NATO Defense College Resident Fellowship Programme 2026 , Italy
The NATO Defense College (NDC) Resident Fellowship Programme is one of the most prestigious international research fellowships in the field of security, defence, and strategic studies. Hosted in Rome, Italy, the programme brings together outstanding scholars, analysts, and advanced PhD candidates from NATO member states and partner countries to contribute directly to NATO’s research and policy ecosystem.
Designed as a fully immersive, research-focused residency, the fellowship allows participants to work closely with NATO’s Research Division while engaging with senior military officers, policymakers, and academics from across the Alliance.
About the NATO Defense College Research Division
The NDC Research Division plays a critical role in supporting NATO’s long-term strategic thinking. It combines rigorous academic research with real-world policy relevance, addressing complex challenges such as:
International security and defence policy
Geopolitical competition and emerging threats
NATO partnerships and cooperative security
Military strategy, innovation, and resilience
To maintain intellectual dynamism, the Division selects a small number of resident fellows each year who bring fresh perspectives, advanced methodologies, and cutting-edge scholarship to its work.
Degree Level
- Fellowship
Available Subjects
- All subjects
Benefits
Each year, the NDC offers approximately eight resident fellowships, each lasting five months. Fellowships are divided into multiple categories based on applicants’ nationality and institutional affiliation.
Fellowship Tracks
Eisenhower Defense (EISD) Fellowships – NATO Allies
Partnership for Peace (PfP) Fellowships
Mediterranean Dialogue (MD) Fellowships
Other Military Cooperation / Partners Across the Globe (OMC/PaG) Fellowship
The programme is open to junior scholars, senior researchers, and PhD candidates, depending on the fellowship track.
Fellowship Objectives and Responsibilities
During the residency, fellows are expected to actively contribute to the College’s academic mission. Core responsibilities include:
Writing a research essay suitable for publication by the NATO Defense College
Presenting research findings to NDC faculty and course participants
Mentoring participants in the NDC Senior Course
Aligning research topics with NATO’s strategic priorities and research agenda
In return, fellows gain privileged insight into NATO’s policy-relevant research environment and access to a global professional network.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility by Fellowship Category
Eisenhower Defense Fellowships (NATO Allies)
Available to nationals of NATO member states, this track includes three sub-categories:
Senior Scholars: PhD holders with at least four years of post-doctoral experience and a strong publication record
Junior Scholars: PhD holders with demonstrated research output in international security
PhD Candidates: Advanced doctoral researchers working on NATO-relevant topics
Partnership for Peace (PfP) Fellowships
Open to scholars from PfP countries such as Austria, Georgia, Ukraine, Switzerland, and others. Two fellowships are awarded annually.
Mediterranean Dialogue (MD) Fellowships
Designed for researchers from MD countries including Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia. Two fellowships are offered each year.
OMC/Partners Across the Globe Fellowship
This category includes countries such as Pakistan, Japan, Republic of Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, with one fellowship awarded annually.
Application Procedure
The application process is centralized and competitive. Applicants must:
Complete the online registration form
Submit required documents by email in a single PDF, including:
Short academic CV
Proof of citizenship (passport or national ID)
Signed Terms & Conditions
Ensure the research proposal is clearly aligned with NATO policy priorities
Incomplete applications or proposals unrelated to NATO’s mission are not considered.
Selection Timeline (Typical Cycle)
Application Deadline: Mid-May
Evaluation Period: Summer months
Final Notifications: By late September
Exact dates may vary slightly each year, but the overall structure remains consistent.
Academic and Career Benefits
Being selected as an NDC Resident Fellow offers exceptional long-term value:
Direct exposure to NATO’s strategic decision-making environment
Publication opportunities with a globally respected institution
Access to an alumni network of over 130 former fellows
Strong career signaling for roles in academia, think tanks, defence institutions, and international organizations
Leadership and Academic Oversight
The Resident Fellowship Programme operates under the supervision of the Director of the Research Division, ensuring high academic standards, relevance, and mentorship throughout the fellowship period.
Final Thoughts
The NATO Defense College Resident Fellowship Programme is not just a research opportunity—it is a gateway into the world of strategic policy influence, international security dialogue, and elite academic collaboration. For scholars seeking to bridge theory and practice at the highest level of global security studies, this programme remains one of the most respected fellowships worldwide.
