ACLS Fellowships 2026–27: Up to $60,000 for Humanities and Interpretive Social Sciences Research
The American Council of Learned Societies Fellowships provide up to $60,000 and dedicated time for scholars pursuing significant research and writing projects in the humanities and interpretive social sciences. Eligible researchers at various career stages can apply for awards lasting between 6 and 12 months.
Overview
The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) Fellowships provide financial support and dedicated time for scholars pursuing significant research and writing in the humanities and interpretive social sciences. For the 2026–27 competition cycle, the programme plans to award at least 60 fellowships to support early-career and established researchers. Successful applicants receive funding structured around a 12-month award period of up to $60,000, or prorated amounts for shorter awards lasting between six and eleven months.
Benefits
- Maximum award of $60,000 for a 12-month fellowship.
- Stipend of $30,000 for a six-month fellowship, with intermediate durations calculated at $5,000 per month.
- Additional award supplements ranging from approximately $3,000 to $6,000 for eligible independent scholars, adjunct faculty, and faculty with teaching-intensive roles.
- Portability, allowing the fellowship to be held at an appropriate location supporting the research.
Eligibility
Applicants must satisfy specific academic qualifications and US citizenship or residency requirements:
- Hold a PhD in the humanities or social sciences conferred before the application deadline, or demonstrate equivalent qualifications through publications and professional experience for established scholars without a PhD.
- Fall into an eligible US citizenship or residency category, such as US citizens, permanent residents, DACA recipients, asylees, refugees, individuals granted Temporary Protected Status, or foreign nationals who have lived in the US or US territories for the three years immediately preceding the deadline.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the official application process online through the ACLS fellowship and grant administration system. Required application materials include:
- The official online application form.
- A research proposal of no more than three single-spaced pages.
- An optional supporting non-text materials document of up to two pages.
- A work plan of no more than one page.
- An unannotated bibliography of no more than two pages.
- A publications list not exceeding two pages.
- A personal statement of up to one page.
Deadline
The application deadline for the 2026–27 ACLS Fellowship is September 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.