Applications are now open for the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship 2027–2028 in the United States. Offered by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), this prestigious international fellowship provides an opportunity for democracy activists, civil society leaders, journalists, human rights advocates, and scholars from around the world to undertake independent research and professional development in Washington, D.C.

The five-month fellowship provides financial support, including a monthly stipend, international round-trip airfare, basic health insurance, and research support. Selected fellows will be hosted at the National Endowment for Democracy in Washington, D.C., where they will engage with international experts, participate in professional activities, and develop research projects addressing democratic development.

International applicants interested in democracy, human rights, governance, and civil society development are encouraged to apply.

About the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship

The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program is a federally funded international exchange program named after former US President Ronald Reagan and the late Congressman Dante Fascell. The programme aims to strengthen democracy worldwide by bringing together experienced practitioners and distinguished scholars.

Selected fellows will spend five months in Washington, D.C., conducting independent research, exchanging knowledge, building professional networks, and developing practical strategies to support democratic development.

Fellowship Benefits

The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship offers the following benefits:

• Monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
• Financial support calculated to cover furnished short-term accommodation, food, local transportation, and other necessities.
• Round-trip international airfare to and from Washington, D.C.
• Basic health insurance.
• Fully equipped office facilities.
• Limited funding for professional travel within the United States.
• Research, writing, and editorial support.
• Opportunities to network with international democracy experts, academics, and civil society leaders.

Eligibility Criteria

The programme offers two fellowship tracks: Practitioner Track and Scholarly Track.

1. Practitioner Track

This track is intended for experienced professionals working to promote democracy and human rights. Eligible applicants may include:

• Democracy and human rights activists.
• Civil society leaders.
• Journalists and media professionals.
• Human rights lawyers.
• Political party representatives.
• Parliamentarians.
• Labour union activists.

There are no specific academic degree requirements for this track. However, applicants should have substantial professional experience in democracy or human rights.

2. Scholarly Track

This track is designed for distinguished scholars and researchers. Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree.
• Have a proven record of publications in their field.
• Present a detailed research proposal.

General Requirements

All applicants must demonstrate English-language proficiency, propose a research project related to democratic development, and be available to undertake the full five-month residential fellowship in Washington, D.C.

Former Reagan-Fascell fellows are not eligible to apply again.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must complete an online application and submit:

• Applicant information.
• Fellowship project proposal.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Updated CV or resume.
• Professional biography.

All application materials must be submitted in English.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the 2027–2028 Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship is January 5, 2027. Letters of recommendation must be submitted by January 12, 2027.

How to Apply?

Interested applicants must first create an account through the official fellowship application portal. Complete the online application, select the appropriate fellowship track, and submit all required documents before the deadline.