Council on Foreign Relations Fellowships 2026: Transformational Opportunities for U.S. Citizens Pursuing Careers in Foreign Policy

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) Fellowships provide prestigious opportunities for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of international affairs, foreign policy, diplomacy, national security, and global policymaking. Designed to give selected fellows meaningful exposure to new environments and policymaking settings, CFR’s fellowship programs can provide an important platform for professionals committed to building long-term careers in foreign policy.

Through its diverse portfolio of domestic and overseas fellowships, the Council on Foreign Relations connects talented professionals with opportunities to gain practical experience, broaden their perspectives, engage with experts, and contribute to discussions surrounding some of the world’s most important international challenges.

For U.S. citizens with a demonstrated commitment to a career in foreign policy, these fellowships can provide an opportunity to step outside their existing professional environment and gain direct exposure to policymaking institutions, international affairs research, diplomacy, journalism, technology policy, nuclear security, and other areas relevant to America’s engagement with the world.

What Are Council on Foreign Relations Fellowships?

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) Fellowships are specialized fellowship opportunities intended to broaden the perspectives and professional experiences of individuals working toward careers in foreign policy and international affairs.

According to the information provided by CFR, selected fellows can gain exposure to a new environment in one of several settings, including:

• A policymaking environment
• The Council on Foreign Relations itself
• An overseas professional or policy environment
• Specialized institutions and organizations connected to foreign policy
• Professional settings related to journalism, technology diplomacy, national security, and international affairs

The objective is not simply to provide a temporary professional placement. CFR describes its fellowships as unique and transformational opportunities through which fellows can develop broader perspectives on foreign affairs.

This makes the programs particularly relevant to professionals who want to expand their understanding beyond their current area of work and gain exposure to the complex processes through which international policy is researched, debated, developed, and implemented.

Why CFR Fellowships Are Important

International affairs increasingly require professionals who understand how different countries, institutions, political systems, economic interests, security priorities, technological developments, and global challenges interact.

A professional working in foreign policy may need to understand diplomacy. A journalist covering international affairs may need deeper knowledge of national security. A technology professional may need to understand how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies affect international relations. Likewise, policymakers may need exposure to academic research, international institutions, media perspectives, and overseas policy environments.

CFR’s fellowship programs are structured around this type of professional development.

By placing fellows in new environments, the programs can expose participants to perspectives and experiences that may not be available through their existing professional roles.

International Affairs Fellowship Programs Overseas

One of the major components of the CFR fellowship portfolio is its collection of overseas fellowship programs.

These programs provide opportunities for selected fellows to gain international exposure while examining foreign policy issues from a different national or regional perspective.

The overseas programs listed in the information provided include:

1. International Affairs Fellowship in Canada

The International Affairs Fellowship in Canada provides an overseas pathway for fellows interested in developing their understanding of international affairs through exposure to the Canadian environment.

Canada is an important partner of the United States, and professional exposure in the country can provide insights into bilateral relations, diplomacy, international cooperation, security, trade, and broader North American affairs.

The fellowship is therefore particularly relevant to professionals whose interests intersect with U.S.-Canadian relations or broader international policy questions.

2. International Affairs Fellowship in India

The International Affairs Fellowship in India provides an opportunity for fellows to gain exposure to one of the world’s most influential countries.

India plays an increasingly important role in global diplomacy, economic affairs, security, technology, and international relations.

Professional experience in India can therefore help fellows develop a broader understanding of South Asian affairs and India’s role in the international system.

3. International Affairs Fellowship in Indonesia

The International Affairs Fellowship in Indonesia offers another overseas opportunity within CFR’s international affairs portfolio.

Indonesia is a major country in Southeast Asia and plays an important role in regional and international affairs.

For fellows interested in Southeast Asian geopolitics, international cooperation, economic relations, regional security, and diplomacy, an overseas fellowship experience in Indonesia could provide valuable exposure to perspectives that differ from those found in the United States.

4. International Affairs Fellowship in Japan

The International Affairs Fellowship in Japan provides an opportunity for fellows to broaden their knowledge of Japan and its position within international affairs.

Japan has an important role in Asian security, global economics, technology, diplomacy, and U.S. foreign policy.

