project is relevant to public policy
- How you plan to complete the project
Step 3: Prepare Your Supporting Materials
Make sure your application includes all materials requested by the Wilson Center.
The Center requires two letters of reference. Additional reference letters are not accepted.
Step 4: Submit Through Interfolio
All application materials, including recommendation letters, must be submitted through the online application system.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
The application deadline for the 2027–2028 competition is:
September 30, 2026 — 11:59 p.m. ET.
Selection Process
Applications that satisfy the eligibility requirements go through a multi-stage review process.
The Wilson Center conducts internal evaluations, followed by external evaluation by specialists with relevant expertise. Final awards are subject to approval by the Center’s Fellowship Committee and available funding.
Applicants will be notified of the selection results in March 2027.
When Does the Fellowship Start?
Successful fellows will begin their fellowship on:
June 1, 2027
The fellowship ends on:
May 30, 2028.
Important Things to Know Before Applying
This is not a general scholarship for undergraduate or master’s students.
The Wilson Center Research Fellowship is designed for experienced researchers and professionals who can demonstrate the qualifications and experience necessary to complete an independent research project.
Before applying, make sure you meet the academic or professional requirements and that your proposed project is genuinely new.
Also remember that the fellowship is nonpartisan and the proposed research should be policy relevant.
Official Application Link
Applicants should use the official Wilson Center information and application system.
👉 Official Wilson Center Research Fellowship:
https://www.wilsoncenter.org/research-fellowship
👉 Official Fellowship FAQs:
https://www.wilsoncenter.org/research-fellowship-competition-faqs
The Wilson Center directs applicants to apply through Interfolio after reviewing the official guidelines and FAQs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Wilson Center Fellowship 2027 fully funded?
The fellowship provides a $10,000 monthly stipend for 12 months, and the Center arranges travel and lodging for the required Washington, D.C. visits. Applicants should review the official terms carefully because personal expenses and optional research travel may not be covered.
What is the deadline for the Wilson Center Fellowship 2027?
The deadline is September 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. The fellowship has no citizenship limitation, although international applicants must be able to meet the visa and travel requirements.
Can Ph.D. students apply?
Applicants who have not completed their Ph.D. requirements generally cannot apply. The Center requires academic applicants to be at the postdoctoral level and meet its publication requirements.
Is there an age limit?
No. The Wilson Center states that there are no age limits for eligibility.
How long is the fellowship?
The fellowship lasts 12 months, from June 1, 2027, through May 30, 2028.
Final Thoughts
The Wilson Center Research Fellowship 2027–2028 provides an opportunity for qualified scholars, practitioners, journalists, and public intellectuals to dedicate a year to independent, policy-relevant research while engaging with a Washington, D.C. policy community.
With a $10,000 monthly stipend, a 12-month fellowship period, and support for the required Washington visits, it is an opportunity aimed at experienced applicants with a strong research or professional record.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, prepare your research proposal carefully and submit your application through the official Wilson Center/Interfolio process before September 30, 2026.