Kellogg Institute Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships 2027-2028

The Kellogg Institute Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships 2027-2028 at the University of Notre Dame offer newly minted PhDs the opportunity to conduct research on global democracy in the United States. The fellowship provides a $75,000 annual stipend, up to $2,000 in approved relocation expenses, research support, medical insurance and academic-year appointments of up to two years.

The Kellogg Institute Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships 2027-2028 provide an opportunity for newly minted PhDs to advance research on global democracy at the Kellogg Institute for International Studies at the University of Notre Dame.

The fellowship brings postdoctoral researchers into the Institute’s Visiting Fellows community, where they receive dedicated time and resources to develop their research agendas while engaging with faculty, scholars and practitioners from the United States and other countries.

The programme offers a competitive compensation package that includes a $75,000 annual stipend, up to $2,000 in approved relocation expenses, research support and comprehensive medical insurance benefits.

Academic-year appointments can last for up to two years, depending on the fellow’s interest and satisfactory performance.

Applications for the 2027-28 academic year are open from August 1, 2026, through October 1, 2026.

Background & Fellowship Description

The Kellogg Institute Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship is designed for researchers whose work addresses themes related to global democracy.

The fellowship provides scholars with time and resources to pursue their own research while becoming part of the Institute’s wider intellectual community.

The programme is particularly suited to researchers who have recently completed their doctoral degrees and want to develop their scholarship in an international academic environment.

The Institute states that the most competitive applicants will generally hold a PhD or equivalent degree in a social science discipline. In exceptional circumstances, applications from scholars with doctoral degrees in other disciplines may also be considered.

Applicants can come from any country, subject to the programme’s eligibility and immigration requirements.

Fellowship Benefits

The Kellogg Institute provides a range of financial, research and professional benefits.

$75,000 Annual Stipend

Selected Postdoctoral Visiting Fellows receive an annual stipend of $75,000.

This forms the main financial component of the fellowship’s compensation package.

Relocation Support

The fellowship provides up to $2,000 in approved relocation expenses.

This support can help eligible fellows with costs associated with relocating to the United States for the fellowship.

Research Support

Fellows receive generous research support to help advance their scholarly work during their time at the Institute.

The supplied programme information does not specify a fixed dollar amount for the research funds.

Medical Insurance

The fellowship includes comprehensive medical insurance benefits.

This provides an additional component of support for fellows during their appointment.

Up to Two Years

Academic-year appointments are available for up to two years, depending on the fellow’s interest and satisfactory performance.

The Institute’s FAQ information also notes that furnished on-campus housing may be available during the first year, subject to availability. If a second year is approved, fellows are expected to find off-campus housing.

Who Is Eligible?

The fellowship is intended for researchers who meet specific doctoral and research requirements.

Applicants:

May come from any country.
Must have earned a PhD no more than three years before the start of the fellowship.
Should conduct international research on themes related to global democracy.
Are generally expected to hold a PhD or equivalent degree in a social science discipline.
May be considered from other disciplines in exceptional cases.

There is an important restriction: graduates of University of Notre Dame PhD programmes are not eligible to apply.

Applicants should carefully review their doctoral completion date to ensure that it falls within the Institute’s three-year eligibility window.

Research Focus

The central research focus of the fellowship is global democracy.

Applicants should demonstrate that their research engages with international questions and themes connected to democracy.

The Institute welcomes scholars working on relevant research from different countries and academic backgrounds, while noting that social science researchers are generally the strongest fit.

A well-developed research agenda is therefore an important part of the application.

Requirements for International Applicants

The fellowship is open internationally, but non-US citizens and residents should pay particular attention to additional requirements.

English Language

Advanced English language proficiency is required.

Applicants should be capable of participating effectively in the Institute’s academic activities, presenting research and engaging with scholars and practitioners.

J-1 Visa

Foreign nationals must have a valid passport and obtain a J-1 visa for the fellowship.

Applicants should consider immigration requirements when planning their fellowship participation.

The Institute also highlights a specific US immigration restriction involving previous stays in the J-1 Professor or Research Scholar category. Applicants with relevant previous J-1 experience should review these requirements carefully before applying.

