Step Into the Heart of U.S. Foreign Policy: Apply for the International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) ($120,000 stipend)

0 95 2 minutes read

Step Into the Heart of U.S. Foreign Policy: Apply for the International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) ($120,000 stipend)

Table of Contents

Introduction

Ready to bridge the gap between academic theory and foreign policy practice? The Council on Foreign Relations’ International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) is your chance to gain real-world experience at the highest levels of U.S. and international policymaking. With a $120,000 stipend, in-person placements, and access to an elite alumni network, this prestigious fellowship can redefine your career.

About the Organization: Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)

CFR is a leading U.S. think tank focused on foreign policy and international affairs.
Known for promoting objective research and informed dialogue on global issues.
Home to top experts, decision-makers, and former government officials.
Offers exclusive fellowships designed to build the next generation of global policy leaders.

About the Fellowship Program

Established: 1967
Purpose: Bridge the gap between foreign policy research and practice.
Format: Full-time, in-person, 12-month fellowship starting in September 2026
Stipend: $120,000
Alumni: Over 650, including:
- Former U.S. Secretary of State
- Undersecretaries of State and Defense
- Ambassadors
- Senior policymakers and scholars

Program Tracks

Academia/Private Sector → U.S. Government or International Organizations
- CFR helps fellows find placements (not guaranteed).
Federal Government/Military → CFR Office (New York or Washington, DC)
- Fellows work on CFR’s key initiatives:
  - RealEcon Initiative
  - China Strategy Initiative
  - Technology and Climate Programs

Key Features

Fellows are independent contractors (not employees); no health or fringe benefits.
Expected to work on-site at least 3 days/week.
Security clearance may be required for U.S. government placements.
Special designation: IAF in National Security (2+ fellows per year).

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be U.S. citizens.
Be mid-career professionals with a proven track record.
Hold at least a bachelor’s degree (advanced degrees preferred, especially for academic applicants).
Not apply to other CFR fellowships in the same year.

Additional Preferences:

Academia/Private Sector: Preference for those with no prior U.S. government/international organization experience.
Federal Government/Military: Preference for proposals supporting CFR’s key initiatives.

What the Fellowship Offers

Duration: 12 months (starting September 2026)
Stipend: $120,000 (no indirect costs allowed)
Placement Support: CFR assists in matching fellows with appropriate institutions (but cannot guarantee specific placements)
Security Clearance: May be required for U.S. government roles (can delay start date)
Special Focus Areas:
- National Security
- Economics
- China Strategy
- Climate & Technology

Selection Process

Highly competitive.
Selection criteria:
- Academic and/or professional excellence.
- Strong interest in U.S. foreign policy.
- Feasibility and relevance of proposal.
- Potential career impact.
Selection Committee:
- Reviews all applications.
- Interviews top 20 applicants.
- Selects 8–10 fellows per year.

How to Apply

Application Opens: September 15, 2025
Deadline: October 31, 2025
Interview Notifications: By February 2026
Final Award Notifications: By March 31, 2026

Required Materials:

Personal, educational, and employment information
Proposed placements and policy focus (Academia/Private/NGO applicants)
Policy-relevant proposal (Federal/Military applicants)
2 letters of recommendation

🔗 Apply online via CFR’s fellowship portal

Hear From Past Fellows

“It’s not an exaggeration to say it played a critical role in the rest of my career path… I’m nothing but a fan of this program.”
— Philip Gordon, National Security Council, IAF 1998–99

“If given the rare opportunity to have an experience that redefines your career trajectory … take it! That’s what my IAF did for me.”
— Curtis Valentine, Deputy Director, Progressive Policy Institute, IAF 2013–14

Final Thoughts

The International Affairs Fellowship is more than a funding opportunity—it’s a career-altering experience that places you at the intersection of research, diplomacy, and strategy. Whether you’re an academic eager to shape policy or a government professional ready to step back and reflect, this fellowship opens doors that few others can.

Apply