International Affairs Fellowships

Launched in 1967, the International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) Program seeks to bridge the gap between analysis and action in foreign policy by inviting individuals from the academic, business, government, media, and religious communities to engage in a variety of policy studies and actively participate in policymaking. The distinctive character of the program lies in the contrasting experiences it provides at the juncture of policy research and policy formulation. Academic and other professionals from the private sector spend fellowship tenures in public service or in a policymaking setting, while government officials have the opportunity to study foreign policy issues in a scholarly atmosphere free from operational pressure.

CFR awards approximately ten fellowships annually to individuals with outstanding project proposals. In addition to providing fellows the opportunity to carry out research, the program integrates fellows in New York or Washington, DC, into the intellectual life of CFR. Fellows who are not in residence at CFR during their fellowship tenures will be invited to attend and participate in select CFR meetings and events. Generally fellows are placed at institutions in New York and Washington, DC.

The program is only open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents between the ages of twenty-seven and thirty-five who are eligible to work in the United States. CFR does not sponsor for visas. While a PhD is not a requirement, successful candidates generally hold advanced degrees and possess a strong record of work experience and firm grounding in the field of foreign policy. The program does not fund pre- or postdoctoral research, work toward a degree, or the completion of projects for which substantial progress has been made prior to the fellowship period.

Applications are primarily by invitation, on the recommendation of individuals in academic, government, and other institutions. Others who inquire directly and meet preliminary requirements may also be considered. Application materials will be forwarded to those invited to apply.

Nominations are commonly due in September. Visit funder website for more information.