International Forum >> Fellowship Programs >> Visiting Fellows Program
The International Forum for Democratic Studies hosts a small number of Visiting Fellows per year as part of its program. Visiting Fellows are scholars and practitioners who wish to conduct research and writing at the Forum for a limited period of time but do not need any financial assistance. (To learn more about funded fellowships at the National Endowment for Democracy, please see the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program.)

Space permitting, Visiting Fellows may be in residence at the Forum for periods ranging from three to ten months, during which time they are expected to carry out a written or other project related to democracy. While Visiting Fellows do not receive stipend and travel support, the Forum is able to provide use of the Democracy Resource Center and Library and, depending on space availability, a fully equipped office as well. Visiting Fellows have the opportunity to participate in the many events at the Endowment, and to interact with staff and other fellows in residence from around the world.

If you are interested in an unfunded Visiting Fellowship, it is recommended that you first send a preliminary e-mail or letter of inquiry to the address below, including a brief summary of your project, the desired dates of the fellowship and a C.V., in order to determine space availability. There is no deadline for applying: to receive timely consideration, inquiries and applications must be received at least six months in advance of the proposed starting date of the fellowship.

To submit a formal application, please provide the following materials:

  • A five-to-ten-page, double-spaced, typewritten description of the research project, including: 1) its significance for advancing the theory or practice of democracy; 2) how it relates to your background and interests; and 3) why a fellowship at the Forum in Washington, D.C. would advance the project;

  • An indication of the preferred starting date and desired duration of the fellowship;

  • A current C.V.;

  • Two letters of reference (to be sent directly by the referees to our office)
    • Fellowship Programs
  • Current Fellows
  • Past Fellows
    • Please note that our fellowships are not designed to pay for professional training or to defray the cost of education for students working toward a degree.


    Note: Your application should make clear that you are applying for a Visiting Fellowship.

    Applications should be mailed to the following address:

    Program Asst., Fellowship Programs
    International Forum for Democratic Studies
    National Endowment for Democracy
    1025 F Street, N.W., 8th Floor
    Washington, DC 20004 USA

    Applications may also be submitted electronically to fellowships@ned.org.

    If you need further information, please send us an email to the address above.
    We can also be reached by telephone at (202) 378-9700 and fax at (202) 378-9407.

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