The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) offers non-residential fellowships for PhD students enrolled at U.S. universities who are working on their dissertations. Over the years, the program has supported scholars who have gone on to pursue careers in research, academia, and policymaking. To expand fellowship opportunities, USIP collaborates with the Minerva Research Initiative.
This fellowship actively encourages applicants from underrepresented groups in international relations, conflict studies, and similar fields, including diplomacy and global policymaking. Priority will be given to proposals addressing ways to reduce conflicts in regions like the Indo-Pacific, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, where systems for conflict prevention may be weak or overwhelmed.
Topics that receive particular focus include reducing violence and organized crime, which destabilize communities and drive migration from areas such as Central and South America, the Caribbean, and others. Proposals promoting democratic transitions and countering violent extremism, particularly in regions like East Africa, the Sahel, and West Africa, are also highly encouraged.
Additionally, fellows may explore issues related to adversarial strategies used by U.S. rivals to instigate conflict and undermine American influence in nations critical to U.S. national security. Fellows will receive up to $20,000 in stipends, paid in three installments, which can be used for living expenses. The fellowship includes participation in an annual in-person workshop in Washington, D.C., providing networking opportunities with experts in the field.
Program Overview
- Host Country: United States
- Host Institute: United States Institute of Peace
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Duration: 10 months
Scholarship Benefits
- A 10-month non-residential fellowship funded by USIP.
- Stipends of up to $20,000 distributed in three installments.
- Opportunity to attend an in-person annual workshop in Washington, D.C.
- Chance to explore the U.S. during the fellowship.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must have completed all PhD coursework and exams.
- A dissertation research proposal must be approved before applying.
- Priority is given to proposals aligned with USIP’s focus areas or the Minerva Research Initiative’s research priorities.
- Selection will be based on the strength of the research proposal and its potential for practical implementation.
- Proposals that do not align with USIP or Minerva’s objectives will not be considered.
- Peace awards cannot be deferred.
Application Process
- Complete and submit the online application.
- Provide personal details.
- Include project information and specifics.
- Upload all required documents.
- Submit references.
- Fill out certification details.
- Review and submit your application.
Approved dissertations must be submitted to USIP at PeaceScholarFellows@usip.org.
Required Documents
- Applicant information
- Personal statement
- Original project details
- Curriculum vitae
- Bibliography
- Two references (one from a PhD advisor, one from another source)
- Educational transcripts
Application Deadline
- The deadline to apply is November 20, 2024.