The Max Kampelman Fellowships 2026 are now open for applications, offering an outstanding opportunity for graduate students and recent graduates interested in international affairs, human rights, security policy, communications, and government. Hosted by the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, these prestigious paid fellowships provide participants with hands-on experience working alongside leading experts on some of the most pressing political, economic, military, and human rights issues affecting Europe, Eurasia, and North America.
Named in honor of Ambassador Max Kampelman, a distinguished American diplomat and long-time representative to the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, the fellowship is designed to prepare the next generation of American leaders in foreign policy, strategic communications, democracy promotion, and international security.
Successful fellows will spend three months working in person in Washington, DC, contributing to research, policy development, communications, congressional activities, and public engagement while building valuable professional networks within the U.S. government.
Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort are currently open, with a submission deadline of 29 July 2026.
About the Max Kampelman Fellowships
The Max Kampelman Fellowship Program is administered by the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), commonly known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission.
The Commission works to strengthen:
- Human rights
- Democratic governance
- Military security
- Economic cooperation
- Rule of law
- Freedom of expression
- International stability
Its work spans 57 participating States of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) across Europe, Eurasia, and North America.
The fellowship provides emerging professionals with the opportunity to gain practical experience inside a U.S. government commission that directly supports Congress on international policy issues.
Participants become part of a multidisciplinary team that contributes to hearings, legislative work, research publications, diplomatic engagement, and communications initiatives.
Fellowship Overview
Selected fellows will:
- Work directly with Commission staff and policy experts
- Participate in congressional and policy activities
- Conduct research on international affairs
- Attend hearings, conferences, and briefings
- Contribute to official publications
- Build professional networks
- Gain practical experience in U.S. foreign policy and international governance
The fellowship combines academic learning with practical government experience, making it ideal for individuals pursuing careers in:
- Government
- International organizations
- Human rights advocacy
- Public policy
- Diplomacy
- Strategic communications
- Journalism
- International development
Fellowship Duration
The fellowship lasts:
- Three months
Participants are expected to:
- Work approximately 30 hours per week
- Attend the fellowship in person
- Be based at the Commission’s office in Washington, DC
Fellowship Benefits
Successful fellows will receive numerous professional and financial benefits, including:
Financial Support
Participants receive:
- Hourly salary of USD $27 per hour
Professional Development
Fellows benefit from:
- Professional mentoring
- Career development sessions
- Networking opportunities
- Interaction with senior Commission staff
- Exposure to congressional processes
- Practical policy experience
Government Experience
Participants gain experience in:
- Congressional operations
- Legislative processes
- International diplomacy
- Public policy development
- Government research
- Strategic communications
Fellowship Tracks
Applicants may apply for one of two fellowship tracks.
1. Policy Fellowship
Policy Fellows work alongside Commission policy advisors on issues related to:
- Political affairs
- Military security
- Human rights
- Economic cooperation
- Environmental issues
- International relations
Responsibilities
Policy Fellows may:
- Conduct policy research
- Monitor developments across the OSCE region
- Assist with congressional hearings
- Support legislative activities
- Prepare briefing materials
- Assist with congressional delegations
- Contribute to Commission publications
- Attend hearings and policy events
- Perform administrative support duties
- Write at least one article for publication on the Commission website
2. Communications Fellowship
Communications Fellows support the Commission’s outreach and public engagement activities.
Responsibilities
These include:
- Supporting media relations
- Assisting with communications campaigns
- Promoting Commission hearings
- Publicizing events
- Creating website content
- Producing social media content
- Supporting special communications initiatives
- Staffing Commission events
- Writing at least one article for publication
- Performing communications-related administrative duties
Why Apply?
The fellowship provides a rare opportunity to work within a U.S. congressional commission focused on international affairs.
