- ~US$5,000Award Value
- 2 yearsFunding Duration
- ~12-14 awards/yearNumber of Awards
- PhD studyStudy Level
- Political ScienceEligible Field
- 2026-10-25Next Deadline
At a glance
—
Funding
—
Max amount
Dec 31, 2027
Deadline
United States
Country
APSA
Provider
The APSA Diversity Fellowship Program (DFP), administered by the American Political Science Association (APSA), offers financial support and recognition to students preparing for doctoral study in political science in the United States. This program targets individuals, particularly those from historically underrepresented groups, who are committed to research and teaching within the field, with a focus on specific areas such such as race, ethnicity, gender, systemic racism, and LGBTQ+ politics. Established to foster diversity in political science, the fellowship provides a significant boost to promising scholars. Successful fellows receive a US$5,000 award, disbursed over two years, to assist with their transition into PhD programs. The program typically awards between 12 and 14 fellowships annually in its Fall cycle, emphasizing support for first-generation students and those from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. The DFP aims to create a more inclusive academic landscape by empowering scholars whose research addresses critical social and political issues. Applicants should be undergraduate seniors, recent graduates, or master’s students preparing for Fall 2027 PhD admissions. The application deadline for the 2027–2028 Fall cycle is 25 October 2026. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- Financial Award — A total award of ~US$5,000 distributed over a two-year period.
- Professional Recognition — Acknowledgement within the political science profession, enhancing academic profiles.
- Support for Doctoral Preparation — Assistance for candidates as they prepare for and enter doctoral study.
- Application Fee Waivers (potential) — Some political science departments may offer application fee waivers to DFP participants; applicants should contact individual graduate programs to inquire.
- Networking Opportunities — Engagement with a community of diverse scholars and political science professionals.
How to apply
To apply for the APSA Diversity Fellowship Program, candidates must complete an online application and submit all required supporting documents through the APSA system.
- Create/Use APSA Profile — Create an APSA profile or log in to an existing one to access the Diversity Fellowship Program application.
- Complete Online Application — Fill out the online application form, ensuring all sections are completed accurately.
- Prepare Supporting Materials — Gather all necessary documents including a personal statement, resume, and academic transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
- Arrange Letters of Recommendation — Identify three recommenders and ensure they submit their letters directly through the online application system before the deadline. Contact them in advance to allow sufficient time.
- Submit Application — Submit the complete application, including all uploaded materials and recommendation letters, through the designated online system by the deadline of October 25, 2026.
Eligibility
Nationality/ResidencyUS citizen, US national, US permanent resident (Green Card holder), or an individual granted deferred action status under DACA.
Academic StatusUndergraduate seniors, recent graduates, or students in eligible terminal master's programs who are applying or planning to apply to political science PhD programs for Fall 2027 admission.
Research FocusEngaged in or planning to pursue political science research primarily focused on areas such as race and ethnicity, gender, systemic racism, LGBTQ+ politics, disability politics, indigenous politics, or tribal sovereignty and governance.
Academic PotentialDemonstrate an interest in teaching and potential for research in political science.
APSA strongly encourages applications from first-generation students and scholars, as well as individuals from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups including African Americans, Asian and Asian Pacific Americans, Latinos/as, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and scholars of MENA descent.
Eligible countries
United States
Deadlines
Fall 2027 Admission (2027–2028 cycle)2026-10-25
Selection
Fellows are selected based on their potential for research and teaching in political science. The selection committee evaluates applicants' preparation for doctoral-level study, their proposed research interests, and the alignment of these interests with the program's specified areas of focus. Academic achievements, research experience, and strong letters of recommendation also play a crucial role in the selection process.
Verified sources
- APSA Diversity Fellowship Programapsanet.orgofficial
- Apply Now for the APSA Diversity Fellowship Program 2027–2028globalsouthopportunities.comannouncement
About the provider
The American Political Science Association (APSA) is the leading professional organization for the study of political science in the United States, supporting scholarly research and promoting education. It was founded in 1903.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the APSA Diversity Fellowship Program?
+
The APSA Diversity Fellowship Program (DFP) is a national fellowship program run by the American Political Science Association (APSA) that provides financial support to undergraduate seniors, recent graduates, and master's students pursuing doctoral study in political science in the United States.
What does the APSA Diversity Fellowship cover?
+
The fellowship provides a financial award to support students entering PhD programs. Beyond the monetary sum, it offers professional recognition within the political science field and support for doctoral preparation. Some graduate programs may also offer application fee waivers to DFP participants.
What is the value of the APSA Diversity Fellowship award?
+
Successful fellows receive a US$5,000 award, which is disbursed over a two-year period to assist with their doctoral studies. This amount is provided by APSA directly to the fellows.
Who is eligible to apply for the APSA Diversity Fellowship?
+
Eligibility is open to US citizens, nationals, permanent residents, or DACA recipients who are undergraduate seniors, recent graduates, or master's students applying for a political science PhD for Fall 2027 admission. Applicants must also demonstrate an interest in specific areas of political science research and potential for teaching.
Are international students from all countries eligible for this scholarship?
+
No, the APSA Diversity Fellowship Program is specifically for individuals who are US citizens, US nationals, US permanent residents (Green Card holders), or individuals with deferred action status under DACA. It is not open to international students from other countries.
Which study levels are supported by this fellowship?
+
This fellowship primarily supports students who are preparing to pursue or are applying to PhD programs in political science. It targets those who are currently undergraduate seniors, recent graduates, or enrolled in terminal master's programs.
What is the application deadline for the upcoming cycle?
+
The application deadline for the 2027–2028 APSA Diversity Fellowship Program – Fall Cycle is 25 October 2026. All required materials, including letters of recommendation, must be submitted by this date.
How do I apply for the APSA Diversity Fellowship?
+
Applicants must create or use an APSA profile and complete the online Diversity Fellowship Program application. All application materials, including transcripts and recommendation letters, must be submitted through the dedicated online system.
What documents are required for the application?
+
Required documents include a personal statement, a resume, academic transcripts from all previously attended undergraduate and graduate institutions, and three letters of recommendation submitted directly by the recommenders through the online system.
How are recipients selected for the fellowship?
+
Recipients are selected based on their potential for research and teaching in political science. The selection committee evaluates academic background, research interests, and the alignment of these interests with the program's specific areas, along with the strength of supporting documents.
What is the duration of the fellowship and is it renewable?
+
The fellowship award of US$5,000 is distributed over a two-year period, coinciding with the initial phase of doctoral study. The page text does not specify options for renewal beyond this initial two-year disbursement.
Where can I confirm the latest details for the APSA Diversity Fellowship Program?
+
To confirm the latest eligibility criteria, required materials, and submission instructions for the APSA Diversity Fellowship Program, please visit the official application page of the American Political Science Association (APSA).