The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is now accepting applications for its prestigious International Affairs Fellowships (IAF) for the 2026-27 academic year. Since its inception in 1967, the program has supported over 650 individuals, many of whom have become leading figures in U.S. foreign policy, including former Secretaries of State, senior officials from the State and Defense Departments, ambassadors, and distinguished professors.
Details About the International Affairs Fellowship 2026
Host Country: USA, New York or Washington, DC.
Fellowship Duration: 12-month fellowship
Last Date: September 15, 2025, to October 31, 2025.
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Benefits:
The IAF is a year-long program that begins in September and pays $120,000 per year. Fellows work as independent contractors, not employees, so they do not receive benefits such as health insurance.
The CFR helps place fellows from universities or private companies in government or international organizations. Fellows from the federal government or the U.S. Military may choose to work at the CFR offices in New York or Washington, DC.
Fellows must work in person at least three days a week, and some positions may require a U.S. security clearance. Each year, at least two fellows are awarded the title of “Fellow of International Affairs in National Security” for their contributions to combating national security threats.
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Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be a mid-career professional with a strong track record of success in foreign policy or related fields.
- Hold at least a bachelor’s degree (preferred degree for academic candidates).
- Do not apply for another CFR Fellowship in the same year.
- Be willing to work in a professional environment that is significantly different from their current environment.
- Preference is given to applicants with limited government experience (for academic or private sector candidates) or to those who have contributed to CFR initiatives in RealEcon, China Strategy, Technology, or Climate (for federal government or military applicants).
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Timeline:
The application period for the International Affairs Fellowship 2026-27 is from September 15, 2025, to October 31, 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in February 2026, and final award decisions will be announced by March 31, 2026. The fellowship year will begin in September 2026.
How To Apply?
Apply to the official website. The official website link is given below.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
