The Wilson Center Fellowship 2026 in the USA is a prestigious fully funded research fellowship offering scholars, journalists, and practitioners a unique opportunity to work closely with policymakers. This 9-month fellowship provides a $90,000 stipend, professional research support, and funded travel to Washington, D.C.
Hosted by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the fellowship aims to bridge academic research with real-world policy impact. Applications are open to candidates from all countries.
Overview of Wilson Center Fellowship 2026
Fellowship Details
- Host Country: United States
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Duration: 9 Months
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Deadline: 16 January 2026
Financial Benefits of the Wilson Center Fellowship
The fellowship provides comprehensive financial support, including:
- $90,000 stipend for 9 months
- Coverage for living expenses
- Accommodation support
- Health insurance
- Domestic and international travel expenses
- Furnished office space at the Wilson Center
MUST VISIT: King Fahd University Scholarship 2026 in Saudi Arabia (Fully Funded)
Key Features of the Wilson Center Fellowship
Research and Policy Engagement
- Fellows conduct independent research projects on global and public policy issues
- Direct engagement with U.S. policymakers, scholars, and experts
- Participation in seminars, workshops, and conferences
Professional Environment
- Affiliation with one or more Wilson Center programs
- Opportunities to present research and publish findings
- Strong focus on policy relevance and impact
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Open to all nationalities
- Must hold a post-doctoral degree or demonstrate equivalent professional achievement
- Must have published scholarly work beyond the doctoral dissertation
- Strong English language proficiency
- Eligible to obtain a J-1 visa
- Institutional affiliation is not required
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Originality and significance of the proposed research
- Relevance to contemporary policy issues
- Quality and clarity of the proposal
- Academic or professional achievements of the applicant
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Completed application form
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum 3 pages)
- Publications list (maximum 3 pages)
- Research proposal (maximum 5 pages, single-spaced)
- Bibliography (maximum 3 pages)
- Two letters of reference
Research Proposal Guidelines
The proposal should clearly address:
- Research topic and its significance
- Original contribution to the field
- Key ideas and hypotheses
- Research methodology
- Current status of the research
- Policy relevance and alignment with Wilson Center goals
- Justification for choosing the Wilson Center
MUST VISIT: Aalto University Finland Scholarships 2026 (Study in Finland)
Arrival and Fellowship Timeline
- Fellows are expected to arrive in the USA in early September
- The fellowship runs until May 2026
- Travel to Washington, D.C. at the start and end of the fellowship is fully funded
How to Apply for the Wilson Center Fellowship 2026
Applicants must apply online through the official Wilson Center website.
Carefully review the fellowship FAQs and submission guidelines before applying.
For more scholarship opportunities, please visit International Scholarships.
