The Princeton University Fung Global Fellows Program 2026-27 offers a prestigious and fully funded opportunity for exceptional early-career international scholars in the humanities and social sciences. Housed at Princeton’s Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS), this fellowship promotes a shared intellectual community, enabling fellows to engage deeply in research, writing, and collaboration centered around a globally relevant annual theme. Below is an in-depth guide covering all essential details about this outstanding program.

Basic Information about the Fung Global Fellows Program

The Fung Global Fellows Program invites early-career scholars from outside the United States to spend a 10-month academic year in residence at Princeton University. The 2026-27 program focuses on the theme “The Politics of the Archive,” encouraging interdisciplinary examination of archives, memory, museums, restitution, and historical narratives.

• Application Deadline: November 17, 2025 (11:59 p.m. EST)
• Program Duration: One academic year (~10 months), starting Fall 2026
• Location: Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
• Application Portal Available: September 2025

University Details: Princeton University

Princeton University is an Ivy League research institution renowned for academic excellence and global scholarship. The Fung Global Fellows Program is administered by the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS), which fosters interdisciplinary international studies and cultivates collaboration across global themes.

Study Areas and Available Program Names

This fellowship targets early-career scholars working broadly in:

• Humanities
• Social Sciences

Examples of research focus include but are not limited to:

• Colonial and postcolonial studies
• Archives and historical documentation
• Memory and restitution
• Cultural studies
• Political and social narratives

Princeton University Fung Global Fellows Program Benefits

• Salary: Approximately $100,000 to $135,000, commensurate with prior appointments and experience
• Health Insurance: Full medical benefits provided
• Visa Support: Assistance with the J-1 visa application process necessary for residency
• Research Support: Office space, computer access, and use of university libraries (including Firestone Library)
• Travel Coverage: Limited transportation costs for fellows and dependents to Princeton
• Intellectual Environment: Opportunity to collaborate with Princeton faculty and other international fellows
• Public Seminar Participation: Fellows present their research to the broader Princeton academic community

Benefits Not Included

• Housing and accommodation expenses are not covered and are the responsibility of the fellow.
• Shipment costs for household goods and personal effects are not paid, though some research material shipping may be supported within limits.

Eligibility Criteria for the Princeton University Fung Global Fellows Program

• Must have received Ph.D. (or equivalent) after Sept 1, 2016
• Cannot be currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program or employed as a postdoc
• Must be employed outside the U.S. with a faculty or professional research appointment
• Expected to return to current position after fellowship
• Must show outstanding scholarly achievement and early-career intellectual promise
• Selection based on:
  • Strength/relevance of research project to program’s theme
  • Quality of past scholarly work
  • Ability to contribute to program’s intellectual exchange
  • Work experience outside the U.S.
• Open to scholars in humanities and social sciences from any world region

Required Documents for Application

Applicants must submit the following materials in English through the official online portal by November 15, 2025:

• Online application
• Cover letter (max 1.5 pages)
• Curriculum Vitae (with publications)
• Research proposal (max 3 pages, single-spaced)
• One writing sample (article/book chapter, max 50 pages)
• Contact info for 3 referees (they must submit letters by deadline)
• If selected: official employer letter confirming leave approval for fellowship year

Princeton University Fung Global Fellows Program Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Documents: Collect all required documents well ahead of the deadline.
2. Apply Online: Access Princeton’s online application portal (available starting September 2025).
3. Submit Application: Complete and submit the application by November 15, 2025, no later than 11:59 p.m. EST.
4. Recommend Letters: Ensure referees upload their letters before the deadline. The system sends automatic invitations after submission.
5. Application Review: The program director and search committee evaluate applications confidentially.
6. Notification: Candidates will be informed of the results by early-to-mid February 2026.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Start Early: Submit your application early to allow referees ample time to upload letters.
• Align Research: Make sure your research proposal clearly ties to the annual theme, “The Politics of the Archive.”
• Be Concise: Observe page limits strictly for letters and proposals.
• Highlight Impact: Emphasize your scholarly achievement and your ability to contribute to the intellectual environment of the program.
• Follow Instructions: Submit only requested materials; supplementary or additional documents are not reviewed.
• Proofread: Ensure all written materials are polished and error-free.

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Princeton (in USD)

While the fellowship provides a generous salary, understanding living costs helps in planning:

• Housing (rent for one-bedroom apartment): $1,200 – $2,000
• Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water): $100 – $150
• Groceries: $300 – $500
• Transportation: $70 – $100 (local public transportation)
• Miscellaneous (phone, entertainment): $100 – $200

Estimated monthly total expenses range between $1,800 and $2,950, depending on lifestyle and housing choices.

Why Choose the Fung Global Fellows Program?

1. Prestigious Host: Affiliation with Princeton University, a top Ivy League institution.
2. Generous Funding: Competitive salary with health insurance and research support.
3. Intellectual Community: Opportunity to work alongside world-renowned scholars and peers.
4. Thematic Focus: Engage in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research on globally significant topics.
5. Career Advancement: Builds an international scholarly profile with networking and exposure.
6. Cultural Experience: Live in the historic and charming university town of Princeton, New Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who is eligible to apply?
A1: Early-career scholars employed outside the U.S. with a Ph.D. awarded generally after September 1, 2016, holding faculty or research appointments.

Q2: Can current postdocs or Ph.D. students apply?
A2: No, the fellowship is for those early in their careers but not currently enrolled in Ph.D. or postdoctoral programs.

Q3: Is housing provided?
A3: No, fellows are responsible for securing and financing their own housing arrangements.

Q4: How long is the fellowship duration?
A4: One academic year (approximately 10 months), starting in Fall 2026.

Q5: What is the application deadline?
A5: November 15, 2025 (11:59 p.m. EST).

Q6: Are there restrictions on the field of study?
A6: The program primarily focuses on humanities and social sciences but is open to a broad range of disciplines examining the yearly theme.

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The Princeton University Fung Global Fellows Program 2026-27 is a rare and prestigious opportunity for international early-career scholars to advance their research in a vibrant academic environment with robust support.