An overseas experience in Japan can therefore be relevant to professionals seeking a stronger understanding of East Asian affairs and the relationships shaping the Indo-Pacific region.

5. Chung Mong-Koo International Affairs Fellowship in the Republic of Korea

The Chung Mong-Koo International Affairs Fellowship in the Republic of Korea is another specialized international opportunity listed among CFR’s overseas programs.

The Republic of Korea occupies a strategically significant position in East Asia. Issues involving regional security, economic relations, technology, diplomacy, and relations with the United States are all important components of the broader international environment surrounding the Korean Peninsula.

This fellowship provides another avenue through which fellows can gain exposure to international affairs outside the United States.

6. Robert A. Belfer International Affairs Fellowship in European Security

The Robert A. Belfer International Affairs Fellowship in European Security focuses specifically on European security.

Security issues in Europe have major implications for international relations, transatlantic cooperation, defense policy, diplomacy, and U.S. foreign policy.

Professionals interested in European security and related foreign policy questions may therefore find this fellowship particularly relevant to their professional development.

Domestic Fellowship Programs

CFR’s fellowship portfolio also includes domestic programs based in the United States.

These opportunities allow fellows to gain exposure to foreign policy and international affairs without necessarily participating in an overseas placement.

The domestic programs listed include the following:

1. International Affairs Fellowship

The International Affairs Fellowship provides an opportunity for professionals committed to foreign policy to broaden their perspectives through a fellowship experience.

The program is part of CFR’s broader mission of developing a stronger and more diverse foreign policy community in the United States.

2. Edward R. Murrow Press Fellowship

The Edward R. Murrow Press Fellowship is particularly relevant to professionals working in journalism and the press.

Journalists play an important role in explaining international developments to the public. Understanding foreign policy, diplomacy, global security, and international institutions can strengthen the quality and depth of reporting on international affairs.

The Murrow fellowship therefore represents an opportunity connected to the intersection of journalism and foreign policy.

3. Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship

The Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship focuses on nuclear security.

Nuclear weapons, proliferation, deterrence, arms control, and international security remain significant issues in global affairs.

A specialized fellowship in nuclear security can provide professional exposure for individuals interested in understanding and contributing to policy discussions surrounding these complex issues.

4. Technologist-in-Residence Fellowship

The Technologist-in-Residence Fellowship reflects the increasingly important relationship between technology and international affairs.

Technology is transforming diplomacy, national security, economic competition, communication, intelligence, and international relations.

Professionals with technology backgrounds can therefore contribute valuable technical perspectives to foreign policy discussions.

The fellowship provides a pathway for technological expertise to intersect with the foreign policy community.

Fellowships by Nomination Only

Not every CFR fellowship follows the same application process.

The information provided specifically identifies a group of fellowships that are available by nomination only.

These include:

• Historian-in-Residence Fellowship
• Military Fellowships
• National Intelligence Fellowship
• State Department Fellowship on Technology Diplomacy

Because these opportunities are identified as nomination-only programs, interested individuals should not assume that they can apply through the same process used for publicly accessible fellowship opportunities.

This distinction is important for prospective candidates because the application pathway can vary significantly between programs.

Historian-in-Residence Fellowship

The Historian-in-Residence Fellowship provides an opportunity associated with historical expertise and international affairs.

History is an important component of foreign policy because contemporary international relationships are often shaped by historical events, political decisions, conflicts, alliances, treaties, and institutional developments.

A historian working within a foreign policy environment can therefore contribute valuable context to discussions about international affairs.

Military Fellowships

CFR’s Military Fellowships provide another pathway for individuals with military backgrounds to engage with the foreign policy community.

Military experience can offer important perspectives on national security, defense, international conflict, strategic planning, and relations between military institutions and policymakers.

Because the fellowship is identified under CFR’s nomination-only category, interested candidates should carefully review the specific process and eligibility requirements applicable to the program.

National Intelligence Fellowship

The National Intelligence Fellowship is another specialized program within CFR’s fellowship portfolio.

Intelligence plays a central role in national security and foreign policy decision-making. Reliable intelligence can help policymakers understand international developments, assess threats, and make informed strategic decisions.

The fellowship therefore sits at the intersection of intelligence and foreign policy.

