Scholarship Overview
Overview
The Wilson Center Research Fellowship Program is the flagship competition of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, a living memorial to President Woodrow Wilson established by Congress in 1968. The program unites the world of ideas with the world of policy by supporting pre-eminent scholarship that informs—but does not advocate for—particular political viewpoints.
For the 2027-2028 cycle, the Center will award 10 to 20 fellowships to scholars, practitioners, journalists, and public intellectuals from around the world, including Africa. This is a remote fellowship with funded travel to Washington, D.C. at the start and conclusion of the program.
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What the Fellowship Covers
The Wilson Center provides substantial financial support for successful applicants:
- Monthly stipend: $10,000 per month for 12 months (total $120,000)
- Fellowship duration: June 1, 2027 to May 30, 2028
- Travel coverage: Round-trip travel to Washington, D.C. at the beginning and end of the fellowship
- Remote work: Fellows work from their home location with no requirement to relocate
- Professional development: Guidance on translating academic research into policy-relevant content
Who Can Apply
The fellowship targets established professionals rather than early-career researchers. Eligibility differs by sector:
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Academic Applicants
- PhD must be completed at time of application
- Published book or monograph beyond the dissertation, OR
- At least 5 articles in reputable peer-reviewed journals or chapters in peer-reviewed edited volumes
Government, Policy, and Nonprofit Applicants
- At least 10 years of relevant experience
- Record of substantial policy impact, publication, or leadership in your field
- Professional distinction equivalent to advanced academic standing
General Requirements
- Proficiency in English (essential for exchange with policymakers and Congress)
- No institutional affiliation required
- Valid passport and appropriate U.S. visa for travel (fellows are responsible for obtaining these)
- Not awarded a Wilson Center International Competition Fellowship or Research Fellowship within the last 5 years
- May hold other Wilson Center awards (Distinguished, Visiting, Public Policy, Global, or China Fellowships) but prior awards may be considered in selection
Project Requirements
Your research proposal must meet strict criteria to be competitive:
- Nonpartisan: Must inform without advocating for a political viewpoint
- Policy-relevant: Addresses key foreign policy challenges confronting the United States and world
- Aligned with Wilson Center pillars: Must focus on at least one of—strategic competition, economic statecraft, technology and innovation, or regional studies scholarship
- Fresh research: Must advance beyond your previous work and the existing field
Acceptable outputs: Book manuscript, series of long-form articles, briefing roundtable series for policymakers, or other high-level scholarship.
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Not accepted: Doctoral dissertation completion, visual arts/dance/musical composition, editing work, textbooks, anthologies, translations, or memoirs.
Fellowship Obligations
Successful fellows must actively engage throughout the 12-month term:
- Complete the proposed research project
- Deliver a Work in Progress presentation to fellow scholars and receive feedback
- Attend colleagues’ Work in Progress presentations
- Participate in policy engagement activities (briefings for federal agencies, roundtables with Congress, public colloquia, seminars, workshops)
- Produce policy reports, op-eds, and other short written or audio-visual products
- Engage with Washington’s scholarly community on similar topics
Fellows may take leave from current positions or maintain additional affiliations, but must demonstrate how they will balance other responsibilities with Wilson Center commitments.
Selection Process
Applications undergo multi-stage review:
- Eligibility screening
- Evaluation by Wilson Center experts and external specialists
- Final approval by the Board of Trustees (contingent on available funding)
Selection criteria:
- Significance, importance, and originality of proposed research
- Urgency and importance to resolving larger foreign policy problems
- Relevance to contemporary policy issues and bridging scholarship-policy gaps
- Quality of proposal (definition, organization, clarity, scope)
- Applicant’s capabilities, achievements, and propensity to complete the project
- Potential to contribute to Center priorities by making research accessible
The Center particularly values projects that transcend narrow specialties to connect with broader policy and global issues.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 pm ET on September 30, 2026. Results are announced by early March 2027.
Required components:
- Completed online application form
- Research proposal meeting all project requirements
- Letters of recommendation (submitted online by recommenders)
- Description of how you will balance other responsibilities with fellowship duties
There is no application fee. No institutional affiliation or endorsement is required.
Tips for African Applicants from Zimbabwe/SADC
While the Wilson Center does not restrict applications by nationality, competition is global and standards are exceptionally high. Consider these strategies:
- Leverage regional expertise: Proposals on African regional studies, economic statecraft in Southern Africa, or technology innovation on the continent can align with Wilson Center pillars while offering unique perspective
- Demonstrate policy engagement: Document any previous work with government ministries, regional bodies (SADC, AU), or international organizations
- Build publication record: If from academia, ensure you meet the 5+ peer-reviewed article threshold or book/monograph requirement
- Secure visa early: U.S. visa processing from Harare or regional capitals can take months; begin immediately if selected
- Highlight English proficiency: Specify publications, presentations, or professional work conducted in English
Important Notes
- This is not a residential fellowship—no housing or relocation assistance is provided
- The fellowship is remote; you maintain your current location and employment arrangements
- Only two trips to Washington, D.C. are funded by the Center
- Final awards depend on Board of Trustees approval and federal funding availability
