Overview
Fellows conduct substantial research in residence and should contact potential advisors to confirm feasibility and access. Awards range from ten weeks to twelve months by category.
Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program
Deadline
Oct 15, 2026
Location
Smithsonian facilities in the United States
Application fee
Free
Reward / Stipend
USD 10,000 for ten-week graduate fellows, USD 45,000 per year predoctoral, or USD 57,000 per year postdoctoral and senior, plus research and relocation allowances.
Who is this for
Graduate students, doctoral candidates, postdoctoral and senior researchers with a Smithsonian-based proposal.
Summary
Incentives
- USD 10,000 for ten-week graduate fellows, USD 45,000 per year predoctoral, and USD 57,000 per year postdoctoral or senior.
- Predoctoral and higher categories may request up to USD 5,000 research support plus USD 100-1,000 relocation support.
Eligibility
- Graduate students, doctoral candidates, postdoctoral and senior researchers apply under separate rules.
- The proposal must fit a Smithsonian research field and depend on its collections, facilities or staff.
Fees
- No application fee; dependent travel and living costs are not covered.
Key dates
- Deadline: 15 October 2026 at 11:59 pm ET; tenure is ten weeks or three to twelve months by category.
Application materials
- Proposal, schedule, CV, budget, academic evidence, recommendations and proposed advisor information.
Additional notes
- All materials must be in English; foreign transcripts require translation.
Application advice
- Contact the best-matched Smithsonian researcher first.
- Tie each collection or facility to a specific research task.