State Department Fellowship on Technology Diplomacy

The State Department Fellowship on Technology Diplomacy addresses the growing importance of technology in international relations.

Emerging technologies increasingly influence diplomacy, national security, economic competition, international cooperation, and relations between governments.

Technology diplomacy brings technical and policy perspectives together, making expertise in this area increasingly important to modern foreign policy.

The fellowship provides a specialized opportunity connected to this evolving field.

Who Is Eligible for CFR Fellowships?

Eligibility varies considerably between the individual Council on Foreign Relations fellowship programs.

The general fellowship information provided states that CFR fellowships offer opportunities for U.S. citizens with a demonstrated commitment to a career in foreign policy.

This means prospective candidates should pay close attention to both the general CFR fellowship requirements and the specific eligibility rules for the fellowship they are interested in.

Potential candidates may include professionals whose careers or academic interests are connected to areas such as:

• Foreign policy
• International affairs
• Diplomacy
• Journalism
• National security
• Nuclear security
• Military affairs
• Intelligence
• Technology
• Technology diplomacy
• European security
• International relations
• Policymaking
• History and international affairs

However, the exact qualifications, professional experience requirements, nomination procedures, and citizenship requirements can differ from one fellowship to another.

Are Applicants From Other Countries Eligible?

The general information supplied for the CFR fellowship portfolio specifically describes the opportunities as being for U.S. citizens with a demonstrated commitment to a career in foreign policy.

Therefore, applicants should not assume that simply being a resident of another country makes them eligible.

At the same time, CFR’s portfolio includes overseas fellowship programs in Canada, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Europe. The location of a fellowship should not automatically be interpreted as meaning that citizens of that country or region can apply.

For example, the existence of an International Affairs Fellowship in India does not, based on the information provided alone, establish that all Indian citizens are eligible.

Applicants from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania, or other regions should therefore review the eligibility requirements of the specific fellowship before applying.

What Makes These Fellowships Different?

One of the distinguishing characteristics of the CFR fellowship portfolio is its emphasis on exposure to new environments.

Rather than limiting fellows to their existing professional setting, CFR seeks to provide selected participants with experiences that can broaden their understanding of foreign affairs.

This can involve exposure to:

1. Policymaking environments
2. CFR’s professional and research environment
3. Overseas settings
4. Journalism and media
5. Military and national security perspectives
6. Intelligence
7. Nuclear security
8. Technology and technology diplomacy
9. Regional security
10. International affairs research and policy discussions

Such exposure can help professionals develop a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that shape foreign policy.

Professional Development and Career Benefits

Participating in a prestigious foreign policy fellowship can contribute to professional growth in several ways.

Broader understanding of international affairs

Fellows can gain exposure to international issues beyond their existing area of expertise.

Exposure to policymaking

The opportunity to work in or around policymaking environments can provide insight into how foreign policy ideas are developed and implemented.

International experience

The overseas fellowship programs can expose fellows to international environments and perspectives.

Cross-sector learning

CFR’s portfolio covers journalism, technology, military affairs, intelligence, nuclear security, history, and diplomacy. This creates opportunities for professionals from different backgrounds to engage with foreign policy.

Professional network development

Working within a foreign policy environment can help fellows develop relationships with other professionals, researchers, policymakers, journalists, and experts.

Greater perspective

Exposure to different institutions and countries can help participants develop a broader understanding of international challenges.

Featured CFR Events and International Affairs Content

The Council on Foreign Relations fellowship page also highlights meetings, expert analysis, and reports related to international affairs.

Among the featured content listed in the provided information is the 2026 International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) Summer Series: Multilateralism Under Pressure, held on July 29, 2026.

The event reflects the type of foreign policy discussion associated with CFR’s broader work and highlights the importance of multilateralism in an increasingly complicated international environment.

The page also features analysis and reports addressing major global issues.

One featured expert take examines how rising deaths from earthquakes in Venezuela tested U.S. disaster relief.

Another article examines U.S. policy surrounding artificial intelligence oversight, demonstrating the growing intersection between technology and national policy.

A report on preventing renewed conflict in Colombia highlights the importance of conflict prevention and international engagement.

