Good news! The Reagan Fascell Democracy Fellowship is now open. This article provides detailed information about the fellowship, its benefits, and the step-by-step application process.
The Reagan Fascell Democracy Fellowship 2025-2026 is a fully funded scholarship for international students, specifically for postdoctoral studies. Fellowship payments are designed to cover the cost of a short-term, furnished rental apartment, as well as living expenses for food, local transportation, and other necessities.
This program is a federally funded international exchange initiative that offers democracy activists, journalists, civil society leaders, and scholars from around the world the chance to spend five months at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in Washington, D.C. During this time, fellows can conduct independent research on democracy in a specific country or region.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Postdoctoral / Non-degree
- Institution(s): National Endowment for Democracy
- Study in: USA
- Opportunity Focus Area(s): Democratic Studies
- Program Period: 5 months
- Deadline:
- Application Deadline: November 8, 2024
- Letters of Recommendation Deadline: November 15, 2024
Scholarship Coverage
The Reagan Fascell Democracy Fellowship provides the following benefits to recipients:
- Fellowship payments cover the cost of a short-term, furnished rental apartment, as well as living expenses for food, local transportation, and other necessities.
- Each fellow receives a monthly stipend for living expenses, basic health insurance, and round-trip travel to and from Washington, D.C. at the start and end of the fellowship.
- Fellows are provided with a fully equipped office, along with a limited budget for long-distance phone calls and professional travel within the United States.
Note: Fellows who wish to bring family members to Washington, D.C., will be responsible for covering their dependents’ round-trip travel and stay within the United States.
Eligibility Criteria for Reagan Fascell Democracy Fellowship
To be eligible for the Reagan Fascell Democracy Fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Required Language: Demonstrate proficiency in the English language.
- Eligible Countries: Open to applicants from all countries worldwide.
- Project Proposal: Propose a project focusing on the political, social, economic, legal, or cultural aspects of democratic development.
- Residency Requirement: Be available to work in residence at the International Forum for Democratic Studies in Washington, D.C. during the 5-month fellowship period, either from October 1 to February 28 or March 1 to July 31. No other fellowships or jobs may be held during this period.
For Practitioners:
- Have substantial practical experience promoting democracy or human rights in your country of origin or interest.
- Be mid-career professionals.
For Scholars:
- Possess a doctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent) at the time of application.
- Have a proven record of publications in your field.
- Have developed a detailed research outline for your fellowship project.
Visa Requirements:
- Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must obtain a J-1 exchange visitor visa prior to arrival in the U.S.
- Accompanying family members must obtain a J-2 visa.
- Fellowship applicants cannot have participated in a J-1 research scholar program within the 24 months immediately before the Reagan-Fascell fellowship.
Home Country Return Requirement:
- Fellows sponsored on a J-1 visa are typically required by U.S. law to return to their home country for two years after completing their fellowship before applying for an H visa, L visa, or legal permanent residence.
How to Apply for Reagan Fascell Democracy Fellowship?
Please follow the following steps to avail Reagan Fascell Democracy Fellowship:
- In order to apply for the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship you must first create an account through the online portal. Once you have set up an account, the application process requires you to submit:
- Applicant information.
- Project proposal for the practitioner or the scholarly fellowship track.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Resume/CV and Biography.
- Please submit all application materials in English.
To know more about Reagan Fascell Democracy Fellowship, please visit the official website: