Mellon Fellowship of Scholars at Stanford University (2027-2028)

Applications are now open for the Mellon Fellowship of Scholars in the Humanities 2027 to 2028 at Stanford University, USA. This is a paid postdoctoral fellowship for recent PhD holders in the humanities, and it is fully funded. Fellows receive a stipend of $98,000 per year, a full employee benefits package, a $6,000 yearly research account, and a $9,000 payment for moving and equipment costs.

Up to four fellows will be selected for a two year term, with a possible third year extension. For fellowships starting in fall 2027, applications are accepted in four fields: German Studies, Iberian and Latin American Cultures, Music, and Philosophy. The deadline is 11:59 PM Pacific time on October 15, 2026. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Host University: Stanford University
• Host Country: United States of America
• Degree Level: Postdoctoral fellowship
• Funding Type: Fully funded, paid fellowship
• Duration: Two years, with a possible third year extension
• Open to All Nationalities: Yes
• Application Deadline: 11:59 PM Pacific time, October 15, 2026

What This Scholarship Offers:

• A salary of $98,000 per year, so you can focus on your research and teaching without money worries.
• A full package of employee benefits, giving you the same support as a regular Stanford employee.
• A research account of $6,000 per year, which you can spend on research related costs such as books, travel, and materials.
• A $9,000 payment for moving and equipment, which makes settling in at Stanford much easier
• Affiliation with the Stanford Humanities Center, which gives you access to its programs and workshops and a wider network of humanities scholars.
• Weekly cohort meetings, where you share your current work, get feedback from fellow scholars, and meet invited guests.
• Time for your own research, because the quarter system means you have at least one term each year without teaching.
• A chance to extend, as the fellowship may continue for a third year.

Also Check: EIP Fellowship Programme 2027 for Master’s, PhD students & Senior professors

Eligibility Criteria:

• You received a qualified PhD between July 31, 2023 and July 31, 2027. The period was extended from three to four years after the PhD because of the COVID shutdown.
• You do not hold a PhD from Stanford University.
• Your work is relevant to teaching and research in one of the four open fields.
• You are a doctoral student, or you currently work as an assistant professor, lecturer, or postdoctoral scholar elsewhere, provided your degree falls within the time frame above.
• You can be physically present on the Stanford campus by the September 1 hire date.

Good to know:

• People who have already held a position similar to the Mellon Fellowship are generally less likely to be competitive.
• Doctorates in Arts (DA) and other doctoral equivalents may apply, but they are unlikely to be selected.

Also Check: Fulbright Scholar Program 2027

Fellowship Requirements:

• Teach two courses in each year of the program.
• Stay in residence at Stanford for the full academic year, from mid September to mid June.
• Hold office hours and take part in campus academic life, even in quarters when you are not teaching.
• Attend weekly Mellon cohort meetings and give feedback on other fellows’ work.

Courses are offered through standing Stanford departments, so it helps to study recent course listings and department curricula before you apply.

Also Check: Fulbright Scholar Program 2027

Documents Required:

Prepare these materials before you start your application:

• Contact and biographical information
• A cover letter of about one to two pages, single spaced, describing your research and your teaching experience, perspectives, and interests. Write it for an interdisciplinary search committee.
• Your curriculum vitae
• A dissertation abstract of one to three pages, single spaced
• A written work sample, article length, no longer than 40 pages double spaced
• Two letters of recommendation

Tips for Recommenders:

• Recommenders are encouraged to upload their letters through the online application system.
• Letters can also be emailed to [email protected].
• Letters are due by the application deadline. Late letters may not be considered.

Important Notes:

• Stanford discourages additional materials and cannot return them.
• You will be notified when your application is received, and the final results will be announced in spring.
• Individual feedback on applications is not available because of the high volume of applicants.
• If you accept another position or postdoctoral fellowship, withdraw your application by emailing [email protected].

Also Check: Stanford University Pre-doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships

How to Apply:

1. Open the online application system and create your account.
2. Enter the contact details of your two recommenders first. The system sends them instructions automatically, so this gives them enough time to write their letters.
3. Fill in your contact and biographical information.
4. Upload your cover letter, CV, dissertation abstract, and writing sample.
5. Follow up with your recommenders and ask them to check their spam folders, as automated emails sometimes land there.
6. Submit your application before 11:59 PM Pacific time on October 15, 2026.

Also Check: Stanford University Pre-doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships