Fung Global Fellows Program 2027 at Princeton University

The Fung Global Fellows Program 2027 at Princeton University is now accepting applications for the 2027-28 academic year. This international fellowship brings early-career scholars from around the world to Princeton University for a full academic year of research, writing, and academic collaboration.

The program is hosted by the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS). Selected fellows will be in residence at Princeton University for 10 months and will work around a shared annual research theme. For the 2027-28 academic year, the research theme is “Democracy in Crisis?”

This fellowship is a strong opportunity for scholars in the humanities and social sciences who are working on democracy, governance, political change, institutions, civic life, media, inequality, populism, democratic backsliding, or related topics. Applicants from different regions of the world are encouraged to apply, as the program welcomes comparative, historical, and interdisciplinary research.

Fung Global Fellows Program 2027 Details

Host Country	United States
Host University	Princeton University
Host Institute	Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS)
Program Name	Fung Global Fellows Program 2027-28
Fellowship Duration	10 Months
Research Theme	Democracy in Crisis?
Eligible Applicants	Early-career scholars employed outside the United States
Location	Princeton University, USA
Application Deadline	16 November 2026, 11:59 PM EST

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About the Fung Global Fellows Program

The Fung Global Fellows Program is an international research fellowship at Princeton University. It is designed to bring talented scholars to Princeton for an academic year of focused research and intellectual exchange. Fellows join a small academic community and participate in discussions, seminars, writing, and research activities connected to the annual theme.

The 2027-28 fellowship will focus on the theme “Democracy in Crisis?” This theme explores the challenges facing democratic governance around the world, as well as the sources of democratic resilience. Scholars may study modern or historical issues and can focus on any region of the world.

The program is especially useful for researchers who want time, academic support, and an international scholarly environment to develop their work. Fellows are expected to be present at Princeton University in person during the fellowship period.

Research Theme for 2027-28: Democracy in Crisis?

The 2027-28 research theme invites scholars to study the problems and possibilities of democracy in today’s world. Many countries are facing political polarization, declining trust in institutions, disinformation, populism, inequality, and democratic backsliding. At the same time, many societies show democratic resilience through civic action, independent institutions, legal protections, and public participation.

Applicants may propose research projects related to democratic governance, democratic institutions, civil society, political culture, media and technology, economic inequality, public trust, elections, constitutional systems, or the historical development of democratic ideas.

The program welcomes scholars from the humanities and social sciences. Applicants can bring regional, comparative, contemporary, or historical perspectives. The main requirement is that the proposed research should connect clearly with the annual theme.

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Fellowship Benefits

The Fung Global Fellows Program gives selected scholars an opportunity to spend 10 months at Princeton University. Fellows join a high-level academic environment and work with scholars, researchers, and Princeton faculty members.

Benefits may include:

• 10-month research stay at Princeton University
• Appointment as Visiting Research Scholar
• Opportunity to work on an independent research project
• Access to Princeton’s academic environment and research resources
• Participation in seminars, discussions, and program activities
• International networking with scholars and faculty
• Time for writing, research development, and academic collaboration

Applicants should check the official Princeton University fellowship page for complete and updated information about appointment details, support, and fellowship conditions.

Who Can Apply?

The Fung Global Fellows Program 2027 is open to early-career scholars from around the world. However, the program has specific eligibility rules. Applicants must be employed outside the United States and must hold a faculty appointment or professional research appointment.

Selected fellows are expected to return to their positions after completing the fellowship. If an offer is made, successful applicants will need to provide an official letter from their current employer confirming that they are allowed to accept the fellowship and spend the academic year at Princeton University.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Must be an early-career scholar
• Must have received a PhD or equivalent degree generally after 1 September 2017
• Must be employed outside the United States
• Must have a faculty appointment or professional research appointment
• Must be able to spend the academic year in person at Princeton University
• Must propose a research project related to the 2027-28 theme
• Must show strong scholarly achievement and intellectual promise
• Must be able to contribute to the intellectual life of the program

Candidates currently enrolled in a PhD program are not eligible. Applicants who are currently employed as postdoctoral researchers are also not eligible to apply.

Selection Criteria

The selection committee will review applications based on academic quality, research potential, and connection to the program theme. A strong application should clearly explain the proposed research project and show why Princeton is a suitable place to complete the work.

Applications may be evaluated based on:

• Strength of the proposed research project
• Relationship of the project to the theme “Democracy in Crisis?”
• Applicant’s previous scholarly work
• Academic record and publications
• Ability to contribute to the fellowship community
• Interdisciplinary and comparative value of the research
• Research experience outside the United States

Required Documents

Applicants must submit all required documents in English through the online application system. The following documents are required:

• Cover letter, maximum 1.5 pages
• Curriculum vitae including publications
• Research proposal, maximum 3 pages, single spaced
• One writing sample, such as an article or book chapter, maximum 50 pages
• Names and email addresses of three referees

The referees will be contacted automatically by the online application system and asked to upload recommendation letters. All recommendation letters must be submitted before the application deadline.

Important Dates

Applications Open	Open now
Application Deadline	16 November 2026, 11:59 PM EST
Interview Contact Period	Mid-December to early January
Final Notification	Early February 2027
Fellowship Year	2027-28 Academic Year

Why Apply for the Fung Global Fellows Program?

This fellowship is a valuable opportunity for early-career scholars who want to develop serious academic research at one of the world’s leading universities. Princeton University offers a strong intellectual environment, and the program gives fellows time to write, discuss, and refine their research with an international academic community.

The 2027-28 theme is also timely and important. Democracy is one of the biggest global topics today, and researchers from different disciplines can bring important perspectives to the discussion. Scholars working on politics, history, sociology, anthropology, media, law, philosophy, international relations, and related fields may find this program especially relevant.

How to Apply for Fung Global Fellows Program 2027

Applicants must apply online through Princeton University’s official application system. Applications are not accepted by email, fax, or postal mail. Before starting the application, candidates should carefully read the eligibility criteria and prepare all required documents in English.

First, prepare a strong research proposal connected to the 2027-28 theme, “Democracy in Crisis?” The proposal should explain the research question, academic importance, method, and how the project fits the program theme. Applicants should also prepare a cover letter, updated CV, and one writing sample.

After preparing the documents, applicants must complete the online application form and enter the names and email addresses of three referees. The referees will receive automatic instructions to upload their recommendation letters. Applicants should submit the application early so referees have enough time to upload their letters before the deadline.

All application materials, including recommendation letters, must be submitted by 16 November 2026 at 11:59 PM EST. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and edits after submission are not possible.

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Final Thoughts

The Fung Global Fellows Program 2027 at Princeton University is an excellent fellowship for early-career scholars working in the humanities and social sciences. The program offers a 10-month academic research experience at Princeton and focuses on the important theme of democracy in crisis.

Eligible scholars employed outside the United States should prepare their documents early, contact referees in advance, and submit the online application before the deadline. Applicants should always check the official Princeton University website for the latest instructions before applying.