Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship 2027–2028 for International Researchers and Democracy Advocates

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is inviting applications for the 2027–2028 Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship.

The programme provides democracy activists, journalists, civil society leaders and scholars with an opportunity to spend five months in Washington, D.C., conducting independent research on democracy and democratic development.

Nigerians are eligible to apply.

Category: International Research Fellowship

Location: Washington, D.C., United States

Duration: Five months

Fellowship Benefits

Successful fellows receive:

• Monthly financial support for living expenses.
• Round-trip travel to Washington, D.C.
• Basic health insurance.
• Support for furnished accommodation, food and local transportation.
• A fully equipped office.
• Research and editorial support.
• Opportunities to interact with democracy advocates, researchers and policymakers.

Fellowship Tracks

1. Practitioner Track

Designed for mid-career professionals with substantial practical experience promoting democracy or human rights in their countries or regions.

2. Scholarly Track

Designed for academics and researchers with a doctorate, an established publication record and a detailed research outline.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Demonstrate proficiency in English.
• Propose a research project addressing political, social, economic, legal or cultural aspects of democratic development.
• Be available for the full five-month residential fellowship.
• Not hold another job or fellowship during the programme.
• Additional requirements apply to each track:
• Practitioner applicants must have substantial practical experience in democracy or human rights work.
• Scholarly applicants must hold a doctorate and have an established publication record.

Note: Former Reagan-Fascell fellows are not eligible to apply again.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Applicant information.
• Research or practitioner project proposal.
• Letters of recommendation.
• CV or résumé.
• Biography.

All application materials must be submitted in English.

Application Timeline

Main application deadline: 5 January 2027.

Recommendation letters deadline: 12 January 2027.

How to Apply

• Visit the official Reagan-Fascell Fellowship webpage.
• Review the application instructions.
• Select the appropriate fellowship track.
• Prepare the required application documents.
• Complete the online application.
• Ensure recommendation letters are submitted before their deadline.

Official Programme and Application Information:

https://www.ned.org/fellowships/reagan-fascell-democracy-fellows-program/applying-for-a-fellowship/

Application Portal:

https://www.nedfellowships.org/

Deadline:

5 January 2027.

Important: This is an advanced professional fellowship, not an undergraduate scholarship. It is intended for experienced democracy professionals and qualified scholars.