Fellowship Expectations

Postdoctoral Visiting Fellows are expected to become active members of the Kellogg Institute’s scholarly community.

Residency

Fellows are expected to be in residence at Kellogg during their fellowship.

Absences of more than a few days are discouraged and require permission from the Institute’s Director.

Research Presentation

Fellows must give at least one presentation of their current research during their fellowship.

This provides an opportunity to share their work with the Institute’s academic community.

Participation

Visiting Fellows are expected to participate actively in Institute activities.

This includes attending the weekly:

Seminar series.
Lecture series.
Kellogg events.

Participation is an important part of the fellowship experience.

Publication

Fellows are expected to publish research results produced or completed during their stay.

Publications resulting from the supported work should include an acknowledgment of Kellogg Institute support.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit their fellowship application through the Institute’s online Interfolio system.

A complete application includes the Visiting Fellowship Application Form and Institutional Required Information Form (IRIF), together with the required supporting documents.

Cover Letter

Applicants must submit a cover letter explaining their interest in the fellowship.

The letter should also specify the applicant’s preferred term of stay.

Curriculum Vitae

Applicants must provide a current CV outlining their academic background, research experience, publications and other relevant achievements.

Research Project Statement

A research project statement of 6–10 double-spaced pages is required.

This is a central component of the application and should clearly present the proposed research agenda.

Project Abstract

Applicants must provide a project abstract of no more than 150 words.

The abstract should concisely communicate the proposed research.

Short Biography

Applicants must also submit a 200–300 word short biography.

Writing Sample

A writing sample is required.

The Institute indicates that this can be:

A dissertation chapter; or
An unpublished or forthcoming article.

The writing sample may not exceed 30 pages, excluding endnotes, bibliography and illustrations.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must provide three confidential letters of recommendation.

For the 2027-28 competition, the Institute states that recommendation letters must be received through Interfolio no later than October 7, 2026.

Applicants should therefore contact their referees well before the deadline.

Application Timeline

Application Detail	Information
Fellowship	Kellogg Institute Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship
Academic year	2027-2028
Applications open	August 1, 2026
Application deadline	October 1, 2026
Recommendation letter deadline	October 7, 2026
Annual stipend	$75,000
Relocation support	Up to $2,000
Appointment	Academic year
Maximum duration	Up to 2 years
Research focus	Global democracy
Study/research location	University of Notre Dame, USA
Application platform	Interfolio

Applicants should note that the application deadline and recommendation-letter deadline are different. The application must be submitted by October 1, while recommendation letters must arrive by October 7.

Housing and Living Arrangements

The Kellogg Institute offers visiting fellows the possibility of leasing a furnished on-campus apartment, subject to availability.

The housing option is available for the duration of the fellow’s first-year appointment.

If a fellow receives approval for a second year, the Institute states that the fellow must find off-campus housing for that second year.

Applicants should therefore consider accommodation arrangements when planning for a longer fellowship period.

Why Consider the Kellogg Institute Fellowship?

The fellowship offers more than financial support.

Selected researchers become part of an academic community focused on international research and global democracy.

The opportunity can allow postdoctoral scholars to:

Develop their independent research agenda.
Engage with distinguished faculty.
Interact with international scholars.
Connect with practitioners.
Present their research.
Participate in seminars and lectures.
Develop publications.
Build international academic networks.
Access research support.

The combination of dedicated research time and participation in a scholarly community can be particularly useful for researchers at the early postdoctoral stage.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should prepare their materials well before the deadline.

The application process involves submitting the required forms and supporting documents through Interfolio.

Candidates should first confirm that they meet the doctoral eligibility requirement and that their research fits the Institute’s focus on global democracy.

They should then prepare their:

Cover letter.
CV.
Research project statement.
Project abstract.
Short biography.
Writing sample.
Three confidential recommendation letters.

Applications for the 2027-28 competition are open from August 1, 2026, to October 1, 2026.

Recommendation letters must be received by October 7, 2026.

Official Application Information

Applicants should consult the official Kellogg Institute for International Studies website for the latest fellowship information and application instructions.

The programme information is available through the Kellogg Institute for International Studies at the University of Notre Dame.

