Applications are open for the Fung Global Fellows Program 2027 - 2028 at the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS), Princeton University. The programme brings early-career scholars from around the world to Princeton for a 10-month academic year of research and discussion around a shared theme.
The 2027 - 28 theme is “Democracy in Crisis?” Fellows employed outside the United States are appointed as Visiting Research Scholars and are expected to return to their home positions after the fellowship. Deadline: 16 November 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official Fung Global Fellows Program / PIIRS pages. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - Fung Global Fellows Program Princeton PIIRS 2027-2028
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Fung Global Fellows Program |
| Host | Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS), Princeton University |
| Appointment | Visiting Research Scholar (early-career) |
| Duration | 10 months in residence at Princeton (academic year 2027 - 28) |
| Theme | Democracy in Crisis? |
| Who | Early-career scholars employed outside the United States (faculty or professional research appointment) |
| PhD requirement | Ph.D. (or equivalent) generally received after 1 September 2017; current PhD students and postdocs are not eligible |
| Location | In-person on campus at Princeton University |
| Deadline | 16 November 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST |
| Notifications | Interview invites mid-Dec - early Jan; offers by early February 2027 |
| Official page | funggfp.princeton.edu/applications |
| Apply | Interfolio application portal |
2027 - 28 Theme - Democracy in Crisis?
Princeton invites scholars who study challenges to democratic governance and/or sources of democratic resilience. Example topics include populism; erosion of democratic norms and institutions; media, technology, and disinformation; economic inequality and democratic legitimacy; strategies of civic and institutional renewal; and conceptual/normative foundations of democracy across political and cultural traditions. Any world region is welcome; contemporary and historical perspectives are both encouraged. Humanities and social sciences scholars are invited to form a comparative, interdisciplinary cohort.
Eligibility
- Received Ph.D. (or equivalent) generally after 1 September 2017
- Not currently enrolled in a Ph.D. programme and not employed as a postdoc
- Employed outside the United States with a faculty appointment or professional research appointment
- Expected to return to that position after the fellowship
- Demonstrated outstanding scholarly achievement and unusual intellectual promise
- If offered: employer letter affirming permission to spend the academic year at Princeton
Benefits
- Full academic year (10 months) in residence at Princeton as a Visiting Research Scholar
- Engage with a global cohort around the shared theme Democracy in Crisis?
- Contribute to the intellectual life of PIIRS and the Fung Global Fellows Program
- In-person campus appointment at Princeton University (visa sponsorship may be available as appropriate; H-1B consular-processing sponsorship is not eligible)
Confirm salary and support details with Princeton if shortlisted - the official call focuses on appointment terms and research residency.
How to Apply
- Review the theme and eligibility on funggfp.princeton.edu/applications.
- Prepare materials in English:
- Cover letter (max 1.5 pages) - address to “Dear Search Committee”
- CV including publications
- Research proposal (max 3 pages, single-spaced)
- One writing sample (article or book chapter, max 50 pages)
- Names and emails of three referees
- Submit via the Interfolio portal only (no email/fax/mail).
- Ensure referees upload letters before 16 November 2026. Incomplete applications cannot be considered; edits after submission are not possible.
Questions: fung-gfp@princeton.edu
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 16 November 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST |
| Virtual interview invites | Mid-December 2026 - early January 2027 |
| Offers | By early February 2027 |
| Fellowship year | Academic year 2027 - 2028 (10 months) |
Official Links
Apply - Fung Global Fellows Program (Interfolio)
Application instructions - funggfp.princeton.edu
Fung Global Fellows Program - homepage
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship 2027
- Schlumberger Faculty for the Future 2026-2027
- Berenson Fellowship 2027-2028 at Harvard
- Browse all fellowships
FAQs - Fung Global Fellows Program Princeton 2027-2028
When is the deadline?
16 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Reference letters must also arrive by this deadline.
Who is eligible?
Early-career scholars with a Ph.D. generally after 1 September 2017, employed outside the U.S. in a faculty or professional research role - not current PhD students or postdocs.
What is the theme?
Democracy in Crisis? - challenges to democratic governance and/or sources of democratic resilience.
Is the fellowship residential?
Yes. Work is in-person on campus at Princeton University for about 10 months.
How do I apply?
Only through Princeton’s Interfolio online portal.
