Council on Foreign Relations’ International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) 2026-27 | $120,000 Stipend
- Omran Aburayya
- Aug 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 1
If you’re a mid-career U.S. professional passionate about foreign policy, the Council on Foreign Relations’ International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) 2025–26 is now open—and it might be the career-defining opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Read on for details!
🎓 Fellowship Summary
Location: United States (placements in U.S. government or international organizations); Washington, D.C. or New York for government or military applicants
Sponsor: Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)
Program Type: Fellowship for mid-career professionals (not degree-based)
Target Group: U.S. citizens with a strong record in foreign policy; mid-career professionals from academia, private sector, NGOs, government, or military
Fields of Focus: U.S. foreign policy, RealEcon Initiative, China Strategy Initiative, technology, climate, national security (especially for National Security–designated fellows)
Value & Coverage: $120,000 stipend for 12 months; independent contractor status; no benefits or indirect cost deductions
Award Duration: 12 months, full-time, starting in September (2026)
Application Deadline: Opens September 15, 2025; closes October 31, 2025
Start Date: Fellowship begins in September 2026 (approximately)
Eligible To: U.S. citizens; mid-career professionals with at least a bachelor’s degree (PhD optional but not required)
📚 Fellowship Overview
Established in 1967, the International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) aims to cultivate the next generation of scholar-practitioners who bridge foreign policy research and practice. More than 650 alumni—including a former secretary of state, undersecretaries, and ambassadors—testify to the prestige of the program .
🧩 Structure & Placement
For those from academia or the private sector: placement in a U.S. government role or international organization.
For applicants from federal government or military: placement at CFR’s New York or Washington, D.C. offices, contributing to policy-relevant work .
Full-time and in-person: expect to work on-site at least three days per week .
Security clearances may be required—those needing clearance should remain flexible on start dates or plan to begin in positions not requiring clearance; international organization posts or Capitol Hill roles generally do not require clearance .
⭐ Special Designation
Each year, two or more fellows whose research focuses on current or emerging national security threats are designated International Affairs Fellow in National Security, sponsored by Janine and J. Tomilson Hill .
🎁 Benefits
Generous funding: $120,000 stipend for the year, fully available to the fellow (no deductions) .
Transformational experience: Participants step out of their usual environments to gain new perspectives and professional networks.
Strategic placement support: CFR helps match you with suitable host institutions, though placement is never guaranteed .
Prestigious alumni network: The fellowship connects fellows to a highly influential network in the U.S. foreign policy community .
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following:
Be a U.S. citizen
Be a mid-career professional with notable achievements in foreign policy fields
Hold at least a bachelor’s degree (advanced degrees are common but not mandatory)
Not have applied to any other CFR fellowship in the same year
For academia or private sector applicants: ideally minimal prior work in U.S. government
For government or military applicants: ability to contribute to CFR’s RealEcon, China Strategy, tech, or climate initiatives .
📝 Application Procedure
Application portal: The application portal for the 2026–27 fellowship cycle will open from September 15, 2025 through October 31, 2025. - Apply here
Timeline: Finalists notified for interviews by February 2026; fellowship awards announced by March 31, 2026 .
Submission requirements:
Biographical, educational, and employment information
Academia / private sector: proposed placements and focused U.S. foreign policy work
Government / military: proposal to contribute to CFR’s policy initiatives
Two letters of support
Cannot apply for any other CFR fellowship in the same year .
🔍 Overview of 2025–26 Fellows
Roxanna Vigil — International Affairs Fellow in National Security; sponsored by Janine and J. Tomilson Hill
Mike Rattanasengchanh — Assistant Professor, Midwestern State University; also an International Affairs Fellow in National Security .
💡 Final Thoughts
If you’re poised for a major leap in your foreign policy career, the IAF offers an unparalleled opportunity: transformative experience, robust funding, and deep ties to policymakers and top-tier international networks. With the application window opening soon—September 15 to October 31, 2025—now is the time to prepare a compelling proposal that can set you on a high-impact trajectory.