For programme-related questions, the Institute lists Lupe Ramírez as the contact person.

Email: gramirez@nd.edu

Applicants should rely on the official Institute information for the most current requirements, application instructions and fellowship conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kellogg Institute Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship?

It is a postdoctoral fellowship for newly minted PhDs conducting international research on themes related to global democracy.

How much is the Kellogg Institute fellowship stipend?

The fellowship provides an annual stipend of $75,000.

Does the fellowship provide relocation support?

Yes. Fellows can receive up to $2,000 in approved relocation expenses.

Does the fellowship include medical insurance?

Yes. The compensation package includes comprehensive medical insurance benefits.

How long is the fellowship?

Academic-year appointments can be available for up to two years, depending on the fellow’s interest and satisfactory performance.

Who can apply?

Applicants from any country can apply if they conduct relevant research and earned their PhD no more than three years before the start of the fellowship.

Are Notre Dame PhD graduates eligible?

No. Graduates of University of Notre Dame PhD programmes are not eligible to apply.

What research areas are eligible?

The fellowship focuses on international research related to global democracy.

Do applicants need a social science PhD?

The Institute states that the most competitive applicants will hold a PhD or equivalent degree in a social science discipline. Applicants from other disciplines may be considered in exceptional cases.

Is English proficiency required?

Yes. Advanced English language proficiency is required for non-US citizens and residents.

Do international fellows need a visa?

Foreign nationals must have a valid passport and obtain a J-1 visa.

What is the application deadline?

Applications for the 2027-28 competition must be submitted by October 1, 2026.

When are recommendation letters due?

Three confidential recommendation letters must be received through Interfolio by October 7, 2026.

Where do fellows live?

The Institute may offer a furnished on-campus apartment for the first year, subject to availability. Fellows approved for a second year must find off-campus housing.

Final Thoughts

The Kellogg Institute Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships 2027-2028 represent a strong opportunity for recently graduated PhD researchers whose work focuses on global democracy.

The fellowship combines a $75,000 annual stipend, relocation assistance, research support and comprehensive medical insurance with the opportunity to spend dedicated time developing an independent research agenda at the University of Notre Dame.

The programme is international in scope and welcomes applicants from different countries. However, candidates should pay close attention to the eligibility requirement that their PhD must have been earned no more than three years before the start of the fellowship. Notre Dame PhD graduates are also specifically excluded.

Applicants should begin preparing early because the application deadline is October 1, 2026, while the three confidential recommendation letters must reach the Interfolio system by October 7, 2026.

The fellowship is particularly relevant to scholars seeking to strengthen their postdoctoral research, publications and international academic networks while contributing to a scholarly community focused on democracy and international affairs.

Editorial Disclaimer: This article is independently published for informational purposes and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies or the University of Notre Dame. Applicants should consult the official fellowship information for the latest eligibility requirements, application instructions, immigration conditions and funding details.

SEO Keywords

Kellogg Institute Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships 2027-2028, Kellogg Institute Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027, Kellogg Institute Fellowship 2027, Notre Dame Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027, University of Notre Dame Postdoctoral Fellowship, postdoctoral fellowships USA 2027, fully funded postdoctoral fellowships USA, postdoctoral research fellowship USA, global democracy fellowship 2027, democracy research fellowship, international postdoctoral fellowships 2027, postdoctoral fellowships for international students, postdoc opportunities USA 2027, $75,000 postdoctoral fellowship, Kellogg Institute fellowship stipend, Notre Dame postdoctoral visiting fellowship, postdoctoral fellowship in social sciences, international research fellowship USA, postdoctoral fellowship for recent PhD graduates, postdoctoral fellowships for international researchers, democracy studies fellowship, political science postdoctoral fellowship 2027, international affairs postdoctoral fellowship, social science postdoctoral fellowships USA, postdoctoral research opportunities 2027, US postdoctoral fellowships for international scholars, visiting scholar fellowship USA, global democracy research opportunities, postdoctoral fellowship deadline 2026, Kellogg Institute application 2027, Notre Dame fellowship opportunities, postdoctoral fellowships with stipend, research fellowships in USA 2027.

APPLY NOW