TheKellogg Institute Visiting Fellowshipsoffered by the University of Notre Dame are among the most prestigious academic fellowships worldwide. They provide a unique opportunity for mid-career and senior researchers to spend a semester or a full academic year in a stimulating intellectual environment to advance their research and collaborate with top international scholars specializing in global democracy issues.
About the Fellowship
The fellowships are awarded through a highly competitive process and are open to university professors from around the world conducting research related to the theme ofglobal democracy— the core area of the Kellogg Institute’s academic activities. Fellows are expected to share their work with the Notre Dame academic community and to actively engage in the Institute’s programs.
Fellowship Benefits
The Visiting Fellowship includes:
- A competitive stipend, based on academic rank:
- Assistant Professor: $80,000/year
- Associate Professor: $90,000/year
- Full Professor: $100,000/year
- Assistant Professor: $80,000/year
- Duration: One semester (Fall or Spring) or a full academic year (August to May).
- Round-trip travel expenses.
- Health insurance coverage, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance through providers such as Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
- Access to on-campus health facilities and pharmacy.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance through providers such as Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
- Housing: Fellows may lease a furnished on-campus apartment (subject to availability).
- Stipend Disbursement: The stipend is paid in equal monthly installments over the duration of the fellowship (e.g., 9 monthly payments from August to May for the academic year).
Who Is Eligible?
Applications are welcome from:
- Assistant, Associate, or Full Professors from any country.
- Scholars holding a PhD or an equivalent degree, especially in social science disciplines.
- In exceptional cases, applicants with PhDs in other fields may also be considered.
For non-U.S. citizens/residents:
- Advanced English language proficiency is required.
- Applicants must have a valid passport and obtain a J-1 visa.
- Important note: Anyone who has completed a J-1 stay of less than five years in the U.S. and does not immediately secure a new appointment is subject to a 24-month bar before re-entering the U.S. under the same visa category. This is different from the well-known 2-year home residency requirement.
Fellow Expectations
- Residency: Fellows are expected to be in residence for the full duration of their fellowship. Absences beyond a few days require formal approval.
- Research Presentation: Fellows must give at least one public presentation of their research during their stay.
- Community Participation: Fellows are expected to attend weekly seminars, lecture series, and most of the Kellogg Institute events.
- Publication: Fellows are expected to publish research conducted or completed during their stay, with acknowledgment of the Kellogg Institute's support.
Required Documents
- Cover letter stating your interest in the fellowship and your preferred term.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Research project statement (6–10 double-spaced pages).
- Project abstract (maximum 150 words).
- Short bio (200–300 words).
- Three confidential letters of recommendation (must be submitted through the Interfolio system by October 7).
- Visiting Fellowship Application Form and Institutional Required Information Form (IRIF).
How to Apply
The application process is fully online via theInterfolio system. Applicants must create an account and submit all required documents before the deadline.
Timeline:
Applications open:August 1, 2025
Deadline:October 1, 2025(For the academic year 2026–2027)
Selection Criteria
Applications are reviewed by a committee of Kellogg Faculty Fellows based on the following criteria:
- The applicant’s scholarly record and academic potential.
- The significance and originality of the research question.
- The project’s relevance to theGlobal Democracytheme.
- The quality of the research design, hypotheses, methodology, and sources.
- The clarity and importance of the project, even to non-Specialists.
- The quantity and quality of work expected to be completed during the fellowship.