Smithsonian Institution Fellowship 2026-2027 is now open for international applications, offering an incredible opportunity for scholars and researchers to pursue independent study in the USA. The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) allows graduate students, predoctoral, postdoctoral, and senior researchers from around the world to conduct innovative research closely aligned with the Smithsonian’s vast collections, world-class facilities, and expert mentors. Managed by the Smithsonian’s Office of Academic Appointments and Internships, this prestigious fellowship provides an exceptional platform to collaborate with leading professionals in diverse academic and scientific fields.
The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship 2026-2027 offers flexible durations depending on the applicant’s academic level—ranging from ten weeks for graduate students to up to twenty-four months for senior and postdoctoral fellows. As a fully funded research opportunity, SIFP provides generous stipends and research allowances, ensuring fellows can focus entirely on their academic growth without financial burden. If you aspire to advance your research career through one of the most respected institutions in the world, this fellowship is the perfect opportunity to explore, innovate, and make an impact.
Benefits of Smithsonian Institution Fellowship 2026-2027
- Smithsonian offers paid fellowships to fellows.
- Graduate Student Fellowships offer fellows a stipend of $10,000.
- Predoctoral Fellowships will provide fellows with a stipend of $45,000 and a research allowance of $5000.
- Similarly, Postdoctoral and Senior Fellowships offer a stipend of $57,000 and up to $5000 research allowance.
- It is a fantastic opportunity to pursue a fellowship with the world’s largest museum, education and research complex.
Eligibility Criteria for Smithsonian Institution Fellowship 2026-2027
- Applicants must propose in-residence research at the Smithsonian in one of its designated research areas for three to twelve months (or ten weeks for Graduate Student Fellowships).
- Non-native English speakers must demonstrate strong written and spoken English proficiency. All materials must be submitted in English.
- Recipients should commit full-time to their proposed research and remain in residence at the Smithsonian, except for approved absences.
- All fellowship terms must commence between 1 June 2026 and 30 May 2027.
For Graduate Student Fellowships:
- Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate program at a recognized degree-granting institution.
- Fellows must remain enrolled when the appointment begins and have completed at least one full-time semester or equivalent.
For Predoctoral Fellowships:
- Applicants must be PhD candidates or equivalent enrolled at a university.
- Similarly, their university must approve dissertation research at the Smithsonian and certify completion of all doctoral requirements except the dissertation.
For Postdoctoral Fellowships:
- Applicants must have completed their doctorate degree before the fellowship start date.
For Senior Fellowships:
- Applicants must have held a PhD or equivalent for at least five years.
Requirements
- Abstract: maximum 1 page and double spaced
- Research proposal: statement of research you want to undertake during SIFP, maximum 6 pages
- Budget and justification
- CV
- Bibliography
- Transcripts: unofficial is acceptable
- References from 2 persons
How to Apply for Smithsonian Institution Fellowship 2026-2027
- Visit the official portal: https://fellowships.si.edu/SIFP
- Check your eligibility before starting the application.
- Click “Apply Now” to begin your online application.
- Carefully fill out the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship 2026-2027 form.
- Upload all required academic and supporting documents.
- Review your application before submitting.
- Submit your application before the official deadline to be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This Smithsonian fellowship invites scholars at various career stages to pursue independent research in residence at Smithsonian sites in 2026-2027. Proposals must align with institutional fields, name a host advisor, and arrive by October 15. Awards include stipend, research & relocation allowances.
What is the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship 2026-2027?
The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship (SIFP) is a residential research program for 2026-2027 allowing graduate, predoctoral, postdoctoral, or senior scholars to conduct independent research using Smithsonian collections, facilities, and staff expertise for a specific tenure period.
Who is eligible to apply for the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship 2026-2027?
Eligible applicants include graduate students (for ten-week awards), doctoral candidates (predoctoral), post-PhD scholars (postdoctoral), and experienced scholars (senior) who hold a doctorate for at least five years. Applicants may not be current Smithsonian staff or recent contractors.
What are the disciplines accepted?
Applicants must propose research in disciplines actively pursued at the Institution, including anthropology, earth sciences, history of science, art history, molecular biology, ecology, conservation, and related fields. Interdisciplinary proposals that broaden Smithsonian research are encouraged.
What is the application deadline?
Applications for the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship are due by October 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST. Decisions are typically notified in early March. Applicants should apply via the Smithsonian’s designated online academic appointment system.
What is the tenure period for the fellowship?
Fellowships for predoctoral, postdoctoral, and senior researchers can run from three to twelve months (postdocs may extend to 24 months in science). Graduate student fellowships are fixed at ten weeks. The appointment period must begin between June 1, 2026 and May 30, 2027.
What financial support is provided?
Fellows receive a stipend (pro rated if less than a year), research allowance (up to US $5,000 annually), and relocation assistance where appropriate. Graduate student fellowships do not include research allowances. All funds are taxable.
How should I write my research proposal?
Your proposal must include a clear plan, methodology, significance, and justification for conducting it at the Smithsonian. You should identify a host advisor among Smithsonian staff and explain how you will use collections, archives, or facilities in your research.
What are the evaluations based on?
Selection is based on intellectual merit, feasibility in the time requested, applicant’s ability, and how Smithsonian staff and facilities enhance the project. Commitment to diversity and the potential to advance institutional research are also considered.
What are the rights and responsibilities of fellows?
Fellows must adhere to Smithsonian policies on research ethics, intellectual property, library and collections use, and conduct standards. They must submit a final research report, acknowledge Smithsonian support in publications, and complete required training.
Can I apply for named or specialized Smithsonian fellowships through SIFP?
Yes. Applicants who specify a Smithsonian unit or advisor may be considered for specialty or named fellowships (e.g. art museum, collections conservation) automatically if their proposal aligns with those unit priorities under the SIFP umbrella.
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