Wilson Center Congressional Fellowship Program Spring 2026: Nonpartisan Policy Training for U.S. Congressional Staff

Wilson Center has officially opened applications for the Spring 2026 Wilson Center Congressional Fellowship Program, a prestigious six-week, nonpartisan fellowship designed to strengthen the foreign policy expertise of U.S. Congressional staff.

The program equips mid- to senior-level staffers with policy analysis tools, bipartisan dialogue experience, and direct engagement with leading foreign policy experts, helping them navigate today’s rapidly evolving global landscape.

About the Congressional Fellowship Program

Formerly known as the Foreign Policy Fellowship Program, the Wilson Center Congressional Fellowship Program is committed to supporting Congress through scholarship-driven, fiercely nonpartisan policy education.

The fellowship brings together an equal number of staff from Democratic and Republican offices, fostering cross-party dialogue and informed decision-making on critical geopolitical and national security issues.

What the Fellowship Offers

Selected fellows benefit from:

• A six-week, in-person fellowship program in Washington, DC

• Policy briefings and interactive sessions with leading foreign policy scholars and practitioners

• Training focused on foreign policy analysis, global affairs, and bipartisan collaboration

• Opportunities to engage with peers across the political aisle

• A Certificate of Completion from the Wilson Center (upon attending at least five of six sessions)

• Lifetime membership in the Wilson Center Alumni Network, with access to exclusive briefings, roundtables, and study trips

Why This Fellowship Matters

The Wilson Center Congressional Fellowship Program plays a critical role in strengthening evidence-based policymaking in the U.S. Congress. By connecting staffers directly with top scholars and policy practitioners, the program enhances legislative capacity, promotes bipartisan cooperation, and bridges the gap between research and real-world policy decisions.

Fellowship Schedule (Spring 2026)

The Spring 2026 session includes six in-person sessions held on the following dates:

• 27 March 2026

• 10 April 2026

• 17 April 2026

• 24 April 2026

• 1 May 2026

• 8 May 2026

Eligibility Criteria

The Wilson Center Congressional Fellowship Program is exclusively for current U.S. Congressional staff.

Applicants should:

• Be mid- to senior-level Congressional staffers

• Demonstrate strong understanding of the legislative process

• Show interest in shaping or supporting U.S. foreign policy

• Be available to attend in-person sessions during the program period

An equal number of fellows are selected from Democratic and Republican offices to maintain nonpartisan balance.

Application Timeline

• Applications open: 2 February 2026

• Application deadline: 2 March 2026

• Program dates: 27 March – 8 May 2026

Late applications will not be considered.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted online through the Wilson Center’s official fellowship page.

APPLY HERE

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review eligibility requirements, application instructions, and selection criteria before submitting. Read that here.

Read more about the Wilson Center here: https://www.wilsoncenter.org

For more fellowships, click here.