Society of Fellows in the Humanities Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026-2027 supports exceptional early-career scholars in the humanities and humanistic social sciences with research time, teaching opportunities, and participation in a cross-disciplinary community. The Society of Fellows Scholarship brings fellows into a vibrant intellectual community where they teach, conduct research, and help organize scholarly events.
The program is offered by the Society of Fellows in the Humanities at Columbia University and housed in the Heyman Center for the Humanities. The fellowship is supported by the Mellon Foundation and the William R. Kenan Trust and typically includes appointment as a Postdoctoral Research Scholar and lecturer responsibilities.
Society of Fellows in the Humanities Postdoctoral Fellowship Benefits
- $81,200 for the 2027–2028 academic year.
- $7,000 to support research-related activities.
- Medical benefits are included.
- Housing is available to fellows.
- Granted initially for one year, renewable for up to two additional years.
Society of Fellows in the Humanities Postdoctoral FellowshipEligibility Criteria
- PhD or equivalent terminal degree conferred between July 1, 2023, and July 1, 2027
- Humanities or humanistic social sciences
- Independent research, undergraduate teaching in affiliated Columbia departments, and participation in Society events
- Must be in residence at Columbia University (New York City) for the 2027–2028 academic year
- Completed online application, CV, research proposal, writing sample, teaching statement, and recommendation letters
Get new scholarships by email
Scholarship Union lists awards like this one as they open. One short digest, no spam.
How to Apply for Society of Fellows in the Humanities Postdoctoral Fellowship?
- Online application: Complete and submit the online application. Please note that the online application must be submitted by the deadline in order for the submission to receive consideration.
- Personal Statement: 500 words. Uploaded into the online application as a PDF or Word file.
- Curriculum vitae: Uploaded into the online application as a PDF or Word file. No more than 4 pages.
- Research proposal: No more than 1500 words. Uploaded into the online application as a PDF or Word file.
- Writing sample: No more than 3500 words (footnotes and bibliography may be appended and don’t count towards the word limit). Uploaded into the online application as a PDF or Word file.
- Sample course: Two-page undergraduate syllabus of your own design. Uploaded into the online application as a PDF or Word file.
- Two letters of recommendation: Recommendations will be requested only for applicants invited to interview; recommenders will submit after invitation.
Studying in the United States?
USAScholarships.net gathers scholarships, fellowships and grants for study in the U.S. — eligibility, benefits, deadlines and how to apply, all in one place. You are very welcome to take a look; it may save you some searching.
Don’t miss this deadline
Applications close on Monday, 12 October 2026. We’ll email you 7, 3 and 1 days before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Society of Fellows in the Humanities Postdoctoral Fellowship. These answers cover application materials, eligibility, deadlines, and submission procedures for applicants.
Must the Society of Fellows in the Humanities Postdoctoral Fellowship proposal outline a new project or may it be related to my dissertation?
The Society of Fellows in the Humanities Postdoctoral Fellowship proposal may outline a new project or it may be related to a dissertation. Either is acceptable.
Should the Society of Fellows in the Humanities Postdoctoral Fellowship proposal cover one or more years?
The research proposal should describe the work you plan to undertake over the term of the fellowship. Some applicants may choose to focus on a single project, while others may plan on beginning a second. Either approach is acceptable.
Should I include graphs, charts, footnotes and/or my bibliography in the word count for my writing sample?
Graphs, charts, footnotes and/or a bibliography do not factor into the word count of the writing sample, which is limited to 3,500 words.
May I submit a writing sample in a language other than English?
All application materials must be submitted in English.
May I submit a writing sample in which I am a lead or co-author?
No, the program only accepts writing samples for which the applicant is the sole author.
Does the writing sample have to be a peer reviewed published work?
No, it does not. Applicants are recommended to submit a writing sample that best illustrates the high caliber of their scholarly work and their ability to communicate across disciplines.
Is it necessary to send a transcript of graduate courses or grades?
No. Applicants should not send a transcript of graduate courses or grades.
What should I include on the syllabus?
Include a title, description of the course, and a list of required texts and the order or groupings by topic in which they will be read. Consider describing course objectives, assignments, and policies to convey your pedagogical goals, adhering strictly to the two-page requirement.
May I submit my application or portions thereof after the 12 October 2026 deadline?
No. The Society will not review any application materials submitted after 12 October 2026. The application site will not accept applications after 1:59 PM Eastern Time US & Canada on 12 October 2026.
Will the Society of Fellows contact me regarding acceptance decisions?
Invitations to interview with the Selection Committee will be issued in early January. Applicants who do not receive an invitation to interview by mid-December should assume they have not reached the interview stage. Once new Fellows have been chosen, other applicants will receive an email about acceptance decisions.
Discover more from Scholarship Union
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.