Wilson Center Fellowship 2026–2027 in USA — Fully Funded

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, known globally as the Wilson Center, offers one of the most prestigious policy research fellowships in the United States. Each year, scholars, policymakers, journalists, practitioners, and public intellectuals are selected to conduct advanced, policy-relevant research in Washington, D.C.

Below is a complete, link-free guide to the Wilson Center Fellowship application process.

Required Application Materials

A complete application must include the following:

1. Application Form

Filled accurately with personal and project details.

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Maximum 3 pages
• Use 12-point font
• A separate list of publications may follow

3. Publications List (Optional but recommended)

• Maximum 3 pages
• Include complete references: titles, publishers, dates
• Indicate “forthcoming” if applicable

4. Project Proposal

• Maximum 5 single-spaced pages
• 12-point font
• Must clearly explain your research topic, methods, originality, and policy relevance

5. Bibliography

• Maximum 3 pages
• Should reflect key sources connected to your project

6. Two Letters of Reference

Referees must submit their recommendations directly.

All materials must be submitted in English.

What the Project Proposal Should Include

A strong proposal must be understandable to educated readers outside your field. It should address:

• The central research question or thesis
• Why the topic matters for policy, scholarship, or global affairs
• Originality — what makes your approach distinct
• Key hypotheses or ideas driving your research
• Methodology — how you plan to conduct and analyze your work
• Status of your research — what’s been done and what remains
• Resources you need, especially those uniquely available in Washington, D.C.
• Why the Wilson Center is the ideal institution for your project
• Potential policy impact or contribution to real-world decision making

Your proposal should show clarity, rigor, and relevance.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The Wilson Center welcomes applicants from the United States and around the world. Eligibility depends on background:

Academic Applicants

• Typically must hold a PhD or equivalent advanced degree
• Should have a strong scholarly record, including published work beyond the dissertation

Non-Academic Applicants (Practitioners, Journalists, Policymakers, Public Intellectuals)

• Should demonstrate significant professional achievement, often around 10 years of impactful, policy-relevant experience
• Do not necessarily need a PhD

All Applicants Must:

• Submit a high-quality, non-partisan research proposal
• Be able to commit full-time to the fellowship period
• Possess excellent English writing and communication skills

Timeline & Selection

Although specific dates change each year, the general schedule is:

• Applications Due: Mid-January
• Reference Letters Due: Same deadline
• Selection Results: Early March
• Fellowship Term: Typically 9–12 months starting in late spring or early summer

Selection is highly competitive and based on:

• Quality, clarity, and feasibility of the proposal
• Originality and policy relevance
• Applicant’s record of achievement
• Contribution to the Center’s mission of non-partisan scholarship

Tips for a Strong Wilson Center Application

To stand out, ensure your application demonstrates:

Clear Policy Relevance

Explain how your work connects to current issues and could help inform real policy debates.

Strong Writing & Argumentation

The Wilson Center values clarity — avoid jargon; communicate ideas broadly.

Feasible Research Plan

Show that your goals can realistically be accomplished during the fellowship period.

Professional or Academic Impact

Highlight achievements, publications, or career milestones.

A Strong Fit with the Center

Describe how the Wilson Center’s environment, resources, or location strengthens your project.

Excellent References

Choose referees who know your work deeply and can speak credibly about your potential.

The Wilson Center Fellowship is a rare opportunity to conduct research in a deeply supportive environment at the intersection of scholarship and public policy. It suits academics, practitioners, journalists, and leaders who want to produce meaningful, non-partisan work that shapes global understanding and decision making.