These topics demonstrate the breadth of issues connected to the broader foreign policy community.

Council on Foreign Relations and the U.S. Foreign Policy Community

Beyond its fellowship programs, the Council on Foreign Relations maintains a broader ecosystem focused on international affairs.

The CFR website provides access to areas including:

• Membership
• Fellowships
• Careers
• Newsletters
• CFR Education
• Events
• Foreign policy analysis
• Reports
• Expert commentary
• International affairs resources

The fellowship program forms part of this wider effort to strengthen the foreign policy community.

CFR also states that it is committed to fostering a foreign policy community in the United States that is more representative of American society as a whole.

This emphasis on representation is an important component of the organization’s fellowship mission.

How to Approach a CFR Fellowship Opportunity

Because CFR operates several different fellowship programs, prospective candidates should avoid treating the fellowship portfolio as a single application.

Instead, applicants should:

1. Identify the fellowship that most closely matches their professional background and foreign policy interests.
2. Read the specific eligibility requirements for that fellowship.
3. Determine whether the program accepts direct applications or operates through nomination or invitation.
4. Review the required application materials.
5. Confirm citizenship and professional eligibility requirements.
6. Check the fellowship’s specific deadline.
7. Research the focus area of the fellowship.
8. Prepare application materials that clearly demonstrate a commitment to foreign policy.
9. Highlight relevant professional, academic, research, journalism, military, technology, or policy experience.
10. Submit the application through the official CFR process where applicable.

Important Note About Application Deadlines

There is no single overall deadline stated in the information provided for all Council on Foreign Relations fellowships.

Instead, eligibility and application procedures vary among individual fellowship programs.

Applicants should therefore avoid relying on a general CFR fellowship deadline and should check the specific fellowship page for:

• Opening date
• Closing date
• Eligibility requirements
• Application procedure
• Required documents
• Nomination requirements
• Citizenship requirements
• Fellowship duration
• Location
• Selection criteria

This is particularly important because some fellowships are available by nomination or invitation only.

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Who Should Consider Applying?

CFR fellowship opportunities may be especially relevant to professionals who have already developed a strong interest in international affairs and want to take the next step in their careers.

Potentially relevant candidates include professionals working in:

• Government and public policy
• Diplomacy and international relations
• Journalism and media
• National security
• Defense
• Intelligence
• Technology
• Nuclear security
• International development
• Research
• Academia
• History
• Foreign policy analysis

Candidates should, however, evaluate their background against the specific requirements of the fellowship they are considering.

Why This Opportunity Can Be Valuable for a Foreign Policy Career

Foreign policy careers often require more than academic knowledge.

Professionals may need to understand how governments make decisions, how international institutions operate, how geopolitical relationships evolve, how journalists communicate global developments, how technological changes affect security, and how policymakers respond to emerging threats.

A fellowship that provides exposure to these environments can help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical understanding.

For professionals committed to foreign policy, the opportunity to work in a new environment can also encourage new perspectives and challenge assumptions developed within a single institution or professional sector.

Final Thoughts

The Council on Foreign Relations Fellowships represent a diverse collection of professional development opportunities for individuals committed to foreign policy and international affairs.

From overseas International Affairs Fellowships in Canada, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Europe to domestic programs focused on international affairs, journalism, nuclear security, and technology, CFR offers a broad fellowship portfolio addressing different aspects of modern foreign policy.

The organization also maintains specialized fellowships involving historians, military professionals, intelligence, and technology diplomacy, although some of these opportunities are available only through nomination or invitation.

For prospective candidates, one of the most important points to remember is that CFR fellowship eligibility is not uniform across every program. The general information identifies U.S. citizens with a demonstrated commitment to a career in foreign policy as the primary audience, but individual fellowships have their own requirements.

There is also no single overall deadline provided for the entire CFR fellowship portfolio. Candidates should therefore identify the specific fellowship they are interested in and verify its current deadline, eligibility requirements, application procedure, and whether direct applications are accepted.

For qualified professionals seeking to expand their foreign policy knowledge, gain exposure to policymaking or international environments, and develop a broader understanding of global affairs, a Council on Foreign Relations fellowship can represent a significant professional development opportunity.

For more global fellowship opportunities visit the OFY Website HERE