APSA Diversity Fellowship Program 2027–2028: $5,000 Fellowship for Aspiring Political Science PhD Students
The American Political Science Association offers a $5,000 fellowship distributed over two years for eligible emerging scholars preparing for doctoral studies in political science. The program specifically welcomes applicants focusing on topics like race, gender, systemic racism, and Indigenous politics.
Overview
The APSA Diversity Fellowship Program (DFP) Fall Cycle is designed to support emerging scholars preparing to enter political science doctoral programs. Successful fellows receive a total financial award of $5,000, which is disbursed across two years.
The fellowship is aimed at individuals whose academic work and research interests engage significantly with marginalized communities and key political topics, including race, ethnicity, gender, systemic racism, LGBTQ politics, disability politics, Indigenous politics, or tribal sovereignty and governance.
Benefits
- A $5,000 financial award distributed over two years to assist with pre-PhD and application-stage expenses.
- Recognition of academic potential and commitment to a career in political science research and teaching.
Eligibility
- Academic Level: Open to undergraduate seniors, recent graduates, students in terminal MA programs, and others actively applying to political science PhD programs.
- Citizenship/Status: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders), or individuals granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.
- Research Focus: Intended scholarship must center primarily on the program's specified political science subfields and areas of identity or governance.
- Qualifications: Candidates must demonstrate a clear interest in teaching and a strong potential for scholarly research in political science.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must complete their submissions through the official APSA application platform. Applicants should prepare and submit the following components:
- A completed online application form containing personal details, a resume, and a personal statement outlining academic trajectory, research objectives, and teaching interests.
- Academic transcripts, unofficial transcripts, or degree audits from every undergraduate and graduate institution attended.
- Three letters of recommendation submitted directly by the recommenders through the online application system.
To begin, create an APSA profile and submit your documentation through the online application portal.
Deadline
The application deadline for the 2027–2028 Fall Cycle is October 25, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to initiate their requests early to give recommenders sufficient time to submit their letters.