Due Oct 15, 2026

Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP)

Direct application

$10,000–$62,000

Eligibility

Education level
Graduate

About this scholarship

Graduate, predoctoral, postdoctoral, and senior researchers may apply for in-resident fellowships to conduct independent research using Smithsonian collections, facilities, and staff advisors. Stipend amounts vary by fellowship tier and duration.

Submit a research proposal and materials through SOLAA by the October deadline. Fellowships span anthropology, astrophysics, environmental science, evolutionary biology, and many other fields.

Essay questions

What else to submit

  • Research proposal
  • Abstract
  • Bibliography
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Academic transcripts, as applicable to fellowship tier
  • Two letters of reference
  • Bibliography (no specific page limit stated; relevant literature)
  • Curriculum Vitae (limit 4 pages maximum; include previous/current fellowships, grants, awards, and English proficiency level if applicable)
  • Transcripts (graduate students: undergraduate and graduate; predoctoral/postdoctoral: graduate only; senior fellows: not required; unofficial acceptable)
  • Two letters of reference from persons familiar with the applicant's work (do NOT use your proposed Smithsonian advisor(s))
  • Application submitted via SOLAA (Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System) at solaa.si.edu
  • Deadline: October 15 (11:59 PM EST) for the 2026-2027 cycle
  • Applicant must identify a Smithsonian staff advisor and propose research aligned with Smithsonian resources
  • Submit through SOLAA (Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System).
  • The proposed Smithsonian advisor may not serve as a reference.