Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship 2026-27 and USA (Feb 02, 2026)

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship 2026-27 offers a transformative pathway for PhD candidates to complete their dissertations while engaging with a vibrant academic community in the USA. As higher education becomes increasingly competitive, this fellowship provides essential financial backing and professional development for scholars in fields like history, political science, and public policy. Consequently, it stands as a premier opportunity for those focusing their research on American politics and foreign relations.

This paid fellowship program welcomes applications from outstanding scholars globally, ensuring a diverse and intellectually stimulating environment. Furthermore, successful applicants receive a generous stipend of $30,000 to alleviate financial burdens during their critical writing phase. Therefore, doctoral candidates aiming to make significant contributions to the understanding of United States politics should prioritize this application before the February deadline.

Program Highlights

Feature	Details
Fellowship Name	Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship 2026-27
Host Country	United States of America (USA)
Stipend Amount	$30,000 per year
Research Fund	Up to $5,000
Deadline	February 2, 2026
Target Audience	PhD Candidates (Dissertation Phase)

Program Overview

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship aims to support scholars at leading higher education institutions who are in the final stages of their dissertations. Specifically, the program targets research areas including history, political science, policy studies, law, political economy, media, communication, and sociology. The primary emphasis of the selected research must lie on historical and institutional examinations of politics, public policy, and foreign relations concerning the United States.

Selected fellows will engage in a transformative academic experience that goes beyond mere funding. The program is designed to cultivate prominent junior scholars by offering fresh insights into contemporary evolutions in American politics and the US relationship with the international community. Additionally, fellows participate in training workshops, conferences, and symposia, fostering both intellectual and leadership capabilities.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for this prestigious fellowship, applicants must adhere to strict eligibility requirements.

• Academic Status: Applicants must be PhD candidates who expect to complete their dissertation by the end of the fellowship year.
• Alternative Plan: Alternatively, candidates may provide a documented, well-detailed two-year write-up plan.
• International Applicants: The program is open to applicants from outside the United States.
• Program Exclusions: This is strictly for doctoral completion and is not a post-doctoral fellowship.
• Residency: All fellows must participate in on-campus residential visits at the Jefferson Scholars Foundation for up to two weeks, except for Galambos Fellows residing at the Hagley Library.
• Conference Participation: Fellows are required to attend two conferences (fall and spring) to share research and discoveries.

Financial Benefits and Support

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship is a paid opportunity designed to reduce financial barriers for researchers.

• Stipend: Fellows receive a stipend of $30,000 for the first year, with the possibility of renewal for a second year.
• Research Funds: The fellowship provides additional research funds of up to $5,000.
• Event Coverage: The budget covers expenses for participation in workshops, conferences, and networking events.
• Professional Development: Fellows gain access to training that improves skills necessary for leading in academic research and higher education.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare a comprehensive set of documents to support their application.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Maximum of 2 pages.
• Research Plan: Maximum of 500 words.
• Bibliography: Maximum of 3 pages.
• Network Proposal: Maximum of 1200 words.
• Op-ed or Blog Post: Maximum of 750 words.
• Project Description: Approximately 1200 words.
• Writing Sample: Maximum of 40 pages.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) letters are required.
• Statement of Interest: A statement on professional development, maximum 500 words.

Application Process

The application process is conducted entirely online through the official portal.

• Access Portal: Click the ‘apply now’ button on the official Jefferson Scholars Foundation website.
• Complete Form: Fill in all required personal details, educational background, and research interests.
• Upload Documents: Ensure all documents listed above are properly named, formatted, and attached.
• Submission: Submit the application and ensure that all recommendation letters are received by the deadline.
• Review: Applications are reviewed only after all materials are received.

Important Dates

Activity	Date
Application Deadline	February 2, 2026
Recommendation Letter Deadline	February 2, 2026
Fellowship Year	Academic Year 2026-2027

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can international students apply for the Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship 2026-27?

Yes, applicants from outside the United States are eligible to apply for this fellowship program.

2. Is this fellowship available for post-doctoral researchers?

No, this opportunity is specifically for PhD candidates completing their dissertations; it is not a post-doctoral fellowship.

3. What is the value of the stipend provided?

The fellowship offers a stipend of $30,000 in the first year, along with up to $5,000 in research funds.

4. What are the residency requirements?

Fellows must participate in on-campus residential visits at the Foundation lasting up to two weeks and attend mandatory fall and spring conferences.

5. When is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to submit applications and letters of recommendation is February 2, 2026.