Guggenheim Fellowship 2027: Eligibility and Application Guide
The Guggenheim Fellowship 2027 is the next annual competition of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation for accomplished individuals working across the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The Foundation states that the 2027 competition will open for applications in late summer 2026 and awards roughly 190 Fellowships each year.
Quick Overview
Programme: Guggenheim Fellowship
Opportunity Type: Fellowship
Competition: 2027
Eligible Applicants: U.S. or Canadian citizens and permanent residents
Target Group: Established mid-career professionals
Fellowship Term: Six months to one year
Awards: Roughly 190 Fellowships each year
2027 Application Opening: Late summer 2026
About the Guggenheim Fellowship 2027
The Guggenheim Fellowship is an annual competition recognizing achievement in the arts, sciences, and humanities.
The programme supports individuals who have already achieved notable success in their careers and show promise for further accomplishment. It is intended for established mid-career professionals rather than students.
Eligible professional backgrounds include areas across:
• Creative arts
• Humanities
• Sciences
• Social sciences
• Interdisciplinary fields
Applicants do not have to hold university or academic appointments. Independent scholars, writers, and artists may also apply.
Also read: U.S. Treasury International Affairs Junior Fellowship 2027–2029
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy the eligibility conditions established by the Foundation.
• Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or Canada at the time of application.
• Apply as an individual rather than an organization, institution, or group.
• Not have previously received a Guggenheim Fellowship.
• Not be an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate student.
• Propose an eligible scholarly or creative project.
The Foundation also accepts joint applications from two individuals collaborating on the same project.
Eligible Projects
The Foundation accepts proposals for scholarly and creative projects in a broad range of disciplines.
Applicants may propose work in:
• Creative arts
• Humanities
• Sciences
• Social sciences
• Interdisciplinary fields
However, several types of projects are excluded.
The Fellowship does not support:
• Creation of residencies
• Curriculum development
• Educational programmes
• Development of websites or blogs
• Anthologies
• Oral histories
• E-books
• Textbooks
• Literature or other creative work intended for children or young audiences
In the arts, the programme supports creators of original works rather than performers or interpreters of work created by others.
Related opportunity on GlobalLinkX: FRIAS Fellowship Programmes 2027/28 for Researchers
Fellowship Term and Use of Award Funds
A Guggenheim Fellowship term may last from six months to one year. The proposed project does not have to be completed within the Fellowship period.
Award funds can generally be used for purposes connected with the Fellow’s project.
Examples listed by the Foundation include:
✓ Living expenses
✓ Materials
✓ Travel
✓ Equipment
The Foundation does not commit to replacing a Fellow’s full salary or guaranteeing coverage of specific costs. Academics are also not required to be on sabbatical or free from teaching and administrative responsibilities during the Fellowship.
Check: Knight-Hennessy Scholars 2027 Cohort at Stanford University
Application Requirements
Prospective applicants must first register and create an account when the competition portal becomes available.
During the application stage, candidates prepare materials including:
• Project proposal
• Career narrative
• List of works
• Potential references
• Work samples reflecting their achievements
The Foundation states that its staff cannot advise applicants on the content of their applications or work samples.
Application and Selection Timeline
The general Guggenheim Fellowship process is divided into several stages.
August and September
Applicants create an account on the application portal when the competition is open and prepare their application materials.
October to November
The Foundation contacts applicants with instructions for submitting selected work examples. References are also contacted separately and asked to upload their reference letters directly to the portal.
January to April
Advisers review completed applications in their respective fields and submit recommendations to the Committee of Selection.
The Committee considers these recommendations and prepares a list of nominees for review and approval by the Board of Trustees. New Fellows are typically announced in April.
Explore: Marshall Scholarship 2027 Application: Deadlines and Process
Selection Process
The Foundation uses a network of several hundred advisers to evaluate applications.
Depending on the field, advisers may serve as readers or jurors. They review completed applications and make recommendations to the Committee of Selection.
The Foundation keeps the identities of advisers confidential. It also states that applicants do not receive feedback or reasons for rejection.
2027 Competition Status
The official page confirms that the 2026 United States and Canada competition is closed.
For the next cycle, the Foundation states:
• 2027 competition: Scheduled to open in late summer 2026.
The official page currently does not provide a specific closing date for the 2027 competition.
Official Link
Review the official programme details and follow the application instructions provided on the official page.
