Congress founded the nonpartisan Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in 1968 as a way to honor President Woodrow Wilson. It serves as a link between the communities that shape policy and academia. Through discussion and cooperation, the center promotes educated decision making with an emphasis on global security, economic development, governance, and diplomacy. Its goal is to promote a better comprehension of world issues and possible solutions.
Global scholars are supported by the Wilson Center Fellowship for a nine month residential term to carry out unique research on important public policy issues. Fellows collaborate closely with specialists and decision makers to promote conversations on important international issues. Candidates need to have a track record of accomplishment in the workplace.
Eligibility Criteria for the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship Program
| Eligibility | Ineligibility |
| Citizens or permanent residents from any country (with valid passport and J-1 visa) | Applicants working on a degree (even if awarded before the fellowship year) |
| Post-doctoral academic candidates with a published book or monograph | Proposals of a partisan or advocacy nature |
| Practitioners or policymakers with significant professional achievement | Primary research in natural sciences |
| Proficiency in English. | Projects creating musical compositions, dance, or visual arts |
| Rewriting doctoral dissertations, editing texts, or preparing textbooks, anthologies, translations, or memoirs |
Application process for the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship Program
The Wilson Center invites scholars, practitioners, journalists and public intellectuals to take part in its flagship international Fellowship Program. The Center awards approximately 15-20 residential fellowships each year. Fellows will be affiliated with one or more of the Wilson Center programs/projects and are encouraged to interact with policymakers in Washington, D.C., with Wilson Center staff, and other scholars who are working on similar research and topics.
Selection Process for the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship Program
The selection process for the Wilson Center Fellowship involves a thorough review. After confirming eligibility, applications undergo internal and external evaluations. Final decisions are made by the Fellowship Committee, based on several criteria:
1. Significance and originality of the project.
2. Relevance to current policy issues and the Center’s work.
3. Proposal clarity, including research methods.
4. Applicant’s achievements and capacity to complete the project.
5. Ability to engage with policymakers and contribute to the Center’s mission.
Start early, refine your proposal, and seek feedback from colleagues to ensure clarity and focus.
More Details on the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship Program.
| Facilities | Details |
| Office | Furnished office available 24/7 in Washington, D.C. |
| Library & Research Access | Includes loan privileges from Library of Congress, access to local university libraries, journals, and digital resources. |
| Technology & Assistance | Windows-based PCs and part-time research assistant provided. |
| Housing | Fellows arrange housing; guidance and resources provided by the Center. |
| Stipend | $90,000 for nine months (excludes health insurance and travel costs). |
| Length of Appointment | Standard fellowship: 9 months (September-May); shorter terms available (minimum 4 months). |
Requirements for Application of the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship Program
To apply for the prestigious Woodrow Wilson Fellowship, you must submit the following essential documents:
Required Documents:
- The Fellowship Application Form
- A current CV (not exceeding three pages)
- A list of publications (not exceeding three pages)
- A Project Proposal (not exceeding five single-spaced pages, using 12-point font)
- A bibliography related to your project, including both primary and secondary sources (not exceeding three pages)
- Two reference letters, which must be submitted directly to the Center by your referees
Guidelines for Writing Your Project Proposal:
When preparing your project proposal for the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship, focus on clarity and accessibility, emphasizing the broader relevance of your research. Be sure to address these key elements:
- Topic Description: Clearly define the subject of your project and its importance.
- Originality: Highlight what makes your research unique and innovative.
- Ideas and Hypotheses: Describe the core ideas and hypotheses guiding your study.
- Methodology: Outline your research plan, including data collection and analysis techniques that will support your conclusions.
- Current Research Status: Provide an update on the progress of your research, including any preliminary work you’ve conducted in relevant archives or collections, and outline what you hope to achieve during your fellowship at the Center.
- Materials: Identify the materials you will use and explain the relevance of Washington-area resources to your project.
- Choice of the Wilson Center: Justify why you’ve chosen the Wilson Center as the ideal institution to support your research.
- Policy Relevance: Explain how your project addresses current policy challenges or issues.
- Alignment with Center Goals: Demonstrate how your project aligns with the programmatic goals of the Wilson Center.
For more information about the fellowship and detailed guidelines, please visit the official Woodrow Wilson Center website.
Application Deadline:
The deadline to apply for the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship is 11:59 p.m. EST, October 1, 2024.
Submit Your Application Online: https://webportalapp.com/sp/login/wcfellowship2025
For further information about the fellowship, refer to the Wilson Center’s guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will I know if I have received a fellowship?
Decisions on appointments will be made in March 2025.
Does the Center pay for fellows’ travel?
No. You will need enough personal funds to cover travel for you and any family members who accompany you to Washington. The Center does not pay for short-term research trips a fellow may wish to take during his/her tenure.
Does the Center offer health insurance?
No. Fellows are responsible for their own health insurance.
I was a fellow at the Center five years ago. May I apply again?
Yes. The Center asks that applicants who have previously held a Wilson Center fellowship wait at least five years before applying again, and they must apply with a new project.
Are there age limits for eligibility?
No. However, all applicants should present evidence of their ability to carry out the proposed project, such as publications and other relevant experience.
When could I start my Fellowship?
If awarded a fellowship, the earliest you can begin your tenure is Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Most fellows are in residence for the entire U.S. academic year (September through May), but fellowships are occasionally awarded for shorter periods, with a minimum of four months.
How will I know that you have received my application online?
You will receive an email stating that you have successfully submitted your application.
