NATO Defense College (NDC) Resident Fellowship Programme 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
If you're a scholar, researcher, or policy analyst with a keen interest in international security and NATO-related studies, the NATO Defense College (NDC) Resident Fellowship Programme 2026 offers a prestigious opportunity to engage in impactful research at the heart of NATO's strategic thinking in Rome, Italy. Applications are now open for this fully funded, five-month residential fellowship, designed to foster scholarly contributions to NATO's evolving policy landscape. Details in this article.
📝 Fellowship Summary
Location: Rome, Italy
Host Institution: NATO Defense College (NDC)
Academic Level: Postdoctoral researchers, PhD candidates
Target Group: Citizens of NATO member countries and partner nations (PfP, MD, OMC/PatG)
Fields of Research: Security and strategic studies with direct relevance to NATO policies
Funding: Stipends ranging from €11,000 to €18,000, depending on fellowship category
Duration: 5 months
Application Deadline: 17 May 2025 (23:59 CET)
Start Dates: 1 March or 1 September 2026
Eligible To: Scholars from NATO member states and partner countries within the PfP, MD, and OMC/PatG frameworks
📚 Fellowship Overview
The NDC Resident Fellowship Programme is structured to enhance NATO's research capabilities by integrating external scholars into its Research Division. Fellows are expected to produce policy-relevant research that aligns with NATO's strategic interests. The programme offers four distinct fellowship categories:
1. Eisenhower Fellowships (NATO Member Countries)
-Senior Eisenhower Fellow
Duration: 5 months
Stipend: €18,000
Eligibility: PhD holders with at least four years of relevant postdoctoral experience and a strong publication record in international security.
- Eisenhower Defense Fellow
Duration: 5 months
Stipend: €14,000
Eligibility: PhD holders with a publication record on international security-related issues.
- Eisenhower PhD Candidate Fellows (2 positions)
Duration: 5 months
Stipend: €11,000
Eligibility: PhD candidates in the final stages of their research, focusing on topics directly relevant to NATO policies.
2.Partnership for Peace (PfP) Fellowships
Duration: 5 months
Stipend: €18,000
Eligibility: Citizens of PfP countries with a strong research or public affairs background; a PhD is advantageous.
3.Mediterranean Dialogue (MD) Fellowships
Duration: 5 months
Stipend: €18,000
Eligibility: Citizens of MD countries with a distinguished research and publication record; a PhD is advantageous.
4.Other Military Cooperation /Partners Across the Globe (OMC/PatG) Fellowship
Duration: 5 months
Stipend: €18,000
Eligibility: Citizens of OMC/PatG countries with a distinguished research and publication record; a PhD is advantageous.
🎓 Fellowship Benefits
Monthly stipend to cover living expenses in Rome and travel costs
Access to NATO's research resources and networks
Opportunity to contribute to NATO's policy development through research and presentations
Engagement with NATO's educational activities, including mentoring and lectures
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be citizens of NATO member countries or eligible partner nations
Proven academic and research experience in international security or related fields
Proficiency in English or French
Computer literacy and ability to work in a multinational environment
📝 Application Procedure
1. Application Form: Complete the application form available here
2. Email Submission: Send the following documents to [fellowships@ndc.nato.int]
Signed copy of the 2026 Terms and Conditions (Download here)
Short CV
Proof of citizenship (passport or national ID)
3. Research Proposal: Submit a 500–800 word proposal outlining the research topic, its relevance to NATO, and the proposed methodology
🗓️ Important Dates
Application Deadline: 17 May 2025 (23:59 CET)
Notification: By 30 September 2025
Fellowship Start Dates: 1 March or 1 September 2026
ℹ️ For further information, visit the official call for applications webpage here
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
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