Researchers and policy experts interested in international security, defence studies, and global affairs can explore the NATO Defence College (NDC) Resident Fellowship Programme, which provides opportunities for scholars to contribute research while gaining deeper insight into NATO’s policy priorities.
The fellowship programme is designed for both junior and senior researchers from NATO member and partner countries who want to develop research on topics connected to international security and NATO’s strategic agenda.
About the NATO Defense College Resident Fellowship Programme
The NATO Defense College Research Division offers fellowship opportunities each year to support fresh academic perspectives and innovative research.
The programme aims to strengthen NATO’s ability to address complex security challenges by connecting researchers with experts, policymakers, and an international network of previous fellows.
Each year, the programme offers eight research fellowships for eligible scholars and analysts.
Selected fellows gain:
- Access to NATO-focused research environments
- Opportunities to contribute to security discussions
- Exposure to NATO decision-making perspectives
- Connections with an international alumni network of researchers
Fellowship Responsibilities
During the fellowship period, participants are expected to:
- Write a research essay for potential publication by the College
- Present their research project to the NATO Defense College
- Support mentoring activities during the College’s Senior Course
- Align their work with the College’s broader research agenda
Fellowship Categories
Eisenhower Defense Fellowships
The Eisenhower Defense Fellowships are available for researchers and analysts who hold nationality from NATO Allied countries.
The programme includes opportunities for:
Senior Scholars
Senior scholars must have:
- A PhD in a relevant discipline
- At least four years of professional experience after completing their doctorate
- A strong publication record related to international security
The fellowship duration is five months.
Junior Scholars
Junior scholars must have:
- A PhD in a relevant field
- Research publications related to international security
The fellowship provides an opportunity for early-career researchers to deepen their work.
PhD Candidates
The programme also supports PhD candidates who:
- Are enrolled in doctoral programmes
- Have thesis research directly connected to NATO policy
- Are in the final stage of their research
- Can demonstrate advanced progress
Partnership for Peace Fellowships
The Partnership for Peace (PfP) Fellowships support researchers and academics from eligible PfP countries.
Countries included:
- Armenia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Georgia
- Ireland
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyz Republic
- Malta
- Moldova
- Serbia
- Switzerland
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Ukraine
- Uzbekistan
Two five-month fellowships are offered annually in this category.
Mediterranean Dialogue Fellowships
The Mediterranean Dialogue Fellowships support researchers and analysts from Mediterranean Dialogue countries.
Eligible countries include:
- Algeria
- Egypt
- Israel
- Jordan
- Mauritania
- Morocco
- Tunisia
Two five-month fellowships are offered each year.
Other Military Cooperation and Partners Across the Globe Fellowship
This fellowship supports researchers from selected partner countries outside NATO’s main partnership frameworks.
Eligible countries include:
- Australia
- Colombia
- Iraq
- Japan
- Pakistan
- Republic of Korea
- New Zealand
- Mongolia
One five-month fellowship is available annually in this category.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Online registration form
- Signed copy of the fellowship terms and conditions
- Short CV
- Proof of citizenship through passport or national identification document
Applications must be submitted as instructed by the NATO Defense College Research Division.
Research proposals must be related to NATO topics, and incomplete applications will not be considered.
Who Should Apply?
The NATO Defense College Fellowship Programme is suitable for:
- Security researchers
- Defence analysts
- International relations scholars
- Policy researchers
- PhD candidates in security-related fields
- Academics studying NATO and global security issues
Why This Fellowship Matters
The programme provides researchers with a platform to contribute ideas on some of the world’s most important security challenges.
Fellows gain experience in:
- Strategic research
- International security analysis
- Policy discussions
- Academic collaboration
- Global professional networking
Final Thoughts
The NATO Defense College Resident Fellowship Programme offers a valuable opportunity for researchers seeking to contribute to international security discussions while engaging with NATO’s research community.
For scholars, analysts, and doctoral researchers focused on defence, security policy, and international relations, the fellowship provides an environment to develop research, share expertise, and build connections with a global network of security professionals.
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