Fung Global Fellows Program offers a prestigious opportunity for international early-career scholars to spend one full academic year in residence at Princeton University, working alongside Princeton faculty and peers on a shared theme. The program brings together outstanding researchers in the humanities and social sciences to foster intellectual exchange, collaboration, and scholarly innovation.
Administered by the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS), the Fung Global Fellows Program supports scholars from around the world, especially those based outside the United States, to engage in research, writing, and public scholarship under a common annual theme. Funded by a generous gift from alumnus William Fung, the program reflects Princeton’s commitment to global intellectual dialogue and cross-cultural academic collaboration.
Program Benefits
Fung Global Fellows Program provides a range of benefits to selected scholars, including:
- Residency at Princeton University for one academic year (typically 10 months)
- A formal appointment as Visiting Research Scholar for the fellowship year
- Participation in Princeton’s public seminar series and academic community events
- Access to Princeton’s extensive library system and research facilities
- Visa support and assistance for international scholars and their dependents
- Coverage or reimbursement of visa fees and related costs
- Opportunities for networking and collaboration with top global researchers
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Fung Global Fellows Program, applicants must:
- Be an early-career scholar who has earned a PhD or equivalent degree within the past few years
- Hold an academic or professional research appointment outside the United States at the time of application
- Demonstrate strong scholarly achievement, intellectual potential, and research that aligns with the annual program theme
- Be available to reside at Princeton University for the entire fellowship duration and actively participate in all program activities
Application Process
The application process for the Fung Global Fellows Program is competitive and involves the following steps:
- Online Application Submission – Applicants must complete the application form through the Princeton portal before the deadline.
- Supporting Materials Upload – Candidates must upload all required documents and ensure they meet submission standards.
- Referee Recommendations – Applicants are to provide contact information of referees who will submit letters of recommendation.
- Screening and Review – The search committee will review applications for eligibility and quality.
- Final Selection – The committee will select the most qualified candidates and issue official offers of appointment.
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Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents in English as part of their application:
- Cover letter (maximum 1.5 pages)
- Curriculum Vitae (including a list of publications)
- Research proposal (up to 3 pages) describing how the project aligns with the annual theme
- Writing sample (such as a journal article or book chapter, not exceeding 50 pages)
- Names and contact details of three referees who will provide letters of recommendation
- Official confirmation from the applicant’s current employer, where applicable, granting permission to undertake the fellowship year
Selection Process
The selection process for the Fung Global Fellows Program is highly competitive and based on academic merit. It typically includes:
- Initial Screening: Applications are checked for completeness and eligibility.
- Peer Review: A multidisciplinary committee evaluates applications based on academic excellence, originality, and relevance to the theme.
- Final Selection: A diverse group of six fellows is chosen annually, representing different regions, disciplines, and perspectives.
- Notification: Selected fellows receive official appointment letters and further instructions on visa, housing, and orientation arrangements.
Program Duration
Fung Global Fellows Program runs for one academic year, usually lasting 10 months. During this time, fellows reside at Princeton University and engage in research, writing, and intellectual collaboration with peers and faculty.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the 2026–2027 academic year is November 17, 2025 (11:59 p.m. EST).
