Kellogg Institute Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships 2027-2028

The Kellogg Institute Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships support recently awarded PhD scholars conducting international research on global democracy. The fellowship offers an annual USD 75,000 stipend, relocation support, research funding, medical insurance, and the opportunity to collaborate with leading scholars at the University of Notre Dame in the United States for up to two years.

The programme is open to scholars from any country who earned their PhD within the last three years and are pursuing research that contributes to the understanding of democracy and related global issues.

About the Kellogg Institute Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships

The Kellogg Institute Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships are designed to help early-career scholars strengthen their independent research while becoming part of an internationally recognized academic community focused on democracy studies.

Hosted by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies at the University of Notre Dame, the fellowship provides dedicated time, financial support, and access to distinguished faculty, researchers, and practitioners working on issues related to global democracy.

The programme encourages interdisciplinary research and international collaboration while helping fellows expand their academic networks and research impact.

Fellowship Objectives

The fellowship aims to:

Advance high-quality research on global democracy.
Support independent postdoctoral research.
Foster international academic collaboration.
Strengthen scholarly development and career progression.
Promote engagement with leading faculty and researchers.
Encourage interdisciplinary approaches to democracy research.
Build long-term international research networks.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive fellowship package that includes:

Annual stipend of USD 75,000.
Up to USD 2,000 for approved relocation expenses.
Generous research support.
Comprehensive medical insurance benefits.
Academic-year appointment at the Kellogg Institute.
Opportunities to collaborate with internationally recognized scholars and practitioners.
Access to research facilities and academic resources.

Fellowship Duration

Fellowships may be awarded for up to two years.
Continuation into the second year depends on:
- The fellow’s interest.
- Satisfactory performance during the initial appointment.

Research Focus Areas

The fellowship supports international research related to global democracy, including topics such as:

Democratic governance.
Political institutions.
Comparative politics.
Democratic transitions.
Human rights.
Civil society.
Elections and political participation.
International political development.
Democracy and public policy.
Global governance.
Political accountability.
Democratic resilience.

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their research contributes to advancing knowledge on democracy in an international context.

Who Is Eligible?

Applications are open to scholars from any country.

Applicants must:

Have earned a PhD within three years before the fellowship start date.
Conduct international research related to global democracy.
Demonstrate strong academic achievement.
Show potential for independent scholarly research.

The strongest candidates typically hold a PhD in a social science discipline, including:

Political Science.
Sociology.
Economics.
International Relations.
Public Policy.
Comparative Politics.
Other related social sciences.

In exceptional cases, applicants with doctoral degrees from other academic disciplines may also be considered.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following applicants are not eligible:

Graduates of University of Notre Dame PhD programmes.

English Language Requirements

Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must demonstrate advanced English language proficiency sufficient for:

Academic research.
Teaching and presentations where applicable.
Collaboration with faculty and researchers.

Visa Requirements

International fellows must:

Hold a valid passport.
Obtain a J-1 Visa before beginning the fellowship.

Applicants should familiarize themselves with all applicable U.S. immigration regulations before accepting the fellowship.

Important J-1 Visa Information

International applicants should be aware of the J-1 Professor and J-1 Research Scholar regulations.

Individuals who:

Complete less than five years in these J-1 categories, and
Do not immediately continue with another eligible appointment,

may be required to remain outside the United States for 24 months before returning under the same J-1 category.

This requirement is separate from the possible two-year home residency requirement that applies to certain J-1 visa holders.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The Kellogg Institute Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship offers early-career scholars an exceptional opportunity to:

Advance independent research.
Work alongside internationally respected scholars.
Expand global academic collaborations.
Access world-class research resources.
Build a strong academic publication record.
Strengthen future academic and policy careers.

For researchers focused on democracy studies, the fellowship provides both financial support and an outstanding scholarly environment.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Confirm Eligibility

Ensure that you:

Earned your PhD within the previous three years.
Conduct research related to global democracy.
Meet nationality and academic requirements.

Prepare Research Proposal

Develop a clear proposal explaining:

Research objectives.
Research questions.
Methodology.
Expected scholarly contribution.
Relevance to global democracy.

Prepare Supporting Documents

Applicants should prepare all required application materials, which may include:

Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Research proposal.
Academic transcripts where required.
PhD completion documentation.
Letters of recommendation (if requested).
Other supporting documents specified in the application guidelines.

Submit the Application

Complete the official fellowship application and submit all required documentation before the application deadline.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

Academic excellence.
Quality of the research proposal.
Contribution to global democracy research.
Research experience.
Publication record.
Potential for future scholarly impact.
Alignment with the Kellogg Institute’s research priorities.

Tips for Applicants

To strengthen your application:

Present a clear and original research agenda.
Demonstrate the international significance of your research.
Highlight previous publications and research achievements.
Explain how the fellowship will advance your academic career.
Show alignment with the Kellogg Institute’s focus on democracy studies.
Carefully review all visa and eligibility requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

Applying after exceeding the PhD eligibility period.
Submitting an unclear or overly broad research proposal.
Failing to demonstrate relevance to global democracy.
Providing incomplete supporting documents.
Ignoring visa requirements for international applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Kellogg Institute Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship?

It is a postdoctoral fellowship supporting early-career researchers conducting international research on global democracy at the University of Notre Dame.

How much funding does the fellowship provide?

The fellowship provides:

USD 75,000 annual stipend.
Up to USD 2,000 relocation support.
Research funding.
Medical insurance.

How long is the fellowship?

Appointments may last up to two years, depending on satisfactory performance and continued interest.

Who can apply?

Scholars from any country who earned their PhD within the previous three years and conduct research related to global democracy.

Are University of Notre Dame PhD graduates eligible?

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

Is English proficiency required?

Yes. International applicants who are not U.S. citizens or residents must demonstrate advanced English proficiency.

Do international fellows need a visa?

Yes. International fellows must obtain a J-1 Visa before beginning the fellowship.

Conclusion

The Kellogg Institute Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships provide an outstanding opportunity for recently graduated PhD scholars to advance research on global democracy while joining one of the world’s leading academic communities in democracy studies. With an annual USD 75,000 stipend, relocation assistance, research funding, and appointments of up to two years, the fellowship offers both financial support and a collaborative environment for scholars seeking to make meaningful contributions to international research and policy.