Applications for International Affairs Fellowship

Established in 1967, the International Affairs Fellowship (IAF), the hallmark fellowship program of the Council on Foreign Relations, aims to bridge the gap between the study and making of U.S. foreign policy by creating the next generation of scholar-practitioners.

Through the program, twelve-month fellowships and stipends of $105,000 will be awarded to mid-career professionals with a demonstrated commitment to a career in foreign policy in support of planned research. The program offers a unique chance for fellows to experience a new field and gain a new perspective, and places academics in public-service and policy-oriented settings and government officials in scholarly settings. The program welcomes applicants from a broad range of professional, academic, and personal backgrounds. Although a PhD is not a requirement, selected fellows generally hold an advanced degree and possess a strong record of work experience as well as a firm grounding in the field of foreign policy.

For those seeking to spend the fellowship year in the U.S. government, CFR will work with the fellow to identify a U.S. government agency willing to serve as host. The placement is made at the discretion of the host agency and is contingent on the fellow's successfully obtaining a security clearance, which is granted solely by the U.S. government. For those seeking to spend the fellowship year at an international organization or an academic institution, CFR will work with the fellow to identify an organization willing to serve as host. The placement is made at the discretion of the host organization. A security clearance may not be required.

Note that the 2021-22 fellowship selections may be subject to limitations related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To be eligible, candidates must be citizen or permanent resident of the United States who is eligible to work in the United States.

See the Council on Foreign Relations website for complete program guidelines, application instructions, and previously awarded fellows.