APSA Diversity Fellowship Program 2027–2028: Applications Open for Aspiring Political Science PhD Students
Overview
The American Political Science Association is accepting applications for the 2027–2028 Diversity Fellowship Program Fall Cycle. This initiative is designed to support aspiring political scientists who are preparing to apply for doctoral programmes and who focus their scholarship on underrepresented communities and related political experiences. The programme aims to encourage greater participation in political science and strengthen the pipeline of diverse researchers and educators.
Who can apply
Eligible candidates include undergraduate seniors, recent graduates, and students enrolled in terminal master’s programmes who are preparing to apply for PhD studies in political science. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in teaching and potential for research, and they must be engaged in or planning to pursue scholarship focused on eligible subject areas such as race, ethnicity, gender, systemic racism, LGBTQ politics, disability politics, Indigenous politics, and tribal sovereignty and governance.
Candidates must also be a US citizen, US national, US permanent resident with a Permanent Resident Card, or an individual granted deferred action status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals programme at the time of application. The programme strongly encourages applications from first-generation students and scholars, as well as individuals from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic communities including African Americans, Asian and Asian Pacific Americans, Latinos/as, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and scholars of Middle Eastern and North African descent.
What you get
Successful fellows receive a total award of US$5,000, which is distributed over a two-year period to support their academic and professional development. In addition to financial support, the fellowship provides recognition for aspiring scholars committed to political science research and can help recipients strengthen their academic profiles as they advance toward PhD study.
How to apply
Applicants must complete the official online application and provide all required supporting documents through the application portal. The application materials include a personal statement, a résumé, and a list of recommenders. Candidates must also upload transcripts or degree audits from every undergraduate and graduate institution attended. Furthermore, applicants must secure three letters of recommendation, which recommenders must submit directly through the application system.
Key dates
The application deadline is 25 October 2026.