In a rapidly evolving world, where knowledge and expertise are paramount, fellowship programs stand as beacons of opportunity for aspiring professionals and scholars. The USA offers a diverse array of prestigious fellowships that open doors to transformative experiences, cutting-edge research, and global networks. These programs cater to a wide range of fields, including academia, public service, health, social innovation, and technology, providing invaluable resources and mentorship to help individuals excel in their chosen paths. Whether it’s advancing academic research, fostering innovation in public policy, or addressing pressing global challenges, these top 50 fellowship programs serve as catalysts for personal and professional growth, empowering participants to become leaders and change-makers in their respective fields.
Academic and Research Fellowships
Fulbright U.S. Student Program for Study/Research – Supports post-graduate students and professionals for study/research projects abroad.
Supports post-graduate students and professionals for study/research projects abroad in partnership with more than 140 countries. Participants pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad, facilitating cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Hertz Foundation Fellowship – For Ph.D. students in applied, physical, biological, and engineering sciences.
Provides financial and professional support for Ph.D. students in applied physical, biological, and engineering sciences. Includes up to five years of funding valued at up to $250,000, along with mentoring and networking opportunities.
Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans – Supports immigrants and children of immigrants pursuing graduate studies.
Supports immigrants and children of immigrants pursuing graduate studies in the United States. Provides financial assistance and a network of accomplished alumni, with a focus on celebrating and supporting the contributions of New Americans.
National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship – Funds research in the humanities.
Grants competitive awards to individual scholars pursuing projects that embody exceptional research, rigorous analysis, and clear writing in the humanities. Supports research, book production, peer-reviewed articles, and other scholarly work.
AAUW International Fellowships and Development Grants for Women – Supports women scholars from around the world.
Supports women scholars from around the world for full-time study or research in the United States. Open to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, with the aim of advancing educational and professional opportunities for women globally.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship – For outstanding applicants from outside the UK to pursue a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.
For outstanding applicants from outside the UK to pursue a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. The scholarship covers all costs and includes funding for academic and professional development, aiming to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others.
Rhodes Scholarship – For outstanding students to study at the University of Oxford.
For outstanding students to study at the University of Oxford. This prestigious scholarship covers all university and college fees, a personal stipend, and airfare to and from Oxford, fostering leadership and public service.
Marshall Scholarship – For young Americans to study in the UK.
For young Americans to study in the UK. It covers university fees, cost of living expenses, and travel, supporting future leaders to strengthen the UK-US relationship through academic excellence and personal growth.
Schwarzman Scholars – For a one-year master’s program at Tsinghua University in Beijing.
For a one-year master’s program at Tsinghua University in Beijing. This program aims to prepare future global leaders by providing a comprehensive education in public policy, economics, and international studies, along with leadership training and cultural immersion.
Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship – For students preparing to join the U.S. Foreign Service.
For students preparing to join the U.S. Foreign Service. It provides financial support for graduate studies, internships, and professional development, aiming to attract diverse talent committed to representing the United States abroad.
Public Service and Policy Fellowships
AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship – For scientists and engineers to work in federal agencies or Congress.
Provides opportunities for outstanding scientists and engineers to learn first-hand about federal policymaking while using their knowledge and skills to address pressing societal challenges. Fellows serve yearlong assignments in the executive, legislative, or judicial branches of the federal government in Washington, D.C..
White House Fellowship – Provides experience working at the highest levels of the federal government.
Offers exceptional emerging leaders first-hand experience working at the highest levels of the federal government. Fellows spend a year working as full-time, paid assistants to senior White House staff, Cabinet Secretaries, and other top-ranking officials, participating in an education program that includes roundtable discussions and policy trips.
Christine Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship – For recent graduates to engage in the analytical process of science and technology policy.
Provides recent graduates with the opportunity to engage in the analytical process of science and technology policy at the federal, state, or local levels. Fellows gain essential skills and knowledge needed to work in science policy.
Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) Fellowship – For students pursuing IT-related degrees to join the U.S. Foreign Service.
Funded by the U.S. Department of State, this two-year fellowship provides academic funding for IT-related degrees, internships, professional development, and mentorship, culminating in an appointment in the Foreign Service as a Diplomatic Technology Officer.
Govern For America Fellowship – For recent graduates to serve in high-impact roles in government.
A competitive two-year program that places emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds into key positions in government to address the nation’s biggest challenges. Fellows receive intensive training, mentorship, and support while working full-time in government roles.
HillVets House Fellowship – Supports veterans pursuing careers on Capitol Hill.
Supports veterans, servicemembers, military spouses, and Gold Star family members pursuing careers on Capitol Hill. Fellows receive mentorship, professional development, and assistance with placement in Congressional offices, along with access to a co-working and living space in Washington, D.C..
Running Start Congressional Fellowship – For young women to intern with female Members of Congress.
