The American Political Science Association (APSA) is accepting applications for the 2027–2028 Diversity Fellowship Program (DFP), Fall Cycle. The fellowship supports aspiring political scientists who are preparing to apply for doctoral programmes and are interested in research and scholarship addressing race, ethnicity, gender, systemic racism and other areas related to underrepresented communities and political experiences. Successful fellows receive US$5,000, distributed over two years, to support their academic and professional development. The programme seeks to encourage greater participation in political science and strengthen the pipeline of researchers and educators from diverse backgrounds. The application deadline is 25 October 2026. Eligible candidates should prepare their application materials and submit them through the official APSA application portal before the closing date. About the APSA Diversity Fellowship Program The APSA Diversity Fellowship Program is an initiative of the American Political Science Association, a professional organisation dedicated to advancing the study and teaching of politics and government. The programme supports individuals who intend to pursue PhD studies in political science and demonstrate an interest in teaching and research. It particularly encourages applicants whose academic interests examine political systems, institutions, identities and inequalities affecting historically underrepresented communities. The fellowship aims to contribute to a more inclusive political science profession by supporting prospective doctoral students as they prepare for advanced academic study and future careers in research, teaching and related fields. Fellowship Funding and Benefits Selected fellows receive a total award of US$5,000, disbursed over two years. The financial support can contribute to the academic development of recipients as they prepare for doctoral studies. However, the supplied announcement does not specify whether the funding is restricted to particular expenses, such as tuition, research costs or living expenses. Applicants should consult APSA’s official programme information for any additional conditions attached to the award. Beyond the financial component, the fellowship provides recognition for aspiring scholars committed to political science research and scholarship. Participation may also help recipients strengthen their academic profiles as they progress towards PhD study. Eligibility Requirements Applicants for the Fall Cycle must be undergraduate seniors, recent graduates or other individuals, including students enrolled in terminal master’s programmes, who are in the process of applying for PhD programmes in political science. Candidates must meet the following requirements: Be engaged in, or planning to pursue, political science research and scholarship primarily focused on one or more eligible subject areas. Be a US citizen, US national, US permanent resident holding a Permanent Resident Card, or an individual granted deferred action status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme at the time of application. Demonstrate an interest in teaching and potential for research in political science. Be preparing to apply for doctoral study in political science. Eligible research interests include race, ethnicity, gender, systemic racism, LGBTQ politics, disability politics, Indigenous politics, and tribal sovereignty and governance. The programme strongly encourages applications from first-generation students and scholars, as well as individuals from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic communities. These include African Americans, Asian and Asian Pacific Americans, Latinos/as, American Indians and Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and scholars of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) descent. Important: Although the programme encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds, candidates must satisfy the stated US citizenship, residency or DACA eligibility requirements. Applicants outside these categories should not assume they qualify based solely on their research interests or background. Required Application Materials Applicants must complete the online application and provide the supporting documents required by APSA. 1. Online application form Candidates must complete the official application, including the personal statement, résumé and list of recommenders. The application should clearly explain the candidate’s academic interests, research ambitions and commitment to political science. 2. Academic transcripts Applicants must upload transcripts or degree audits from every undergraduate and graduate institution attended. Official transcripts, unofficial transcripts or degree audits may be accepted for application review, according to the supplied guidelines. 3. Three letters of recommendation Three recommendation letters are required. Recommenders must submit their letters directly through the application system. Applicants will be prompted to send requests to their recommenders through the online application. Candidates should contact their recommenders early to allow sufficient time for the letters to be prepared and submitted before the deadline. How to Strengthen an Application A competitive application should present a clear connection between the candidate’s research interests and the fellowship’s eligible subject areas. Applicants should use their personal statements to explain the political science questions they hope to investigate, why those questions matter and how doctoral study would support their academic goals. They should also demonstrate their interest in teaching and potential to contribute to political science research. Candidates should select recommenders who can provide specific evidence of their academic ability, research potential, intellectual commitment and readiness for doctoral study. Before submission, applicants should check that all transcripts and recommendation requests have been addressed. Application Deadline 25 October 2026 The 2027–2028 APSA Diversity Fellowship Program Fall Cycle is currently advertised as open. Applicants should submit the completed online application and ensure that all required supporting documents are provided through the official system. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY The APSA Diversity Fellowship Program offers financial support to eligible aspiring political scientists preparing for doctoral study. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and have research interests aligned with the programme are encouraged to apply before the October 2026 deadline. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.