USA Princeton University Fung Global Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)
The Fung Global Fellows Program 2026–27 at Princeton University is now accepting applications from exceptional international scholars for a year of advanced research, writing, and collaboration. For the upcoming academic year, the program’s research theme is “The Politics of the Archive,” a continuance of the broader theme on colonialism.
This prestigious fellowship invites early-career scholars in the humanities and social sciences from around the world to join Princeton University’s vibrant intellectual community and contribute to global conversations on pressing academic and societal issues.
About the Fung Global Fellows Program
Established in 2013, the Fung Global Fellows Program at Princeton University’s Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS) brings together outstanding international scholars for a year-long residential fellowship. The program promotes cross-disciplinary dialogue, global collaboration, and innovative research on topics of worldwide relevance.
Each year, selected fellows work on their own research projects aligned with a unifying theme while engaging with Princeton faculty and students. Under the direction of Professor Michael F. Laffan and management of Nicole Bergman, the program continues to strengthen Princeton’s global academic partnerships.
Degree Level
Open to early-career scholars who hold a Ph.D. (or equivalent doctoral degree).
Available Subjects
Humanities and Social Sciences, with a focus on projects connected to the 2026–27 theme: “The Politics of the Archive.”
Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Full financial support during their fellowship year.
- A Visiting Research Scholar appointment at Princeton University.
- Office space, library access, and research facilities.
- Opportunities to participate in seminars, workshops, and interdisciplinary events at Princeton.
- A vibrant community of scholars fostering global academic collaboration.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to international scholars employed outside the United States.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must have earned their Ph.D. (or equivalent) generally after September 1, 2016.
- Must hold a faculty or professional research appointment outside the United States at the time of application.
- Candidates currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program or employed as postdocs are not eligible.
- Fellows are expected to return to their home institutions after the fellowship year.
- Applicants should demonstrate outstanding scholarly achievement and the potential for intellectual contributions to the program.
- Open to scholars from any region of the world, provided their research relates to the theme and falls within the humanities or social sciences.
Application Procedure
All application materials must be submitted online in English by the deadline of November 17, 2025 (11:59 p.m. ET).
Applicants must include:
- Cover Letter (maximum 1.5 pages) addressed to “Dear Search Committee.”
- Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a list of publications.
- Research Proposal (maximum 3 pages, single-spaced).
- One Writing Sample (article or book chapter, up to 50 pages).
- Names and email addresses of three referees — referees will be contacted automatically by the online system to upload their recommendation letters.
Note:
- All letters of reference must be submitted by referees before the deadline.
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
- Successful candidates who hold faculty appointments must provide an official letter from their employer confirming approval to spend the year at Princeton.
Application Deadline
- November 17, 2025 (11:59 p.m. EST)
Applications are to be submitted exclusively online via Princeton University’s official portal.
Notification Timeline
- Applicants will be notified of results by early to mid-February 2026.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by the Director of the Fung Global Fellows Program and a Princeton University search committee. Evaluation is based on:
- The strength and originality of the research project.
- Its relevance to the annual theme.
- The applicant’s scholarly record.
- Potential contribution to the program’s intellectual community.
Conclusion
The Fung Global Fellows Program 2026–27 at Princeton University offers a transformative opportunity for international scholars in the humanities and social sciences to conduct research in a world-class academic environment. With a focus on the theme “The Politics of the Archive,” this fully funded fellowship empowers early-career researchers to exchange ideas, expand their scholarly impact, and engage in meaningful global collaboration.
