ACLS Fellowship 2025-2026: Your Path to $60,000 Research Funding

ACLS Fellowships: Your Guide to Securing Up to $60,000 for Research

Are you a humanities or social sciences scholar dreaming of dedicated time for your research? The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) Fellowships offer up to $60,000 for scholars to pursue their work. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, from eligibility to application tips, to help you secure this prestigious fellowship.

Eligibility Criteria

• US citizens, permanent residents, Indigenous individuals residing in the US, DACA recipients, asylees, refugees, or those granted Temporary Protected Status.
• Foreign nationals living in the US for 3+ years before the deadline, provided they don't establish permanent residence elsewhere during the fellowship.
• PhD in the humanities or interpretive social sciences by the application deadline (or equivalent experience).
• For tenure-track applicants: a two-year gap since the last research leave of a semester or more.
• Dedicate 6-12 months to full-time research/writing between July 1, 2026, and December 31, 2027.

Benefits

• Up to $60,000 for a 12-month fellowship, prorated for shorter durations (minimum $30,000).
• Supplements of $3,000-$6,000 for independent scholars, adjunct faculty, and those with teaching-intensive roles, covering research support, manuscript workshops, conference attendance, health insurance, or childcare/eldercare.

What’s for You

• Dedicated time for research, free from teaching or other obligations.
• Funding to support your project's completion.
• Networking opportunities with other ACLS fellows.
• Enhanced prestige and recognition in your field.
• Potential for career advancement.

Required Documents

• Completed application form.
• Proposal (max. 5 pages).
• Optional: Supporting materials (images, scores, etc. - max. 2 pages).
• Work plan (max. 1 page).
• Bibliography (max. 2 pages).
• Publications list (max. 2 pages).
• Personal statement (max. 1 page).
• Writing sample (max. 8 pages).

Application Process & Fees

The application process is entirely online and free of charge. Ensure all documents adhere to the specified formatting guidelines (Arial or Helvetica 11-point font, margins, etc.). Applications not meeting these guidelines will be excluded.

How to Apply

1. Gather all required documents and ensure they meet formatting guidelines.
2. Complete the online application form.
3. Upload all required documents.
4. Submit your application before the deadline.

For further assistance with your application materials, check out our AI Essay Hub and resources on Federal Student Aid. Good luck with your ACLS Fellowship application!