Program Overview
The International Affairs Fellowship (IAF), established in 1967 by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), seeks to bridge the gap between academia and U.S. foreign policy-making. The IAF program offers mid-career professionals the opportunity to gain fresh perspectives by working in a new environment, fostering the next generation of scholar-practitioners. The program boasts over 650 distinguished alumni, including a former U.S. Secretary of State, ambassadors, and other high-ranking officials in government, academia, and the private sector.
Participants from academia or the private sector typically work within the U.S. government or international organizations, while those coming from government agencies contribute to CFR’s initiatives in New York or Washington, DC. The fellowship focuses on key areas such as foreign policy, RealEcon Initiative, China Strategy Initiative, technology, and climate initiatives.
Fellowship Highlights
- Fellows will receive a $120,000 stipend for a twelve-month term beginning in September 2025.
- Placements are made at host institutions such as U.S. government agencies, international organizations, or within CFR’s offices.
- Fellows gain access to influential networks and are positioned to make significant contributions to U.S. foreign policy.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be U.S. citizens
- Be mid-career professionals
- Must have a strong record of professional achievement and a firm grounding in the field of foreign policy.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (advanced degrees are common but not required)
- Be interested in working in a setting different from their current role
- For candidates from academia and the private sector, preference is given to candidates with no significant prior work experience in the U.S. government or at an international organization.
- For candidates from the federal government or U.S. military, preference is given to candidates who can contribute to CFR’s RealEcon Initiative, China Strategy Initiative, and technology and climate initiatives.
Application Process
The application period for the 2025–26 cycle opens on September 3, 2024, and closes on November 1, 2024. Interested candidates who meet the program’s eligibility requirements can apply online.
- Personal biographical, educational, and employment details
- A proposed placement in the U.S. government or at an international agency and proposed focus of work (for applicants from academia, the private sector, NGOs, and state or local government)
- Proposal to contribute to policy-relevant work at CFR (for applicants from the federal government and the U.S. military)
- Two letters of support
Selection Process
The IAF selection committee evaluates candidates based on professional experience, academic achievements, and the potential impact of their proposed fellowship work. Each year, 8–10 fellowships are awarded, and applicants may be considered for special designations, such as the IAF in National Security for those focusing on security threats.
For more details and to apply, visit the International Affairs Fellowship website.
