Applications are now open for the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) Fellowships 2027–2028 in the United States. The residential fellowship provides junior and senior scholars in the social sciences and…[full details below]
The Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) Fellowships 2027–2028 offer scholars an opportunity to spend an academic year conducting independent research in the United States. Based at the IAS School of Social Science in Princeton, New Jersey, the residential fellowship is intended for both junior and senior scholars working in the social sciences and related disciplines.
Approximately 20 scholars are selected each year to join the programme and develop their research in an intellectually focused environment. Around half of the fellows are expected to work on projects connected to the School’s annual research theme, while the others can pursue independent projects in their respective areas of study. For the 2027–2028 academic year, the theme is “Understanding AI.”
Researchers interested in joining the IAS fellowship should review the eligibility requirements and application guidelines before submitting their materials. The programme provides an opportunity to dedicate an academic year to research while engaging with an international community of scholars at Princeton. Fellowship funding can reach up to $80,000, depending on the applicable fellowship terms and scholar’s circumstances.
SUMMARY
- Fellowship Sponsor(s): Institute for Advanced Study (IAS)
- Host Institution: IAS School of Social Science, USA
- Funding Amount: Up to $80,000 Stipend + Other Support
- Number of Awards: Approximately 20
- Study Level: Postdoctoral/Advanced Research
- Nationality: All Nationalities
- Fellowship Period: September 2027 – May 2028
Fellowship Overview
The Institute for Advanced Study School of Social Science offers residential fellowships to scholars from a broad range of social science disciplines and related fields.
Selected fellows, known as Members, spend the academic year at IAS developing their individual research within an interdisciplinary scholarly community.
Applicants may submit projects related to the 2027–2028 theme, “Understanding AI,” or apply with research projects outside the annual theme. Approximately half of the selected cohort will participate in the theme seminar, while the other half will pursue independent projects.
The fellowship is residential and requires Members to spend the full academic year from September to May at the Institute in Princeton, New Jersey.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the IAS School of Social Science Fellowships should meet the following requirements:
- Be a junior or senior scholar working in the social sciences or a related discipline.
- Hold a PhD or equivalent scholarly credentials at the time of application.
- The required degree must be awarded no later than October 15, 2026.
- Submit a suitable research project for the fellowship period.
- Be available to reside at the Institute for the full academic year from September 2027 to May 2028.
The fellowship is open to scholars from different countries and career stages who meet the academic requirements.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected IAS Members may receive:
- A stipend of up to $80,000 for the academic year.
- Access to an individual office and Institute research facilities.
- Access to IAS libraries and other academic resources.
- Subsidized dining services.
- Access to Institute housing.
- A modest research fund, including reimbursement of up to $800 for eligible non-travel research expenses.
- Possible relocation assistance.
- Health insurance subsidies, subject to eligibility requirements.
- Childcare subsidies for eligible Members with young children.
The $80,000 stipend is the maximum available amount and is not automatically awarded to every fellow. IAS considers the scholar’s base salary and financial support from their home institution or other grants when determining the actual stipend.
How to Apply
Applications for the Institute for Advanced Study School of Social Science Fellowships are completed electronically through the IAS application system.
Interested applicants should:
- Access the IAS Online Application Portal and begin an application for the School of Social Science 2027–2028 fellowship.
- Complete the required personal, academic and professional information in the online application.
- Prepare a research proposal of up to four pages describing the project you intend to pursue during the fellowship.
- Upload an updated curriculum vitae (CV).
- Submit a writing sample of no more than 50 pages.
- Review the application and ensure all required materials have been uploaded before submitting it through the online portal.
- Submit the completed application by October 15, 2026.
All application materials must be submitted through the online application portal. Reference letters are not required and will not be accepted for the School of Social Science fellowship application.
Application Documents
Applicants are required to submit:
- Online application form.
- Research proposal of up to four pages.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Writing sample of up to 50 pages.
Applicants should ensure that all materials are complete and submitted electronically before the application deadline.
Application Deadline: October 15, 2026.
Successful applicants will undertake the residential fellowship during the 2027–2028 academic year, from September 2027 to May 2028.