American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) Fellowship Program 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
If you are a scholar in the humanities or interpretive social sciences seeking dedicated time for research and writing, the ACLS Fellowship Program 2025 is now open for applications. Administered by the American Council of Learned Societies, this prestigious fellowship supports outstanding research projects that aim to contribute original and significant scholarship. With awards reaching up to $60,000, the program is a highly competitive opportunity for early-career and established scholars alike.
🎓 Fellowship Summary
Location: United States (research can be conducted at any appropriate site worldwide)
Host Institution: American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS)
Level: Postdoctoral scholars (all career stages)
Target Group: Scholars in the humanities and interpretive social sciences, including U.S. citizens, permanent residents, Indigenous individuals under the Jay Treaty, DACA recipients, refugees, asylees, TPS holders, and foreign nationals residing in the U.S. for at least three years before application.
Fields of Study: Humanities and interpretive social sciences (all disciplines, topics, and methodologies)
Value & Coverage:
Maximum stipend: $60,000 (12 months)
Prorated at $5,000 per month (minimum $30,000 for 6 months)
Additional supplements: $3,000–$6,000 for adjuncts, independent scholars, or faculty with heavy teaching loads (to support research, conferences, health insurance, or caregiving costs)
Duration: Six to twelve months, to be initiated between July 1, 2026 – July 1, 2027, and completed by December 31, 2027
Application Deadline: September 25, 2025 (9:00 PM EDT)
Notification of Results: Late March 2026
Start Date: Fellowship term may begin anytime between July 2026 and July 2027
📚 Fellowship Overview
The ACLS Fellowship Program is one of the most prestigious awards for humanities scholars in the United States. Each year, up to 60 fellowships are awarded, with around half dedicated to early-career scholars.
The fellowship is designed to give scholars uninterrupted time to pursue significant research projects that could result in:
A monograph
Scholarly articles
Publicly engaged humanities projects
Digital humanities research
Critical editions
Other scholarly resources
ACLS does not fund works of fiction, textbooks, or projects that are primarily pedagogical.
The program emphasizes inclusive excellence, welcoming applications from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and institutions. The ACLS selection process focuses on scholarly merit, originality, feasibility, and the project’s potential to advance the field.
💰 Fellowship Benefits
Financial support of $30,000–$60,000 depending on fellowship duration
Portable funding (usable at any suitable research site worldwide)
Supplements for adjuncts and independent scholars
Access to manuscript development workshops and conference attendance support
Named awards in specialized fields such as literature, Chinese history, ancient American art, musicology, and American history
Optional partnership opportunities with the Consortium of Humanities Centers and Institutes (CHCI)
A special joint fellowship track with the New York Public Library (NYPL) Cullman Center, which offers a $90,000 stipend and residency in New York City (separate application required)
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Hold a PhD in the humanities or interpretive social sciences by the deadline (or demonstrate equivalent scholarly achievements)
Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, DACA recipient, refugee, asylee, TPS holder, or foreign national residing in the U.S. for 3+ years
Commit 6–12 months of full-time research/writing between July 2026 and December 2027
For tenure-track applicants: have at least a two-year gap since their last supported research leave (semester or more)
📝 Application Procedure
Applications are submitted through the ACLS Online Fellowship and Grant Administration system: ofa.acls.org
📂 Required Documents:
Completed online application form
Research proposal (max 5 pages, double-spaced)
Work plan (1 page)
Bibliography (max 2 pages)
Publications list (max 2 pages)
Personal statement (1 page)
Writing sample (up to 8 pages, double-spaced)
Optional supporting materials (e.g., images, scores)
ORCID iD (required for all applicants)
Note: The 2025–26 cycle does not require reference letters.
🔍 Evaluation Criteria
Proposals are assessed based on:
Originality and significance of the project
Quality and innovation in methodology and theoretical framework
Feasibility of the research plan
Applicant’s scholarly record and career trajectory
Contribution to inclusive excellence in scholarship
📆 Timeline
Applications Open: July 2025
Deadline: September 25, 2025 (9:00 PM EDT)
Notification of Results: March 2026
Fellowship Start Date: Between July 1, 2026 and July 1, 2027
Completion Deadline: December 31, 2027
🚀 Conclusion
The ACLS Fellowship Program 2025 is a unique opportunity for humanities and social science scholars to dedicate time and resources toward impactful research. With flexible terms, strong financial backing, and an emphasis on inclusivity, it remains one of the most respected fellowships in academia.
