MINNESOTA SEA GRANT, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Minnesota Sea Grant Science & Policy Fellowship
full · masters, phd
- $65,250 total packageFunding value per fellow
- $55,000 stipendLiving stipend
- 1 year (Jul 2026–Jun 2027)Fellowship duration
- US and international studentsWho can apply
- Master's and PhD levelAcademic level
- ~$2,500 development fundProfessional development
At a glance
full
Funding
€60k
Max amount
Feb 1, 2027
Deadline
United States
Country
Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota
Provider
The Minnesota Sea Grant Science & Policy Fellowship is a one-year placement run by Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) at the University of Minnesota, part of the national Sea Grant network supported by NOAA. The 2026/2027 cohort runs from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027 and pairs each fellow with a host organisation, such as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, county public works departments, legislative committees, or water-advocacy nonprofits. Each fellowship is funded at 65,250 US dollars (about 60,000 euros), made up of a 55,000 US dollar stipend, a 2,500 US dollar professional development fund, and 7,750 US dollars for administration and reporting. Funding comes from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, host cost-sharing, and the National Sea Grant College Program. Fellows work on policy analysis, research and data synthesis, community and tribal engagement, project management, and legislative support around freshwater and climate issues. Applications open to both US and international students; host applications close in November 2025 and fellow applications close on 1 February 2026, with a matching workshop in Duluth in March to April 2026. Confirm the exact stipend, funding total, and deadlines on the official Minnesota Sea Grant page before you apply.
What's covered
- Stipend — A $55,000 stipend for living expenses across the one-year fellowship.
- Professional development — A $2,500 fund for training, conferences, or certifications.
- Administration and reporting — $7,750 allocated to administration and reporting support, bringing the package to a total of $65,250 per fellow.
- Host placement — A full-time placement with a Minnesota government agency, nonprofit, or policy institution arranged through a matching workshop.
- Mentorship and networking — Mentorship from scientists and policymakers plus connections to state, tribal, and federal agencies, with no tuition charged for the placement year.
How to apply
Applications are submitted through eSeaGrant once host positions are posted, followed by interviews and a matching workshop.
- Review posted host positions — After hosts are selected in December 2025, review the available fellowship positions and their host organisations.
- Apply via eSeaGrant — Submit your application through the eSeaGrant portal with academic, professional, and personal details.
- Interview and match — Take part in interviews and the matching workshop in Duluth, Minnesota, in March to April 2026.
- Accept placement — Confirm your host match and complete onboarding before the start date.
- Begin the fellowship — Start the one-year fellowship on 1 July 2026.
Eligibility
Academic levelCurrent or recent master's or PhD students.
Fields of studyEnvironmental science, public policy, law, natural resources, public administration, or related disciplines.
NationalityOpen to both US and international students.
CommitmentFull-time participation for one year (1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027).
Placements vary by host organisation across Minnesota; international applicants should plan for US work-authorisation requirements with their host and the University of Minnesota.
Eligible countries
United States, All countries (international applicants welcome)
Deadlines
Host applications 2026/2027~6 November 2025 (est.)
Fellow applications 2026/2027~1 February 2026 (est.)
Selection
Hosts are selected first, then fellows apply to posted positions and are evaluated on academic and professional background, fit with host needs, and demonstrated interest in science-policy work. Final placements are confirmed through interviews and a matching workshop in Duluth, where fellows and host organisations are paired before the July start date.
Verified sources
- Minnesota Sea Grant (official)seagrant.umn.eduofficial
- Minnesota Sea Grant Jobs & Fellowships (official)seagrant.umn.eduofficial
About the provider
Minnesota Sea Grant is a program of the University of Minnesota and part of the National Sea Grant College Program supported by NOAA, bridging science and society to address freshwater, coastal, and environmental challenges in the Great Lakes region.
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 Minnesota Sea Grant Science & Policy Fellowship?
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A one-year, fully funded fellowship at the University of Minnesota that places graduate students and recent graduates with Minnesota agencies, nonprofits, and policy institutions working on water and environmental issues.
How much is the fellowship worth?
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The package is $65,250 per fellow, made up of a $55,000 stipend, a $2,500 professional development fund, and $7,750 for administration and reporting.
Who funds the fellowship?
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The Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, host cost-sharing, and the National Sea Grant College Program (NOAA).
Can international students apply?
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Yes. The fellowship is open to both US and international students at the master's or PhD level.
How long is the fellowship?
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One year, from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.
Where will I be placed?
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With a host organisation in Minnesota, such as the Department of Natural Resources, county public works, legislative committees, or water-advocacy nonprofits.
What do fellows do?
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Policy analysis and development, research and data synthesis, community and tribal engagement, project management, and legislative support.
When is the application deadline?
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Fellow applications close around 1 February 2026; host applications close earlier, around 6 November 2025.
How do I apply?
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Through the eSeaGrant portal once host positions are posted, followed by interviews and a matching workshop.
What academic level is required?
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Current or recent master's or PhD students in environmental science, public policy, law, natural resources, public administration, or related fields.
Where is the matching workshop held?
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In Duluth, Minnesota, in March to April 2026.
Where can I confirm the exact figures and dates?
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On the official Minnesota Sea Grant fellowships page, which is updated each cycle.