United States Institute For Peace (USIP) Peace Scholar Fellowship Program 2025/2026: Apply Now!

About the USIP Peace Scholar Fellowship Program

The United States Institute for Peace (USIP) Peace Scholar Fellowship Program 2025/2026 is now open for applications. This prestigious fellowship supports doctoral students enrolled in U.S. universities who are conducting research in areas broadly related to conflict management, peacebuilding, and relevant security studies. Since its inception in 1988, the Peace Scholar Fellowship program has played a significant role in advancing research in these critical areas by funding the dissertations of over 371 scholars, many of whom have gone on to influential careers in academia, policymaking, and international relations.

Through this fellowship, USIP collaborates with the Minerva Research Initiative to provide additional support for peace and security studies fellowships. The program offers non-residential fellowships for scholars at various stages of their dissertation work. Currently, up to 18 Peace Scholar Fellowships are awarded annually, and funding is provided for both the research and writing stages of doctoral dissertations.

Applications from scholars who belong to traditionally underrepresented groups in fields like international relations, conflict studies, and policy-making are especially encouraged. This is an opportunity for promising doctoral candidates to contribute to peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts through academic research.

Eligibility Criteria

The USIP Peace Scholar Fellowship Program seeks doctoral candidates with high-quality, policy-relevant research that contributes to the fields of conflict management, peacebuilding, and security studies. Priority will be given to applicants whose research aligns closely with the mission of USIP and/or the research priorities of the Minerva Research Initiative.

To be eligible, applicants must:

Be enrolled in a doctoral program at a U.S. university.
Be working on a dissertation related to conflict resolution, peacebuilding, or security studies.

Selection Criteria

Selection for the USIP Peace Scholar Fellowship is based on the following key criteria:

Strength of the proposed research: Applicants must demonstrate the ability to contribute original, high-quality research in the fields of conflict management and peace studies.
Policy relevance: The research should have the potential to influence peacebuilding efforts, conflict resolution policies, or security strategies.

Alignment with USIP’s mission: Applications closely aligned with USIP’s peacebuilding initiatives and the Minerva Research Initiative’s priorities are highly encouraged.

Benefits of the USIP Peace Scholar Fellowship Program

The USIP Peace Scholar Fellowship provides financial support for up to 18 Peace Scholars during a 10-month non-residential fellowship. Selected scholars will receive:

A stipend of up to $20,000 for the academic year. The stipend is disbursed in three tranches and is paid directly to the scholar.

Access to an annual workshop: Peace Scholars are required to attend a yearly workshop, which fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing among fellows.
Opportunities for networking and collaboration: Peace Scholars gain access to a network of past fellows and experts in the field of peace and conflict studies.
Upon completion of the dissertation, the fellow must submit a copy to USIP at PeaceScholarFellows@usip.org.

Note: Peace Scholar awards are non-deferrable, meaning that fellows must use the award within the academic year for which it was granted.

How to Apply

Applications for the USIP Peace Scholar Fellowship must be submitted online. The application process is designed to be thorough and requires the following materials:

Eligibility confirmation: Applicants must confirm that they are PhD candidates.

Personal and contact information.
Letters of recommendation: Applicants must submit letters of reference from individuals familiar with their academic work.
Bibliography: A comprehensive list of the works cited or referenced in the applicant’s research.

Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV highlighting the applicant’s academic background and research.
Optional links to publications: Applicants may include links to relevant publications that showcase their work.

The application deadline is Thursday, November 20, 2024, at 4:00 PM EDT. This fellowship presents an excellent opportunity for doctoral candidates committed to making a significant impact through their research in the areas of peace and conflict management. By supporting emerging scholars, USIP continues to foster the next generation of leaders in pursuing global peace and security.

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