Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) in USA

Applications are now open for the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program, a prestigious in-residence research opportunity for graduate students, predoctoral researchers, postdoctoral scholars, and senior academics. This fully-funded fellowship is designed to support independent research and study in diverse fields including anthropology, biology, earth sciences, history, folklife, and more.

The fellowship welcomes applications from researchers worldwide, with no application fees required. Whether you’re pursuing a Master’s degree, conducting doctoral dissertation research, or are an established researcher, there’s a fellowship category tailored to your career stage. The application deadline is October 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET, making this an excellent opportunity for those planning research in 2027–2028. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here

Research Fields:

The program encourages applications in the following fields, with particular interest in interdisciplinary research:

• Animal behavior, ecology, and environmental science (including tropical emphasis)
• Anthropology (archaeology, cultural anthropology, linguistics, physical anthropology)
• Astrophysics and astronomy
• Earth sciences and paleobiology
• Evolutionary and systematic biology
• Folklife
• History of science and technology
• History of art (American, contemporary, African, Asian, twentieth-century American crafts, decorative arts)
• Materials research
• Molecular biology
• Social and cultural history of the United States

Fellowship Types & Eligibility:

Ten-Week Graduate Student Fellowships

• For graduate students conducting independent research (typically before advancement to candidacy in Ph.D. programs)
• Master’s students are eligible
• Must be formally enrolled in a graduate program at a degree-granting institution
• Must have completed at least one full-time semester or equivalent by application submission
• Must remain enrolled through the start of the fellowship
• Duration: 10 weeks

Predoctoral Fellowships

• For doctoral candidates conducting dissertation research
• Must be enrolled as a Ph.D. or equivalent candidate
• University must approve dissertation research at the Smithsonian Institution by fellowship start
• University must certify all doctoral requirements (except dissertation) have been met
• Candidate must pass a proposal defense before the fellowship start date
• Duration: 3 to 12 months

Postdoctoral Fellowships

• For scholars up to 5 years beyond the Ph.D.
• Predoctoral students may apply if they will qualify by the start date
• Duration: 3 to 12 months (Science postdoctoral applicants may apply for up to 24 months)

Senior Fellowships

• For applicants who have held a Ph.D. or equivalent for at least 5 years
• Applicants must have received their Ph.D. or equivalent before October 15, 2021
• Those taking a leave of absence from research may apply and should provide justification in the application
• Duration: 3 to 12 months

General Qualifications

• Former Smithsonian employees or contractors must have one year of separation before applying
• Non-native English speakers must demonstrate fluency in written and spoken English
• All application materials must be in English (foreign transcripts must be translated)
• Past or current fellowship recipients may apply for another award
• No current Smithsonian employee or contractor may hold a fellowship during employment without prior approval from the Office of Academic Appointments and Internships

Selection Criteria:

Applications are reviewed by scholars in appropriate fields based on:

• Merit of the proposed research
• Applicant’s ability to carry out the proposed research and study
• Likelihood the research can be completed in the requested timeframe
• Extent to which the Smithsonian’s staff and resources can contribute to the fellow’s research and professional goals

Stipends & Research Allowance:

Ten-Week Graduate Student Fellowships

• Annual Stipend: $10,000
• Research Allowance: N/A

Predoctoral Fellowships

• Annual Stipend: $45,000
• Research Allowance: up to $5,000

Postdoctoral Fellowships

• Annual Stipend: $60,000
• Research Allowance: up to $5,000

Senior Fellowships

• Annual Stipend: $60,000
• Research Allowance: up to $5,000

Earth & Planetary Sciences (Senior & Postdoctoral)

• Annual Stipend: $65,000
• Research Allowance: up to $5,000

How to Apply:

• Step 1: Identify Your Fellowship Category
• Step 2: Find Your Advisor
• Step 3: Prepare Your Research Proposal
• Step 4: Gather Required Documents
• Step 5: Submit Your Application