Princeton Fung Global Fellows Program 2027–2028 | International Research Fellowship

Applications are now open for the Princeton Fung Global Fellows Program 2027–2028, an international research fellowship that brings outstanding scholars from around the world to Princeton University for an academic year of research, writing, intellectual exchange and collaboration.

Hosted by the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS), the Fung Global Fellows Program connects early-career research scholars and postdoctoral researchers with Princeton faculty around a shared annual research theme.

For the 2027–2028 academic year, the research theme is “Democracy in Crisis?” The programme provides an opportunity for international scholars to spend a year at Princeton engaging with researchers working on related global questions.

Applicants interested in Princeton fellowships, international research fellowships, postdoctoral fellowships in the USA, visiting scholar opportunities and funded research opportunities at Princeton University should explore the 2027–2028 call.

Background & Fellowship Description

The Fung Global Fellows Program was established as an international scholarly initiative within Princeton University’s Institute for International and Regional Studies.

Its central purpose is to bring exceptional international scholars to Princeton for a shared year devoted to research, writing and collaboration.

Unlike a conventional degree scholarship, the Fung Global Fellows Program is designed for researchers and scholars. Participants become part of an interdisciplinary intellectual community that includes other Fung Fellows, postdoctoral research associates and Princeton faculty.

The programme emphasizes international academic exchange and research that crosses geographical and disciplinary boundaries.

Each year, the fellowship is organized around a common research topic. Fellows pursue their own projects while participating in a broader scholarly conversation connected to that year’s theme.

Princeton Fung Global Fellows Program 2027–2028 Research Theme

The announced theme for the 2027–2028 Fung Global Fellows Program is “Democracy in Crisis?”

This theme creates space for researchers to investigate questions surrounding democracy from international, regional, comparative and interdisciplinary perspectives.

Candidates considering an application should ensure that their proposed research has a clear and meaningful relationship with the annual theme.

The thematic model is an important feature of the programme because the selected fellows are expected to form a research community rather than simply undertake independent projects in isolation.

For comparison, the programme’s 2026–2027 theme is “The Politics of the Archive,” focusing on the international inheritance of libraries, museums and archives. The shift to “Democracy in Crisis?” demonstrates the programme’s practice of selecting a different global research question for each academic year.

What Does the Fung Global Fellows Program Offer?

The fellowship provides selected scholars with an opportunity to spend an academic year within the Princeton research environment.

The programme is centered around several major activities:

Conducting independent academic research connected with the annual theme
Developing scholarly writing and publications
Collaborating with other international fellows
Engaging with Princeton University faculty
Participating in intellectual discussions and programme activities
Building international academic and professional networks
Exchanging research ideas across disciplines and regions

The programme states that it brings together six exceptional scholars from around the world to explore a common topic.

This relatively small cohort provides an environment designed for sustained scholarly interaction and collaboration.

Who Should Consider the Princeton Fung Global Fellowship?

The programme is particularly relevant to international researchers and scholars whose academic work aligns with the annual research theme.

The Fung Global Fellows Program brings together early-career research scholars, postdoctoral research associates and Princeton faculty.

Therefore, prospective candidates should view this primarily as an international research fellowship, rather than a Master’s or PhD scholarship.

Researchers working on issues connected to democracy, political institutions, governance, social change, international affairs, political participation and related areas may find the 2027–2028 “Democracy in Crisis?” theme especially relevant.

However, applicants should consult the official 2027–2028 application requirements before determining whether their discipline, career stage and proposed project satisfy the programme’s specific eligibility rules.

International Applicants

One of the defining characteristics of the Fung Global Fellows Program is its international orientation.

The programme describes its mission as bringing exceptional international scholars to Princeton for a shared year of research and collaboration.

Its community combines scholars from different countries and academic backgrounds, creating opportunities for researchers to exchange perspectives that extend beyond individual national or disciplinary contexts.

The programme has also developed an international network through its previous cohorts. Its tenth anniversary was celebrated in 2023, highlighting more than a decade of bringing scholars together at Princeton.

Research and Writing at Princeton University

A major attraction of the Princeton Fung Global Fellows Program 2027–2028 is the opportunity to dedicate significant time to research and academic writing.

Fellows become part of the intellectual environment of the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies.

Rather than focusing solely on individual research output, the fellowship encourages scholars to interact with other researchers examining the same broad theme.

This can provide opportunities to test ideas, receive scholarly feedback, discover different methodological approaches and establish relationships with researchers from other countries.

For early-career academics in particular, international research fellowships can provide valuable opportunities to strengthen their research profile and expand professional networks.

About Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies

The Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS) serves as the institutional home of the Fung Global Fellows Program.

The programme reflects Princeton’s broader commitment to engaging scholars internationally and encouraging research ideas that cross national boundaries.

Fung Fellows join a community that includes international scholars, postdoctoral researchers and established Princeton faculty.

The fellowship therefore combines independent research with opportunities for interdisciplinary and international scholarly exchange.

How to Apply for the Fung Global Fellows Program 2027–2028

The programme has announced that it is accepting applications for the 2027–2028 academic year.

Prospective candidates should begin by reviewing the official application information for the “Democracy in Crisis?” research theme.

Applicants should pay particular attention to the programme’s specific requirements concerning career stage, institutional affiliation, research proposal, supporting documents and deadlines.

Because the information supplied here does not state the exact 2027–2028 application deadline, stipend amount or complete eligibility conditions, applicants should not rely on unofficial estimates for those details.

Princeton Fung Global Fellows Program 2027–2028 applications

Why Consider the Fung Global Fellows Program?

The Princeton Fung Global Fellows Program stands out because it combines international mobility, independent research and interdisciplinary collaboration at a major research university.

Selected scholars have an opportunity to concentrate on research and writing while engaging with colleagues investigating a shared global issue.

For researchers whose work connects with democracy and its contemporary challenges, the 2027–2028 fellowship provides a particularly relevant setting for developing new research and participating in international academic conversations.

The programme may therefore appeal to scholars searching for Princeton University fellowships, visiting research fellowships in the USA, international postdoctoral opportunities, humanities and social sciences fellowships, or international research opportunities for early-career academics.

Key Details at a Glance

Category	Details
Programme	Fung Global Fellows Program
Host	Princeton University
Institute	Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies
Academic Year	2027–2028
Location	Princeton, New Jersey, USA
Opportunity Type	International Research Fellowship
2027–2028 Theme	Democracy in Crisis?
Main Activities	Research, writing and collaboration
Participants	International research scholars
Cohort	Six scholars
Applications	Open according to the programme announcement

Important Application Note

Applicants should carefully distinguish confirmed programme information from details that may change between fellowship cycles.

The information provided confirms that applications are being accepted for the 2027–2028 academic year and that the theme is “Democracy in Crisis?” However, prospective candidates should use Princeton’s current application page to verify the exact eligibility requirements, application deadline, required documents and financial package before applying.

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