USA Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) 2026
The International Affairs Fellowship (IAF), established in 1967 by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), is regarded as the “Jewel of the Council”. This prestigious fellowship bridges the gap between academia and policy by providing mid-career professionals with transformative opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the U.S. government, international organizations, or at CFR headquarters. With more than 650 alumni, including a former U.S. secretary of state, ambassadors, and undersecretaries of defense, the IAF is a career-defining award for professionals in U.S. foreign policy and international relations.
The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is a leading independent, nonpartisan U.S. think tank and membership organization dedicated to foreign policy and international affairs. Founded in 1921 and headquartered in New York City with an office in Washington, D.C., CFR brings together government officials, business leaders, academics, journalists, and other experts to analyze global issues and provide policy recommendations. It is best known for its flagship journal Foreign Affairs, influential task force reports, and high-level meetings with world leaders. Through research, publications, and fellowship programs, CFR plays a key role in shaping debates on U.S. foreign policy and fostering greater understanding of international relations
Degree Level
Mid-career professionals with at least a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).
A PhD is not required, though many successful applicants from academia hold advanced degrees.
Not intended for pre-doctoral or postdoctoral research.
Available Subjects
The fellowship focuses on foreign policy, diplomacy, international relations, national security, economics, technology, climate policy, and governance.
Benefits
Duration: 12 months (full-time, starting September 2026).
Stipend: $120,000 (independent contractor basis; no employment benefits provided).
Placement: Fellows from academia or the private sector are placed in the U.S. government or international organizations; fellows from the U.S. government or military work at CFR’s offices in New York or Washington, DC.
Special Designation: Two or more fellows each year are recognized as International Affairs Fellows in National Security, sponsored by Janine and J. Tomilson Hill.
Eligible Nationalities
Only U.S. citizens are eligible to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be U.S. citizens.
Be mid-career professionals with significant professional achievements.
Hold at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
Demonstrate a strong grounding in foreign policy.
Propose a project that contributes to U.S. foreign policy or CFR’s policy initiatives (such as the RealEcon Initiative, China Strategy Initiative, technology, and climate).
Not apply for another CFR fellowship program in the same year.
Preference is given to applicants with little or no prior work experience in the U.S. government (for academia/private sector applicants) or those contributing to CFR’s initiatives (for government/military applicants).
Application Procedure
Application Period: September 15, 2025 – October 31, 2025.
Notification: Interviews in February 2026; awardees announced by March 31, 2026.
Documents Required:
Biographical, educational, and employment information.
Proposed placement and project focus (for academia/private sector applicants).
Proposal to contribute to CFR’s work (for government/military applicants).
Two letters of recommendation.
Mode: Online application via CFR’s fellowship portal.
Selection Process
Highly competitive; only 8–10 fellows are awarded each year.
Criteria include:
Scholarly/professional excellence.
Demonstrated interest in U.S. foreign policy.
Feasibility and merit of proposed work.
Potential contribution to the applicant’s career development.
20 candidates are shortlisted for interviews annually.
Final Thoughts
The CFR International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) 2026–2027 offers an unparalleled opportunity for U.S. mid-career professionals to shape their careers in foreign policy and international affairs. With placements across the U.S. government, international organizations, and CFR itself, this fellowship provides unique exposure to policymaking at the highest levels. If you want to transform your career trajectory and contribute meaningfully to U.S. foreign policy, the IAF is the fellowship to pursue.
