Stanford University APARC Fellowships 2026–2028
- Omran Aburayya
- Oct 13
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 14
If you are a scholar passionate about Asia-Pacific issues and seeking a fully funded, world-class research environment, the Stanford University APARC Fellowships 2026–2028 provide a compelling opportunity. Applications are now open for postdoctoral and visiting fellowships at Stanford’s Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center (APARC), offering dedicated support to advance research on contemporary Asia in collaboration with Stanford faculty and global experts. Here's everything you need to know.
✨ Fellowship Summary
Location: Stanford University, California, USA (APARC, within the Freeman Spogli Institute)
Host institution: Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center (APARC), Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies
Type: Postdoctoral Fellowships & Visiting Fellowships
Target group: Recent PhD graduates (postdoctoral track) or mid-career / senior scholars & professionals (visiting track)
Coverage / Benefits:
Competitive stipend / salary (for SNAPL, ~$80,000/year plus benefits)
Research expense support (e.g. $3,000 additional in AHPP)
Full access to Stanford’s academic resources (libraries, labs, seminars, workshops)
Integration into APARC’s academic community: seminars, publication opportunities, collaboration, student programming (in SNAPL)
For visiting fellows: opportunities for professional networking, auditing (where allowed), and in-residence engagement
Duration:
Most postdoctoral fellowships: 1 year (fall 2026 to spring 2027)
SNAPL postdoctoral: 2 years (2026–2028)
Visiting fellowships: typically 1 year
Application deadlines:
December 1, 2025 → for most postdoctoral tracks including SNAPL postdoctoral
March 1, 2026 → for visiting fellowship tracks (e.g. Next Asia visiting, Taiwan)
Start date / appointment start: Fall quarter 2026
Eligible nationalities: Open to all nationalities (for many tracks); visiting SNAPL fellows mid-career from Asia-Pacific also eligible
🧭 Fellowships Overview & Structure
Stanford’s APARC offers a suite of fellowships, each tailored to different research interests and career stages.
📚 Key Fellowship Tracks
Asia Health Policy Program Postdoctoral Fellowship (2026–27)
Focus: policies affecting health, healthcare systems in Asia, especially in low- and middle-income contexts
Duration: 10-month minimum, effectively aligned with academic year
Salary: based on Stanford policy, ~ $80,000 prorated + $3,000 for research expenses
Responsibilities: residence at Stanford, deliver work in APARC seminars, publish, engage with APARC’s publication programs
Japan Program Postdoctoral Fellowship (2026–27)
Focus: contemporary Japan across disciplines—politics, law, economics, sociology, international relations
Duration: 1 year
Shorenstein Postdoctoral Fellowship on Contemporary Asia (2026–27)
Two positions annually
Focus: political, social, and economic change across Asia-Pacific, or international political economy / international relations in Asia
Next Asia Policy Lab (SNAPL) Postdoctoral Fellowships (2026–28)
Duration: 2 years
Themes: “Talent Flows and Development,” “Nationalism and Racism,” “U.S.–Asia Relations,” “Democratic Crisis & Reform”
Role: lead a thematic collaborative research group, support student programming, co-author and individual research, full integration with lab activities
Compensation: annual salary ~$80,000 + benefits
SNAPL Visiting Fellowships (2026–27)
For mid-career/senior researchers from Asia-Pacific
Duration: 1 year
Stipend: ~$30,000 supplementary stipend plus access to Stanford resources; ability to audit courses if permitted
Taiwan Program Visiting Fellowship (2026–27)
Focus: Taiwan’s socioeconomic, institutional, environmental, technological, and policy challenges
Duration: 1 year
Eligibility: mid-career to senior experts, especially those with experience on Taiwan issues
🎁 Benefits & Support
Stipends / Salaries
SNAPL postdoctoral: ~$80,000/year + benefits
AHPP: ~ $80,000 prorated for a 10-month appointment + $3,000 research allowance
SNAPL visiting: ~$30,000 supplementary stipend (in addition to base support)
Research & Academic Support
Access to Stanford’s world-class libraries, computing, labs, databases, and other infrastructure
Participation in APARC / FSI workshops, seminars, guest lectures, conferences
Publishing opportunities via APARC’s research and outreach channels
Mentorship and collegial engagement with faculty, fellows, and visiting scholars
For SNAPL: leading thematic research teams and engaging with student programs
For visiting: opportunity to audit courses (with permission)
Networking / Career Development
Being part of a high-visibility center embedded within policy debates on Asia
Professional networking with global scholars, institutions, policymakers
Enhanced visibility for future academic or policy careers
Opportunity to collaborate on projects that impact Asia-focused policy discourse
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy the following (general and track-specific) conditions:
General Requirements
PhD (or equivalent) in hand or near completion. For postdoctoral tracks, degree conferral by June 30 prior to start date is required.
For AHPP: applicants cannot be more than three years past PhD at start of fellowship
Strong research experience in Asia or Asia-Pacific–relevant topics
Demonstrated publication record or equivalent research output
Proficiency in English
Willingness and ability to reside in Stanford / participate fully during appointment
Track-Specific Requirements
SNAPL postdoctoral: PhD awarded within last three years; expected degree by June 30, 2026 if not yet conferred
Visiting fellows: mid-career / senior professionals with strong track record in research or policy
Taiwan Program: experience in Taiwan or related fields preferred
📝 Application Procedure
Select your fellowship track
Decide which APARC/ SNAPL track aligns best with your research agenda (e.g. AHPP, Japan, Shorenstein Asia, SNAPL, Taiwan, visiting) - Select your track here
Online Application / Submission Portal
Upload / Submit Required Documents (typically in PDF format)
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Cover letter / formal letter of request outlining research plan, how it fits the chosen track
Research proposal / research statement (often ~5 pages, double spaced, possibly with work plan & output goals)
Academic transcripts
Writing samples or publications
Letters of recommendation (number may vary: e.g. AHPP asks for 2, SNAPL 3)
Submit by the Deadline
December 1, 2025 for most postdoctoral tracks including SNAPL
March 1, 2026 for visiting fellowships (e.g. SNAPL visiting, Taiwan)
Recommendation letters
Ensure referees submit letters by the deadline; list your name and email in each letter.
Review, Interview / Selection, Notification
Applicants are assessed by a committee of faculty and fellows. Some may be invited for interviews.
Degree conferral / verification
For those whose PhD is pending: proof of degree completion by June 30 (or as specified) is required.
ℹ️ Tips & Extra Information
Tailor your proposal clearly to the track’s theme (e.g. SNAPL themes, health policy, Japan)
Demonstrate both individual research capability and potential for collaboration
If applying to SNAPL, show interest in contributing to student programming or leading group research
Reach out to potential faculty collaborators at Stanford in advance, if allowed
In your letters, ensure referees address your capacity for independent research and working in a collaborative center
Be mindful of time zones and submission deadlines (Stanford / Pacific Time)
✏️ Conclusion
The Stanford APARC Fellowships 2026–2028 are a rare and prestigious gateway for emerging and established scholars to immerse themselves in Asia-Pacific research with top-tier support. Whether your interests lie in health policy, political economy, social change, Japan, or Taiwan, these fellowships provide the platform, funding, and network to accelerate your research, expand your global reach, and influence policy. If your profile matches the eligibility and your research agenda aligns with one of APARC’s tracks, this is an opportunity worth pursuing with meticulous preparation.