PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS) Fung Global Fellows Program 2027-2028
full
- Princeton UniversityHost Institution
- ~10 monthsDuration
- 2027-28 Academic YearProgram Cycle
- November 16, 2026Application Deadline
- PhD completed after ~September 1, 2017Eligibility Criterion
- Democracy in Crisis?2027-28 Theme
At a glance
full
Funding
—
Max amount
Nov 16, 2026
Deadline
All countries (excluding the United States for employment)
Country
Princeton University
Provider
The Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS) Fung Global Fellows Program offers a unique opportunity for early-career scholars worldwide to engage in advanced research at Princeton University. Established by PIIRS, this program brings together scholars for a 10-month academic year residency focused on a common theme, which for the 2027-28 academic year is "Democracy in Crisis?". Fellows are appointed as Visiting Research Scholars and contribute to the vibrant intellectual life of the university. This initiative supports those who have already completed their Ph.D. and hold an academic or research position outside the United States, encouraging them to return to their home institutions after the fellowship to apply their insights. The program, which started around 2012, aims to foster international scholarly exchange and debate on critical global issues, selecting a cohort of approximately 6-8 fellows each cycle. The application deadline for the 2027-28 cycle is November 16, 2026. While the specific financial award details are not provided on the given page, it is understood to be a fully funded residency experience, including salary and benefits. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- Monthly Stipend — A competitive monthly stipend to cover living expenses in Princeton (exact amount not specified, but typically a research fellow stipend in the US can be ~USD 5,000-7,000 per month (est.)). The fellowship is described as a fully funded residency.
- Housing Allowance — Often includes a housing allowance or assistance with finding accommodation in the Princeton area.
- Health Insurance — Comprehensive health benefits typically provided for the duration of the fellowship.
- Relocation Support — Some support for travel to and from Princeton at the beginning and end of the fellowship.
- Research Support — Access to Princeton University's libraries, resources, and facilities to support the fellow's research.
- Visa Sponsorship — Assistance with obtaining the necessary US visa for the fellowship period.
How to apply
Applications for the Fung Global Fellows Program must be submitted online, ensuring all required documents are in English and uploaded by the deadline. It is crucial to initiate the process for recommendation letters early.
- Access Online Application — Visit the official Princeton PIIRS Fung Global Fellows Program webpage to access the online application system.
- Prepare Documents — Compile all required application materials in English, including your cover letter, CV, research proposal, and writing sample.
- Complete Application Form — Fill out the online application form accurately, providing personal details and academic history.
- Submit Referee Information — Provide the names and email addresses of three referees within the online system. The system will automatically invite them to upload their letters of recommendation.
- Ensure Letters are Submitted — Verify that all three letters of recommendation are submitted by your referees before the application deadline of November 16, 2026.
- Final Submission — Submit your complete application package, including all uploads, through the online system by 11:59 p.m. EST on the deadline.
Eligibility
Academic QualificationMust have received their Ph.D. (or equivalent) generally after September 1, 2017. Candidates currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program or employed as postdocs are ineligible.
Employment StatusMust be employed outside the United States with a faculty appointment or a professional research appointment. Fellows are expected to return to their positions post-fellowship.
Scholarly AchievementDemonstrated outstanding scholarly achievement and unusual intellectual promise.
Research AlignmentProposed research project must align with the program's theme for the academic year, which is "Democracy in Crisis?" for 2027-28.
Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Eligible countries
All countries (excluding the United States for employment)
Deadlines
2027-2028 Academic Year2026-11-16
Selection
Fellowships are awarded based on the strength of the candidate's proposed research project and its relevance to the program's annual theme. The candidate's scholarly record and their demonstrated ability to contribute to the intellectual life of the program are also key factors. A selection committee reviews all applications, focusing on outstanding achievement and unusual intellectual promise in early-career scholars.
Verified sources
- Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS) Fung Global Fellows Programpiirs.princeton.eduofficial
- Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS) Fung Global Fellows Program 2027/2028 for early-career scholars worldwide.opportunitiesforafricans.comannouncement
About the provider
Princeton University, founded in 1746, is a world-renowned Ivy League research university located in Princeton, New Jersey. It is dedicated to serving humanity through education, research, and scholarly engagement. PIIRS, the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies, fosters interdisciplinary research and teaching in international affairs.
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 Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS) Fung Global Fellows Program?
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It is a fellowship program offered by Princeton University for early-career scholars from around the world. Fellows reside at Princeton for an academic year to conduct research and engage in discussions around a specific global theme.
What does the Fung Global Fellows Program cover?
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The program provides a fully funded residency for 10 months, typically including a stipend, health benefits, and research support. Specific financial details are typically outlined on the official program website.
What is the approximate award value for a Fung Global Fellow?
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While the exact amount is not specified on the given page, it is a fully funded fellowship covering living expenses and research activities for the duration of the 10-month program. Based on similar US fellowships, a stipend could be approximately ~USD 5,000-7,000 per month (est.).
Who is eligible to apply for this fellowship?
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Early-career scholars who have received their Ph.D. generally after September 1, 2017, and are employed outside the United States with a faculty or professional research appointment are eligible. Current Ph.D. students or postdocs are not eligible.
Are there country restrictions for applicants?
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Yes, applicants must be employed outside the United States. There are no other country-specific restrictions for international applicants who meet this criterion.
Which study levels are supported by this fellowship?
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This program supports early-career scholars who have already completed their Ph.D. or equivalent degree. It is not for current doctoral students or those seeking a degree.
What is the application deadline for the 2027-2028 cycle?
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The application deadline for the 2027-2028 academic year is November 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
How do I apply for the Fung Global Fellows Program?
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You must apply online through the official Princeton PIIRS Fung Global Fellows Program website. The application requires several documents and three letters of recommendation.
What documents are required for the application?
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Required documents include a cover letter, Curriculum Vitae (CV) with publications, a research proposal, one writing sample (up to 50 pages), and three letters of recommendation from your referees.
How are fellows selected?
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Fellows are selected based on the strength of their proposed research project, its relevance to the program theme, their scholarly record, and their potential to contribute to the intellectual community at Princeton.
What is the duration of the fellowship and is it renewable?
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The fellowship is for one academic year, approximately 10 months. It is generally not renewable, as fellows are expected to return to their home institutions after its conclusion.
Where can I confirm the most current details about this scholarship?
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All current and official details regarding the PIIRS Fung Global Fellows Program should be confirmed on the official Princeton University PIIRS website.