2027 Visiting Fellowship - South Asia Program

Application Information

Applications for the 2027 Visiting Fellowship are now open. The deadline to apply is Sunday, October 11, 2027.

The Stimson Center South Asia Program's Visiting Fellowship is designed for outstanding rising analysts, scholars, students, and researchers in India and Pakistan who are dedicated to the study of strategic and security issues in the subcontinent.

This fellowship combines professional development of research, writing, and public presentation skills with extensive exposure to the D.C. policy community. Visiting Fellows will develop a research project while meeting with senior scholars and analysts working on South Asian security issues at universities and think-tanks, as well as leading practitioners in the U.S. government. They also contribute analysis to Stimson's suite of products throughout the one-year period.

The Visiting Fellows Program is designed for early-mid-career professionals with approximately 7-to-15 years of relevant experience working on strategic and security issues in Southern Asia. Applicants should be prepared to participate in the program under a J-1 Research Scholar visa and must meet all U.S. visa eligibility requirements. Fellows are selected based on criteria such as their research and writing aptitude, analytical strengths, and fit with the Fellowship's goals and Stimson Center's research interests.

For general inquiries, please write to visitingfellowship@stimson.org with "Visiting Fellowship" in the subject line.

Fellowship Structure

The Visiting Fellowship includes a summer residency at the Stimson Center's office in Washington, DC, during which engagement with the U.S.-based policy and research community is a priority. The remainder of the fellowship consists of research, writing, and professional development in the fellows' home countries.

Fellowship Requirements

• A co-authored or single-authored research memo developed while in residence at Stimson;
• Three op-ed-style essays published on the South Asian Voices platform over the twelve-month period. Co-authored pieces are welcome;
• Participation in the Stimson Visiting Fellows research salon presentation to the wider D.C. policy community;
• Occasional substantive contributions to Stimson Center products and intellectual community (i.e. peer review, podcast interviews) throughout the one-year fellowship.

Application Materials

• A 500-word cover letter detailing the applicant's research interests, experience, and how the fellowship fits into their career goals;
• A resume or curriculum vitae of no more than two pages detailing the applicant's professional and educational accomplishments;
• A writing sample of no more than two single-spaced pages;
• A 500-word research proposal on the topic the applicant would like to explore in their policy memo (the topic may be subject to change following selection);
• A letter of recommendation from a professor or former employer explaining what qualifications, skills, and experiences make the applicant an excellent fit for the fellowship.

Additional Information

• The South Asia Program makes an active effort to select a balanced cohort from a range of backgrounds. In their cover letter, the applicant may also wish to elaborate on how they could contribute to the range of perspectives represented in the 2027 Visiting Fellowship cohort.
• Immediate family members will be eligible to accompany selected fellows during the residency at their own expense and pending visa approval.
• All applicants must apply through the Stimson website.
• Applicants are responsible for ensuring that letters of recommendation are sent to visitingfellowship@stimson.org by October 11, 2026, with the subject header "Applicant Name - Visiting Fellowship 2027."
• Use of AI tools to draft application materials is not allowed. If use of AI is detected, your application will not be considered.

Selection Criteria

Fellows are selected based on criteria such as their research and writing aptitude, demonstrated analytical strengths, and fit with the Fellowship's goals and Stimson Center's research interests. Applicants with 7-15 years of professional experience will be considered, and successful candidates will likely have some or all of the following:

• Frequent and/or high-quality contributions to South Asian Voices;
• Engagement with and completion of Strategic Learning Initiative courses;
• Demonstrable, substantive experience researching South Asia security or strategic issues;
• A track record of publications in journals, books, or newspapers/magazines;
• A master's degree or higher in a relevant field.

Apply Here:

Frequently Asked Questions

When Can I Apply For The Next Visiting Fellowship Cycle?

Applications for the 2027 Visiting Fellowship are now open. The deadline to apply is Sunday, October 11th.

When will I hear back about the status of my application?

The 2027 Visiting Fellowship cohort will be announced early in 2027.

Am I eligible to apply for the South Asia Program Visiting Fellowship?

Applicants must be Indian or Pakistani citizens to apply, be based in the country, and have 7-15 years of professional experience. Please bear in mind that the Visiting Fellowship is primarily intended for early-mid-career professionals and scholars with approximately 7-15 years' relevant experience and a demonstrated interest in and capacity for conducting research on South Asian security issues.

Does Stimson cover travel, housing, and living expenses during the residency portion of the fellowship?

Stimson will pay for visa and travel costs to and from the United States in addition to providing lodging and a living stipend for the duration of the Washington residency. Immediate family members will be eligible to accompany selected fellows during the residency at the fellows' expense and pending visa approval. Stimson also will provide the fellows with office space, a computer, and other administrative support during the residency.

Do I have to have a visa to the United States to be selected?

No. Upon being selected for the Visiting Fellowship-and for a D.C.-based residency- the fellows will apply for a J-1 visa. Please note that many participants in the J-1 Program are subject to a requirement that they return home for a minimum of two years upon completion of their program.

Is the Visiting Fellowship paid?

The Visiting Fellowship is not paid and is not intended to serve as a substitute for full-time employment, though Fellows will receive the support during their residency outlined above.

I have a question that isn't answered here. Whom can I contact?

Please address any remaining inquiries to visitingfellowship@stimson.org with "Visiting Fellowship" in the subject line.