Kellogg Institute Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships 2027–28

The Kellogg Institute Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships 2027–28 support newly minted PhDs conducting international research related to global democracy. Fellows receive an annual stipend of $75,000, research support, medical insurance benefits, and approved relocation assistance. Applications for the 2027–28 academic-year competition are open from August 1 to October 1, 2026.

Quick Overview

Programme: Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships
Host Organization: Kellogg Institute for International Studies
Academic Institution: University of Notre Dame
Fellowship Period: Academic year, August to May
Annual Stipend: $75,000
Relocation Support: Up to $2,000 in approved expenses
Research Funds: Up to $7,500 per year
Application Deadline: October 1, 2026

About the Kellogg Institute Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships

The fellowships are designed for recently graduated PhD researchers whose work focuses on themes connected to global democracy.

Postdoctoral Fellows join the Kellogg Institute’s Visiting Fellows cohort. They receive dedicated time and resources to advance their research agendas, develop academically, and collaborate with faculty, scholars, and practitioners from the United States and abroad.

Fellows are expected to remain in residence during their appointment. They also participate in the Institute’s academic community through seminars, lectures, presentations, and other Kellogg events.

Benefits and Financial Support

The Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships provide a compensation and research-support package that includes:

✓ Annual stipend of $75,000
✓ Up to $2,000 in approved relocation expenses
✓ Up to $7,500 per year in research funds
✓ Comprehensive medical insurance benefits
✓ Academic-year appointment
✓ Possibility of a second fellowship year based on interest and satisfactory performance

One-year postdoctoral fellows receive their stipend over 12 months. If a second year is approved, the second-year stipend is paid over the additional nine months.

Fellows may also have the option to lease a furnished on-campus apartment during their first-year appointment, subject to availability.

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must conduct international research on themes related to global democracy.

Candidates must also meet the following conditions:

• Applicants may come from any country.
• Applicants must have earned a PhD no more than three years before the fellowship begins.
• Graduates of University of Notre Dame PhD programmes are not eligible.
• The most competitive applicants will hold a PhD or equivalent degree in a social science discipline.
• Applicants with PhDs in other disciplines may be considered in exceptional cases.

For applicants who are not US citizens or residents:

• Advanced English-language proficiency is required.
• Foreign nationals must hold a valid passport.
• Foreign nationals must obtain a J-1 visa.

Fellowship Expectations

Postdoctoral Visiting Fellows are expected to participate actively in the Kellogg Institute community.

During the fellowship, participants are expected to:

• Remain in residence during their fellowship tenure.
• Give at least one presentation on their current research.
• Attend and participate in weekly seminars and lecture series.
• Participate in most Kellogg Institute events.
• Publish research undertaken or completed during the fellowship.
• Acknowledge Kellogg Institute support in relevant publications.

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Fellowship Duration

Postdoctoral fellowships cover an entire academic year from August to May.

A two-year postdoctoral fellowship may be offered when the fellow demonstrates interest and satisfactory performance. Renewal for the second year is considered during the first-year appointment.

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Required Application Documents

A complete application includes the Visiting Fellowship Application Form, Institutional Required Information Form, and supporting documents submitted through the online system.

Applicants must prepare:

• Cover letter explaining their interest in the fellowship and preferred term of stay
• Curriculum vitae
• Research project statement of 6–10 double-spaced pages
• Project abstract of up to 150 words
• Short bio of 200–300 words
• Writing sample of no more than 30 pages, excluding endnotes, bibliography, or illustrations
• Three confidential letters of recommendation

The writing sample may be a dissertation chapter or an unpublished or forthcoming article.

The three confidential recommendation letters must reach the Interfolio system no later than Wednesday, October 7.

Selection Process

A committee of Kellogg Institute Faculty Fellows evaluates applications competitively.

The selection criteria include:

• Applicant’s scholarly record and potential
• Importance of the research problem within and beyond the applicant’s field
• Relationship of the project to the Kellogg Institute’s global democracy research theme
• Quality of the research design
• Research hypotheses, methodology, and proposed evidence or data
• Importance and originality of the project
• Clarity of the project to readers outside the applicant’s discipline
• Quality and quantity of work that can be completed during the fellowship

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Important Dates

• Applications open: August 1, 2026
• Application deadline: October 1, 2026
• Recommendation letter deadline: Wednesday, October 7
• Fellowship period: August to May during the academic year

Application Process

Kellogg Institute fellowship applications are submitted through the official Interfolio online system.

Applicants should complete the required application forms, upload all supporting documents, and submit the application within the 2027–28 competition period. Confidential recommendation letters must be received separately through Interfolio by the stated recommendation deadline.

Official Link

Submit your application through the official application link below.

Apply for the Kellogg Institute Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships