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About the Obermann International Fellowships (OIF)
The Obermann International Fellowships (OIF) at the University of Iowa offer international scholars a chance to pursue their independent projects while building valuable partnerships on campus. Are you a researcher or artist based outside the United States seeking an opportunity to collaborate, create, and engage with a vibrant academic community in the U.S.? This flexible fellowship provides funding, access to university resources, and an intellectually rich environment to support your work.
The Obermann Center for Advanced Studies, in partnership with International Programs and the Center for Social Science Innovation at the University of Iowa, supports international scholars and artists through the Obermann International Fellowships. These fellowships are designed for international researchers and artists to develop collaborative relationships and carry out independent scholarly or creative work while hosted at the University of Iowa’s Iowa City campus. Fellows benefit from both intellectual engagement and institutional support, but are expected to arrive with clearly defined personal research or creative agendas.
Eligible Fields
This opportunity is open to scholars and artists in any discipline, as long as their proposed project aligns with the academic offerings of the University of Iowa.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be affiliated with an institution of higher education outside the United States, or be an established independent researcher or artist working outside the U.S.
- Have a clearly defined project that aligns with existing research or academic areas at the University of Iowa.
- Be proficient in English to fully engage in academic and research activities during the fellowship.
- Be available to reside in Iowa City during the duration of the fellowship period (Spring 2026: between January 20 and May 8, 2026).
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- The strength and clarity of the research or artistic proposal
- The connection between the proposed project and the University of Iowa’s academic strengths
- The applicant’s academic or professional track record
- English language proficiency (via TOEFL/IELTS scores, transcripts, or a video interview)
Eligible Countries
The fellowship is open to applicants based outside the United States, from any country or region.
Benefits of the Obermann International Fellowships
Each selected fellow will receive:
- A $2,000 stipend to assist with travel and lodging (reimbursed upon arrival)
- Health insurance coverage under a University of Iowa plan for the duration of the stay (required for J-1 visa holders)
- Access to office space, university libraries, and campus resources
- A temporary UI affiliation and official invitation letter
- Visa support, including coverage of the $185 J-1 visa application fee
- Participation in seminars, research discussions, and networking events on campus
Note: Since the stipend only partially covers expenses, applicants are encouraged to secure additional funding from their home institutions. Fellows must also provide proof of financial means for living expenses (minimum $1,000/month, plus $500/month per J-2 dependent).
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit an online application that includes:
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Preferred fellowship start and end dates (within Spring 2026)
- A project proposal (up to 2,000 words) describing the research and its connection to the University of Iowa
- A one-page bibliography relevant to the proposal
- Two reference letters (required only if the applicant does not hold a terminal degree such as a PhD)
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS score, academic transcript, or request for video interview)
Note: The applications for Spring 2026 fellowships are due October 24, 2025.
After submission, applicants will be contacted via email with the status of their application. If accepted, further documentation such as a passport copy and financial proof for living expenses will be requested.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
See also:
Tokyo University Amgen Scholars Program 2025: Apply Now!
The Letten Prize 2025 for Researchers: Apply Now!
