Princeton University’s Fung Global Fellows Program 2027–2028 invites early-career scholars worldwide to research democracy and democratic resilience. Apply by 16 November 2026.
Background & Fellowship Description
Princeton University is inviting applications for the 2027–2028 Fung Global Fellows Program at the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS). The programme brings together early-career scholars from around the world for a 10-month, in-person research fellowship at Princeton, New Jersey, United States.
The theme for the 2027–2028 academic year is “Democracy in Crisis?” The programme will explore challenges facing democratic governance, including political polarisation, populism, declining trust in institutions, disinformation and democratic backsliding. It will also examine the factors that help democratic systems remain resilient and recover from crises.
Successful applicants will be appointed as Visiting Research Scholars and participate in research and intellectual discussions with an interdisciplinary cohort of scholars.
Applications close on 16 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Late submissions will not be accepted.
Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Institution | Princeton University |
| Programme | Fung Global Fellows Program |
| Host institute | Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS) |
| Academic year | 2027–2028 |
| Fellowship duration | 10 months |
| Location | Princeton, New Jersey, United States |
| Research theme | Democracy in Crisis? |
| Appointment | Visiting Research Scholar |
| Target applicants | Early-career scholars employed outside the United States |
| Funding amount | Not specified in the supplied announcement |
| Application deadline | 16 November 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST |
| Official programme page | Fung Global Fellows Program |
Research Focus and Fellowship Benefits
The 2027–2028 programme invites research proposals examining challenges to democratic governance and the sources of democratic resilience. Applicants may focus on any region of the world and draw on contemporary or historical perspectives.
Potential research areas include:
- Democratic institutions and governance: The erosion of democratic norms, institutional weaknesses and democratic backsliding.
- Populism and political polarisation: The causes and dynamics of populist movements and divisions within societies.
- Media, technology and disinformation: How information systems and digital technologies influence political life.
- Economic inequality and democracy: The relationship between inequality and public confidence in democratic institutions.
- Civil society and democratic resilience: How citizens, institutions and civic organisations defend or renew democratic practices.
- Democratic theory and political traditions: The meaning of democracy, whom it serves and how it has been understood across different political and cultural contexts.
The programme welcomes scholars across the humanities and social sciences. Its interdisciplinary approach aims to encourage comparative research, intellectual exchange and collaboration among scholars studying democracy from different perspectives.
Fellows will spend the academic year in residence at Princeton and contribute to the programme’s research discussions and intellectual community.
Qualifications and Eligibility
The programme is intended for early-career scholars who demonstrate outstanding scholarly achievement and strong intellectual potential.
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following stated conditions:
- Have received a PhD or equivalent degree, generally after 1 September 2017.
- Hold a faculty appointment or professional research appointment.
- Be employed outside the United States.
- Be able to spend the academic year in residence at Princeton University.
- Have a strong scholarly record and propose a research project relevant to the theme “Democracy in Crisis?”
- Be prepared to return to their current professional position at the conclusion of the fellowship.
Important eligibility restriction: Candidates currently enrolled in a PhD programme and individuals employed as postdoctoral researchers are not eligible to apply, according to the programme announcement.
The fellowship is intended for scholars who already hold qualifying academic or professional research appointments, rather than current doctoral candidates or postdoctoral researchers.
Additional Information
Application Deadline
The deadline for the 2027–2028 Fung Global Fellows Program is 16 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST. The online application portal will close at the deadline, and late submissions are not permitted.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit all materials in English through the online application system:
- Cover letter: Maximum 1.5 pages.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including publications.
- Research proposal: Maximum three single-spaced pages.
- Writing sample: One article or book chapter, maximum 50 pages.
- Three referees: Provide the names and email addresses of three referees. The online system will invite them to submit recommendation letters, which must be received before the application deadline.
Applicants should allow sufficient time for referees to submit their letters. An otherwise complete application may not meet the stated requirements if the reference letters are missing at the deadline.
Successful candidates who receive an offer must also provide an official letter from their current employer confirming that they are permitted to accept the fellowship and spend the academic year at Princeton.
How to Apply
Visit the official Fung Global Fellows Program application page, review the eligibility requirements and complete the online application before the deadline.
The fellowship requires in-person residence at Princeton University. The programme announcement also states that these positions are not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship requiring consular processing; other visa sponsorships may be available where appropriate.
The announcement does not specify a fellowship stipend or total funding amount, so applicants should consult the programme’s official information for further details.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Fung Global Fellows Program?
It is a research fellowship hosted by Princeton University’s Institute for International and Regional Studies. It brings early-career scholars together for an academic year of research and discussion around a shared theme.
2. What is the theme for 2027–2028?
The theme is “Democracy in Crisis?”, focusing on threats to democratic governance and the factors that support democratic resilience.
3. How long does the fellowship last?
The fellowship lasts 10 months during the 2027–2028 academic year.
4. Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent, generally awarded after 1 September 2017, have a faculty or professional research appointment, and be employed outside the United States. They must also meet the programme’s scholarly and research requirements.
5. Can current PhD students apply?
No. The announcement states that candidates currently enrolled in a PhD programme are not eligible.
6. Can postdoctoral researchers apply?
No. Individuals employed as postdoctoral researchers are specifically excluded under the published eligibility criteria.
7. What documents are required?
Applicants must submit a cover letter, CV including publications, research proposal, writing sample and the contact details of three referees who must submit recommendation letters by the deadline.
8. What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 16 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Late submissions are not accepted.
9. Is the fellowship fully funded?
The supplied programme announcement does not state the funding amount or confirm the complete financial package. Applicants should check the official programme information for funding details.
10. Where will fellows work?
Fellows will be based in person at Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey, United States.
11. How can I apply?
Visit the official Princeton Fung Global Fellows Program page to access the application information and online submission process.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The Princeton Fung Global Fellows Program 2027–2028 may be suitable for established early-career scholars researching political institutions, governance, democratic theory, political communication or related subjects in the humanities and social sciences.
The programme offers an opportunity to conduct research in residence at Princeton and engage with an interdisciplinary international cohort. Applicants should pay particular attention to the employment requirements, exclusions for current PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, and the requirement for all reference letters to arrive before the deadline.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares academic and research opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with Princeton University and does not select fellows on the university’s behalf. Applicants should verify eligibility, funding and application requirements through the official programme website.
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