Designed for young women to intern with female Members of Congress. This part-time fellowship provides a stipend, professional development, and networking opportunities, aiming to inspire and train the next generation of female political leaders.
Lead For America Fellowship – For recent graduates to serve in local organizations addressing community challenges.
For recent graduates to serve in local organizations addressing community challenges. Fellows work in high-impact roles within local governments and nonprofits, receiving leadership training, mentorship, and support to drive positive change in their communities.
Local Government Management Fellowship – For recent master’s graduates to work in local government positions.
For recent master’s graduates to work in local government positions. This fellowship provides hands-on experience in local government management, offering mentorship, professional development, and the opportunity to work on impactful projects within local communities.
Luce Scholars Program – For young professionals to work in Asia.
For young professionals to work in Asia. This fellowship provides stipends, language training, and individualized professional placements in Asia, aiming to enhance understanding of Asian cultures and build leadership skills among future leaders.
Health and Social Innovation Fellowships
Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity – For professionals engaged in health-related work.
Designed for professionals engaged in health-related work, this fellowship aims to develop global leaders equipped with the knowledge, skills, and networks to advance health equity. The program includes in-person convenings, online learning, and project implementation, fostering a lifelong commitment to social justice in health.
Echoing Green Fellowship – For social innovators and changemakers.
Supports social innovators and changemakers who are at the early stages of launching their enterprises. The fellowship provides seed funding, leadership development, wellness support, and a global network to help fellows build and scale impactful solutions to social challenges.
Global Health Corps Fellowship – For young professionals working to improve health equity.
For young professionals working to improve health equity, this fellowship places fellows in high-impact roles within health organizations. It includes training, mentorship, and a strong community of peers, aiming to develop leaders who can address global health disparities.
Campbell Fellowship for Women Scholar-Practitioners from Developing Countries – Supports female social scientists from developing countries.
Supports female social scientists from developing countries by providing a residential fellowship at the School for Advanced Research in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The fellowship focuses on research that addresses women’s economic and social empowerment.
Harvard University Environmental Fellows Program – For recent PhD graduates to address environmental issues.
For recent PhD graduates to address environmental issues, this fellowship provides two years of support, including a salary and research funds, to work on interdisciplinary projects at Harvard University. Fellows collaborate with faculty and contribute to the university’s environmental research community.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program – For mid-career professionals from developing countries.
For mid-career professionals from developing countries, this ten-month fellowship enhances leadership skills through academic study and professional development in the U.S. It fosters collaboration to address local and global challenges, focusing on fields such as public policy, public health, and environmental sustainability.
CyberCorps: Scholarships for Service – For students in information assurance to work in federal cybersecurity.
Provides scholarships to students in information assurance and cybersecurity in exchange for service in federal, state, local, or tribal government organizations. The program aims to strengthen the cybersecurity workforce by funding education and offering hands-on experience.
Robertson Foundation for Government Service – For master’s degrees in international relations and policy.
Supports students pursuing master’s degrees in international relations, public policy, and related fields. The foundation provides scholarships and professional development opportunities to prepare graduates for careers in government service.
W.E.B. Du Bois Fellowship – For enhancing diversity in polling research.
Enhances diversity in polling research by supporting scholars from underrepresented groups. The fellowship funds research projects that address critical issues in the field of criminal justice and public safety.
Google Public Policy Fellowship – For students interested in Internet and technology policy.
For students interested in Internet and technology policy, this fellowship offers the opportunity to work at public interest organizations, think tanks, and advocacy groups. Fellows gain hands-on experience in policy research, analysis, and advocacy related to technology and the Internet.
Other Notable Fellowships
Samvid Scholars Program – For graduate students in various fields.
A merit-based graduate scholarship and leadership program for changemakers, providing up to $50,000 per year for two years of graduate study (up to $100,000 total). The program includes leadership development and access to a robust alumni community, supporting future leaders committed to driving positive societal change.
Women’s International Study Center (WISC) Fellowships – For women scholars.
Supports women scholars, artists, scientists, professionals, and innovators by providing residencies typically four weeks long at the historic Acequia Madre House in Santa Fe. Fellows work on projects relevant to women’s interests and engage with the community through public programming.
Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) Programme – For African secondary school students.
Aims to educate and inspire African secondary school students who demonstrate leadership potential. The program includes a rigorous academic curriculum, leadership training, and college application support, helping students prepare for higher education and future leadership roles.
Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships – For studying subjects aligned with Rotary’s focus areas.
Provides funding for graduate-level coursework or research in areas aligned with Rotary’s focus areas, such as peace and conflict prevention, disease prevention, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education, and economic development. Scholarships cover tuition, travel, and living expenses.
SMART Scholarship for Service Program – For STEM students to work in the Department of Defense.
Offers scholarships to STEM students in exchange for service in the Department of Defense. The program provides full tuition, a stipend, and employment placement within the DoD upon graduation, aiming to develop a highly skilled STEM workforce to support national security.
STPI’s Policy Fellowship Program – For recent graduates to work on science and technology policy.
The Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI) Policy Fellowship provides recent bachelor’s or master’s degree recipients with a two-year opportunity to apply their critical thinking and analytical skills to diverse science and technology policy challenges. Fellows collaborate on research projects for leaders in federal agencies, including the Office of Science and Technology Policy, National Science Foundation, and National Institutes of Health.
New York State Senate Graduate Fellowships – For graduates to work in the New York State Senate.
This program offers graduates the chance to work in the New York State Senate, providing hands-on experience in legislative processes. Fellows are assigned to specific legislative offices where they engage in policy research, drafting legislation, and constituent services, gaining valuable insights into state government operations.
HillVets House Fellowship – For veterans to work on Capitol Hill.
Supports veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and Gold Star family members in pursuing careers on Capitol Hill. The fellowship includes mentorship, professional development, and placement assistance in Congressional offices, along with a small stipend and access to the HillVets community and events.
Running Start Congressional Fellowship – For young women to intern with female Members of Congress.
Designed for young women to intern with female Members of Congress, this part-time fellowship provides a stipend and an all-expenses-paid week in Washington, D.C. Fellows gain firsthand experience in the legislative process, leadership training, and networking opportunities to prepare them for future political careers.
Lead For America Fellowship – For recent graduates to serve in local organizations addressing community challenges.
A nonpartisan program that places recent graduates in two-year paid fellowships within local governments to address community challenges. Fellows receive training in public administration and leadership, work on impactful projects, and are part of a network committed to public service and community transformation.
Local Government Management Fellowship – For recent master’s graduates to work in local government positions.
A highly competitive career-development opportunity for recent master’s graduates to work in full-time local government management-track positions. Fellows gain hands-on experience in various aspects of local government operations, including administrative work, research, analysis, and project management.
Luce Scholars Program – For young professionals to work in Asia.
A yearlong opportunity for emerging leaders to deepen their understanding of Asia. The program provides immersive professional experiences in Asian countries, aiming to strengthen relationships across borders and equip scholars with knowledge and skills to address global leadership challenges.
Marshall Scholarship – For young Americans to study in the UK.
A prestigious postgraduate scholarship for intellectually distinguished young Americans to study at any university in the United Kingdom. It aims to strengthen the special relationship between the US and UK while providing scholars with opportunities to pursue graduate degrees in various fields.
New York State Senate Graduate Fellowships – For graduates to work in the New York State Senate.
Offers graduate students the opportunity to work full-time in the New York State Senate. Fellows are typically assigned to a specific legislative office, gaining hands-on experience in the legislative process, policy research, and constituent services.
Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship – For students preparing to join the U.S. Foreign Service.
A program that prepares outstanding students for foreign service careers. It provides financial support for graduate studies, internships, and professional development, with the goal of attracting diverse talent to represent the United States in the Foreign Service.
White House Fellowship – Provides experience working at the highest levels of the federal government.
Provides exceptional young professionals with first-hand experience working at the highest levels of the federal government. Fellows work as full-time, paid assistants to senior White House staff, Cabinet Secretaries, and other top-ranking officials, participating in an education program that includes roundtable discussions and policy trips. The fellowship aims to develop future leaders committed to public service.
Christine Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship – For recent graduates to engage in the analytical process of science and technology policy.
Offers recent graduates the opportunity to engage in the analytical process of science and technology policy at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. This 12-week program provides fellows with hands-on experience in policy-making, professional development, and networking opportunities.
Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) Fellowship – For students pursuing IT-related degrees to join the U.S. Foreign Service.
Funded by the U.S. Department of State, this two-year fellowship provides academic funding for IT-related degrees, internships, and professional development. Fellows are prepared for careers as Diplomatic Technology Officers in the Foreign Service, promoting U.S. diplomatic efforts through technology.
Govern For America Fellowship – For recent graduates to serve in high-impact roles in government.
A competitive two-year program that places recent graduates in full-time, paid government roles to address critical challenges. Fellows receive intensive training, mentorship, and support from a network of peers, aiming to create equitable, community-oriented policy outcomes.
HillVets House Fellowship – Supports veterans pursuing careers on Capitol Hill.
Supports veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and Gold Star family members in pursuing careers on Capitol Hill. The fellowship includes mentorship, professional development, and placement assistance in Congressional offices, along with a small stipend and access to the HillVets community and events.
The top 50 fellowship programs in the USA offer more than just financial support; they provide a platform for individuals to expand their horizons, develop critical skills, and forge lasting connections. By investing in the potential of talented individuals, these programs contribute to a brighter and more equitable future, where innovative solutions and inclusive leadership drive progress. As you explore these opportunities, consider how each fellowship aligns with your goals and aspirations, and take the first step toward a journey of learning, discovery, and impact. Whether you aim to contribute to groundbreaking research, influence public policy, or champion social justice, these fellowships are designed to nurture your talents and amplify your impact on the world.