Benefits include:
- Paid government fellowship
- Practical foreign policy experience
- Exposure to congressional work
- Human rights policy experience
- Security policy experience
- Communications experience
- Legislative research experience
- Publication opportunities
- Mentorship from experienced professionals
- Career networking
- Strong résumé enhancement
Areas of Work
Fellows may engage with topics such as:
- International security
- Democracy
- Elections
- Human rights
- Military affairs
- Economic cooperation
- Environmental policy
- Strategic communications
- Foreign policy
- International organizations
- OSCE affairs
- Congressional diplomacy
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the eligibility criteria established by the Commission.
Eligible applicants include:
- Current graduate students
- Registered graduate students
- Recent undergraduate graduates (provided the fellowship begins within one year of graduation)
- Exceptional undergraduate students with previous internship experience
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong interest in international affairs
- Interest in Congress and U.S. government
- Interest in foreign policy
- Interest in international security
- Interest in democracy and human rights
Knowledge of another OSCE language is considered an advantage.
Citizenship Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
- Be a United States citizen
- Be a lawful permanent resident pursuing U.S. citizenship
- Be a refugee or asylum recipient meeting statutory requirements
- Owe allegiance to the United States
These requirements are established under applicable U.S. federal legislation governing employment eligibility.
Qualifications for Policy Fellowship
Competitive applicants should possess:
- Excellent writing skills
- Strong analytical abilities
- Research experience
- Oral communication skills
- Interest in government
- Interest in international relations
- Interest in human rights
Qualifications for Communications Fellowship
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Excellent writing skills
- Editing skills
- Basic knowledge of WordPress
- Familiarity with social media platforms
- Interest in government communications
Additional assets include:
- Photography
- Graphic design
- Video production
- Creative content development
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Brief cover letter
The letter should explain:
- Why you wish to work for the Commission
- Relevant educational or personal background
- Specific policy interests
- Availability, including preferred start and end dates and weekly availability
- Resume
- Maximum two pages
- Writing sample
- Maximum three pages
- Optional portfolio (Communications Fellowship only)
May include:
- Graphic design samples
- Copywriting
- Photography
- Videos
- Digital communications work
Application Instructions
Applications should be submitted by email.
Applicants must:
- Email all required materials
- Use the correct subject line
- Indicate whether applying for:
- Policy Fellowship
- Communications Fellowship
Only complete applications submitted before the deadline will be considered.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.
Applicants are requested not to contact the Commission regarding application status.
Upcoming Fellowship Term
Policy Fellowship
- Fall 2026
- Applications currently open
Communications Fellowship
- Fall 2026
- Applications currently open
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications for both fellowship tracks is:
29 July 2026
Applications received after the deadline or missing required documents will not be considered.
Career Opportunities After the Fellowship
The Max Kampelman Fellowship offers excellent preparation for careers in:
- U.S. Government
- Congress
- International organizations
- Foreign service
- Human rights organizations
- International NGOs
- Public policy institutes
- Think tanks
- Strategic communications
- Journalism
- International development
- Academia
Participants gain practical skills and professional networks that can significantly strengthen future career prospects.
Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application
To improve your chances of selection:
- Tailor your cover letter to the Commission’s mission.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in international affairs, democracy, and human rights.
- Showcase analytical, research, or communications experience.
- Submit a polished writing sample that reflects your strongest work.
- Communications applicants should include a high-quality portfolio if available.
- Highlight language skills, international experience, leadership roles, or previous internships relevant to the fellowship.
Conclusion
The Max Kampelman Fellowships 2026 provide an exceptional opportunity for graduate students, recent graduates, and aspiring professionals interested in international affairs, human rights, security policy, and strategic communications. Through paid, hands-on experience at the U.S. Helsinki Commission in Washington, DC, fellows gain invaluable exposure to congressional processes, foreign policy, and international cooperation while working alongside experienced policymakers and communications professionals.
Whether your goal is a career in government, diplomacy, public policy, international organizations, or media, this fellowship offers the knowledge, experience, mentorship, and professional network needed to launch a successful career in international affairs. Prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare a strong application package and submit all required materials before the 29 July 2026 deadline.
