Big Ten Smithsonian Fellowship offers advanced doctoral candidates the chance to conduct dissertation-related research at the Smithsonian Institution with a $45,000 annual stipend and up to $5,000 research allowance. This opportunity supports appointments lasting 3 to 12 months and is intended for students who have completed coursework and advanced to doctoral candidacy.
The fellowship is administered through the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) and is available to doctoral candidates enrolled at participating Big Ten Academic Alliance universities. Applicants must apply in English and identify an appropriate Smithsonian adviser to support their research proposal.
Big Ten Smithsonian Fellowship Benefits
- Stipend: $45,000 per year
- Research allowance: Up to $5,000 per year
- Duration: 3 to 12 months
- Stipend prorated for periods shorter than one year
- Access to Smithsonian research resources, collections and expertise
Big Ten Smithsonian Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Currently enrolled at one of the eligible Big Ten Academic Alliance member universities
- Completed all coursework required for their doctoral program
- Been admitted to doctoral candidacy
- Satisfied all doctoral requirements except completion of the dissertation
- Open to U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens
- Application materials must be presented in English
How to Apply for Big Ten Smithsonian Fellowship
- Confirm your university eligibility with the Big Ten Academic Alliance participation list
- Confirm your doctoral status: coursework completed, admitted to candidacy, all requirements except dissertation satisfied
- Define your research objectives and explain what you intend to accomplish during the fellowship
- Identify a suitable Smithsonian adviser whose expertise aligns with your dissertation project
- Connect the research proposal to Smithsonian resources and explain why the Smithsonian is appropriate
- Review the official Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program guidelines and prepare all required materials in English
- Submit your application through the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) before the deadline
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Big Ten Smithsonian Fellowship. These answers cover the fellowship purpose, stipend and research allowance, eligibility, duration, deadlines, and how to apply through the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program.
What is the Big Ten Smithsonian Fellowship?
The Big Ten Smithsonian Fellowship is a program that supports advanced doctoral candidates from participating Big Ten Academic Alliance universities to conduct dissertation-related research at the Smithsonian Institution. Fellows work under the guidance of a Smithsonian adviser, access Smithsonian collections and expertise, and aim to strengthen and advance their doctoral thesis through a focused research appointment.
How much is the fellowship stipend?
The fellowship provides a stipend of $45,000 per year. For fellowship appointments shorter than 12 months, the stipend is prorated according to the length of the appointment. The stipend is intended to provide financial support while fellows pursue their dissertation-related research at the Smithsonian.
Is there additional funding for research expenses?
Yes. Fellows can receive a research allowance of up to $5,000 per year to support eligible research-related expenses connected to their proposed scholarly work. Applicants should consult the official program guidelines for precise rules governing allowable research expenses and how the research allowance may be used.
Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?
Eligibility is limited to doctoral candidates currently enrolled at participating Big Ten Academic Alliance member universities. Applicants must have completed all required coursework, been admitted to doctoral candidacy, and satisfied all doctoral requirements except the dissertation by the time the fellowship appointment begins.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The program is open to both U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens. International applicants must still be enrolled at an eligible Big Ten Academic Alliance member university and meet the doctoral-stage requirements. All application materials must be submitted in English and applicants should be able to write and converse fluently in English.
How long do fellowship appointments last?
Fellowship appointments can last from 3 to 12 months. This flexibility allows candidates to choose a period that best fits their research needs. For appointments shorter than a year, stipends are prorated to reflect the actual duration of the fellowship appointment.
What research areas are eligible under the fellowship?
The program covers a broad range of disciplines aligned with Smithsonian expertise. Eligible areas listed include animal behavior, ecology and environmental science; anthropology; Earth sciences and paleobiology; evolutionary and systematic biology; folklife; history of science and technology; history of art; materials research; molecular biology; and the social and cultural history of the United States.
How do I find a Smithsonian adviser for my application?
Applicants should research Smithsonian scholars, curators, scientists and specialists whose expertise aligns with their dissertation project. Identifying a suitable adviser who can support the research proposal and offer relevant resources or mentorship is an important element of a competitive application.
What is the application deadline and where do I apply?
The application deadline is October 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). All applications must be submitted through the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) application system. Applicants should allow sufficient time to review materials and address any submission issues before the deadline.
What should I include in a competitive application?
A strong application clearly demonstrates the connection between the doctoral research and the Smithsonian environment. Applicants should define research questions and objectives, explain the significance of the research, show how it relates to the dissertation, identify needed Smithsonian resources, and describe expected accomplishments during the fellowship period.
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