Hans de Wit Fellowship 2026 at Boston College (USA)

Omran Aburayya
Oct 9
3 min read

If you are an early-career researcher in higher education studies seeking to expand your international experience and research capacity, applications are now open for the Hans de Wit Fellowship at Boston College’s Center for International Higher Education (CIHE).

Established in 2022 with support from World Education Services (WES), this fellowship promotes academic mobility and research collaboration in international and comparative higher education. Here's everything you need to know.

🎓 Fellowship Summary

Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Host Institution: Center for International Higher Education (CIHE), Lynch School of Education & Human Development, Boston College
Level / Role: Visiting research fellowship for early-career scholars
Target Group: Early-career researchers (within five years post-PhD) in higher education studies
Fields of Focus: International higher education, comparative education, higher education policy, academic mobility, and related disciplines
Value and Coverage:
- Reimbursement for round-trip economy airfare to and from Boston
- Reimbursement for visa processing fees
- Monthly stipend of USD 3,500 for three months in Boston (intended to cover housing and medical insurance)
- Designated workspace, printing privileges, and use of a desktop computer (if required)
Duration: One calendar year affiliation (September–August), including a three-month research residency in Boston
Application Deadline: November 15 each year
Start Date: September of the following academic year
Eligible To: Early-career researchers (within five years of PhD completion); preference for applicants from marginalized backgrounds, Global South, or with refugee status

🧭 Fellowship Overview

The Hans de Wit Fellowship provides an opportunity for emerging scholars to conduct independent research, engage with Boston College’s international education community, and contribute to the advancement of higher education scholarship worldwide.

🧩 Program Structure

Affiliation Period: One academic year (September to August)
On-Campus Residency: Three-month stay at CIHE during the academic year (September–June)
Engagement: Fellows participate in CIHE’s activities, including seminars, guest lectures, and collaborative projects
Research Environment: Fellows access Boston College’s extensive library resources—both online and physical—and interact with scholars, faculty, and international visitors
Contribution: Fellows are expected to share their expertise through CIHE seminar presentations, contributions to publications, or lectures within the MA program in Higher Education

📚 Support and Administration

CIHE provides institutional documentation to assist with visa processing through Boston College’s Office of International Students and Scholars
Fellows are responsible for securing their housing and managing their travel arrangements

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

Travel and Visa Support: Reimbursement for economy-class airfare and visa processing fees
Monthly Stipend: USD 3,500 per month for the duration of the stay in Boston (three months total)
Facilities Access:
- Desk and computer access at CIHE
- Printing and research privileges
- Full access to Boston College library resources
Academic Integration: Fellows join CIHE’s intellectual community and may collaborate on projects, publish in CIHE outlets, or lead discussions in seminars
Professional Networking: Opportunity to connect with scholars, educators, and global higher education practitioners across Boston College and beyond

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Hold a PhD (or equivalent) in higher education studies or a related field
Be within five years of completing the doctoral degree (early-career stage)
Demonstrate a clear and relevant research plan aligned with CIHE’s focus on international and comparative higher education
Be capable of contributing to the intellectual life of CIHE through teaching, seminars, or collaborative work
Preference is given to applicants from:
- Marginalized or underrepresented backgrounds
- The Global South
- Refugee or displaced academic communities

📝 Application Procedure

All application materials must be submitted by November 15 to internationalhighered@bc.edu.

🗂️ Required Documents:

Letter of Interest, including:
- Motivation for applying and expected benefits from the fellowship
- A detailed description of the research to be conducted during the fellowship
- Explanation of how the applicant intends to contribute to CIHE and Boston College’s academic community
- Optional: Additional personal or professional details relevant to eligibility or background
Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Completed Visiting Scholar Application Form (available from CIHE)

🔍 Selection Process:

Applications are reviewed by CIHE’s leadership team
Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview in April
Final decisions are announced following the interview stage

⚠️ Important Notes

CIHE awards one Hans de Wit Fellowship per academic year
Fellows are encouraged to plan their on-campus visit between September and June (July–August stays are generally not possible)
The fellowship affiliation continues remotely for the remainder of the academic year, allowing fellows to maintain collaboration and access to resources
The program’s objectives emphasize equity, inclusion, and the amplification of diverse scholarly voices in global higher education research