Explore Fellowships That Advance Research and Growth

Research fellowships, leadership programs, and professional awards for the next stage of your journey.

A fellowship is a funded program that supports an individual's research, leadership development or professional growth, often with a stipend and sometimes a placement at a host institution. This page lists fellowships for students, researchers and professionals so you can compare funding, eligibility and deadlines.

Who fellowships are for

Fellowships serve people at many stages: graduate students working on a thesis, postdoctoral researchers, mid-career professionals, journalists, policy specialists and community leaders. The common thread is a defined project or development goal that the funder wants to support.

Unlike many scholarships, a fellowship often comes with expectations such as producing research, joining a cohort or contributing to the host organization.

Read the funder's mission statement and recent announcements. Fellowships are designed around specific goals, such as advancing a field, building leaders or supporting practitioners, and a proposal that clearly serves those goals is more convincing than one that only describes your own interests.

How to find and compare fellowships

Compare the stipend or funding, length, location and requirements. Some fellowships are residential and need you to relocate, while others are flexible or remote. Check whether the program covers travel, insurance and project costs, and whether you must keep another job or are free to focus full time.

Use our filters to narrow by country, level and funding type, then read the official page for terms. Look at what past participants did if the funder shares it, because it shows what a successful profile looks like.

Consider the full picture beyond the stipend: duration, location, expectations for outputs, access to facilities, mentoring and the network you would join. A fellowship with a modest stipend but strong mentoring or contacts may be more valuable to your career than a larger one with little support.

Typical eligibility, documents and timeline

Applications often include a CV, a project or research proposal, a statement of purpose, references and proof of qualifications. Some ask for work samples or an interview.

Fellowships tend to be competitive and may close many months before they begin. Begin by clarifying your project idea, then approach referees and, where required, a host supervisor early.

Referees matter. Choose people who know your work well, give them your proposal and deadline in advance, and explain what the fellowship asks for. A specific, enthusiastic letter usually carries more weight than a generic one from a more senior name.

Mistakes to avoid

A vague proposal is the most common weakness. State a clear question, what you will do, and why this fellowship is the right place to do it. Other mistakes include ignoring the funder's priorities, missing a requirement for a host institution letter, and leaving references to the last minute.

Read the terms on stipend, taxes and obligations after the fellowship ends. Apply only through the funder's official website.

If an interview is part of the process, expect questions about your plan, feasibility and impact. Practise explaining your project to someone outside your field, and be ready to discuss risks and what you would do if the first approach did not work.

Frequently asked questions

Are fellowships paid?

Many fellowships include a stipend or salary, and some also cover travel, insurance or project costs. Others provide only part of the funding. The official listing sets out exactly what is included.

What is the difference between a fellowship and a scholarship?

A scholarship typically supports your studies, while a fellowship supports a specific project, research or professional development, often with a stipend. The two can overlap, so read each award's terms.

Who can apply for a fellowship?

It depends on the program. Some are for students, others for postdoctoral researchers or experienced professionals. Check age, career stage, nationality and subject rules in the eligibility section.

Do I need a host institution to apply?

For many research fellowships, yes, and a supporting letter from the host is often required. Others place you at an institution. Read the instructions to see which applies.

How competitive are fellowships?

Many are competitive because funding is limited. A clear proposal, strong references and a good fit with the funder's goals improve your chances, but outcomes are never guaranteed.

Can I apply for a fellowship while working?

Sometimes. Some fellowships require full-time commitment, while others are part-time or designed for working professionals. Check the time commitment in the terms.

What should a fellowship proposal include?

Typically a clear question or goal, your plan and timeline, expected outcomes, and why you and the host are well placed to deliver. Follow the funder's length and format rules.

Keep exploring

Related categories: scholarships, research and jobs. You can also browse opportunities by country or read our application guides.

How we keep listings accurate: opportunities are collected from public sources and checked, but details can change. Always confirm deadlines and requirements on the official website before you apply. Read our editorial policy.