Pre- and Post-doctoral Fellowships
Students enrolled in a university as candidates for the Ph.D. or equivalent are eligible for predoctoral fellowships. By the time the appointment begins, the university must approve the undertaking of dissertation research at the Smithsonian Institution and certify that requirements for the doctorate, other than the dissertation, have been met.
Applicants are eligible to apply for postdoctoral fellowships who have or will have received the Ph.D. or equivalent. The degree must be completed by the time the fellowship begins.
Fellowships are offered by the Smithsonian Institution to provide opportunities for graduate students, predoctoral students, and postdoctoral and senior investigators to conduct research in association with members of the Smithsonian professional research staff, and to utilize the resources of the Institution. These fellowships are offered through the Smithsonian's Office of Fellowships, and are administered under the charter of the Institution, 20 U.S. Code section 41 et seq. Fellowship awards under this program are contingent upon the availability of funds.
Application requires two sets (one original and one electronic) of the following:
- Cover sheet (available online).
- Research proposal, including abstract, full statement of research, timeline, budget, and bibliography.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Graduate transcripts.
Additionally, the following must be submitted with the original application packet:
- Two letters of reference.
- Self-addressed, stamped envelope (if you cannot receive email).
The Office of Fellowships cannot provide funds for the travel or living expenses of dependents.
Do not include travel or relocation costs in budget.