Finding dedicated funding for advanced research can be difficult, especially for scholars who need uninterrupted time to complete major academic projects. Many researchers balance teaching, administration, and other responsibilities, leaving little room for meaningful research and writing.
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The 2026 to 2027 ACLS Fellowships provide an opportunity for humanities and interpretive social sciences scholars to step away from regular duties and focus entirely on producing high quality scholarly work. The fellowship offers financial support of up to $60,000, allowing recipients to devote between six and twelve months to research or writing.
Each year, the American Council of Learned Societies supports researchers whose work has the potential to make significant contributions to knowledge, public understanding, and academic scholarship.
2026 to 2027 ACLS Fellowships Summary
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) |
| Program Name | ACLS Fellowships |
| Award Value | Up to $60,000 |
| Award Duration | 6 to 12 months |
| Eligible Countries | Primarily scholars eligible to work and reside in the United States |
| Eligible Fields | Humanities and Interpretive Social Sciences |
| Study Level | Postdoctoral and Established Scholars |
| Application Deadline | September 17, 2026 |
| Notification of Results | April 2027 |
| Fellowship Start Period | Between July 1, 2027 and July 1, 2028 |
About the 2026 to 2027 ACLS Fellowships
The ACLS Fellowship is one of the leading fellowship programs supporting humanities research in the United States. It is designed for scholars who have already earned a doctoral degree and are pursuing important research across disciplines.
ACLS welcomes projects covering different historical periods, cultures, regions, and research methods, provided they fall within the humanities or interpretive social sciences.
The fellowship supports projects at every stage of development, from a new research idea, expanding an ongoing project, or completing a manuscript. This program offers the time and funding needed to produce meaningful academic work. The fellowship is intended to support full time research and writing, meaning recipients are generally expected to avoid teaching or major administrative responsibilities during this fellowship period.
Successful applicants can use the fellowship to complete:
- Academic books
- Scholarly journal articles
- Public humanities projects
- Digital humanities research
- Critical editions
- Other scholarly resources
Fellowship Benefits
Financial Support
Recipients can receive funding worth up to $60,000 for a twelve month fellowship. Those undertaking shorter fellowship periods receive funding based on the number of months awarded.
Dedicated Research Time
The fellowship allows scholars to concentrate fully on research and writing without the demands of teaching or administrative work.
Flexible Research Location
Recipients can carry out their fellowship at any suitable location that supports their research goals.
Additional Financial Support
Some scholars can also qualify for additional support ranging from $3,000 to $6,000. These supplement supports are intended to help cover expenses such as:
- Health insurance
- Dependent care
- Research costs
- Conference attendance
- Manuscript development workshops
Professional Recognition
Receiving an ACLS Fellowship is widely regarded as a significant academic achievement that strengthens a scholar’s professional profile.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should:
Hold a Doctoral Degree
Applicants must have earned a PhD before the application deadline. In certain situations, established scholars without a PhD can still qualify if they can demonstrate an equivalent record of scholarly achievement.
Conduct Humanities Research
Research projects must fall within the humanities or interpretive social sciences. Examples include:
- History
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Art History
- Musicology
- Comparative Literature
Meet Residency Requirements
Applicants must satisfy one of the residency or immigration eligibility categories specified by ACLS, including certain United States citizens, permanent residents, protected individuals, and some foreign nationals who have lived in the United States for the required period before applying.
Projects That Are Not Supported
Not every project is eligible for funding. Examples of projects that are not supported include:
- Fiction writing
- Memoirs
- Creative nonfiction
- Documentary film production
- Plays and musical compositions
- Textbook preparation
- Children’s books
- Self help books
- Policy studies
- Dissertation research
- Projects outside the humanities
- Research focused mainly on teaching methods
How Applications Are Evaluated
Applications are reviewed through a competitive peer review process. Reviewers consider several important factors and includes;
Originality
The proposed research should contribute new ideas or perspectives to its field.
Academic Quality
Applicants should clearly explain:
- The research question
- Research methods
- Theoretical framework
- Expected contribution
Feasibility
Reviewers assess whether the project can realistically be completed within the fellowship period.
Applicant’s Record
Past publications, research experience, and overall scholarly achievements are also considered.
Documents Required
Applicants are expected to submit several materials, including:
- Completed online application
- Research proposal
- Work plan
- Bibliography
- Publications list
- Personal statement
How to Apply for the 2026 to 2027 ACLS Fellowships
Follow these steps to complete your application.
Step 1
Visit the official ACLS Fellowship application portal through the link provided below.
Step 2
Create an online applicant account.
Step 3
Read the fellowship guidelines carefully.
Step 4
Prepare your proposal and supporting documents according to the required formatting instructions.
Step 5
Complete the online application form.
Step 6
Upload all required documents.
Step 7
Review every section carefully before submitting.
Step 8
Submit your application before 5:00 PM Eastern Time on September 17, 2026.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants weaken their proposals by making avoidable errors.
Some of the most common include:
- Choosing projects outside the fellowship’s focus areas.
- Submitting incomplete application materials.
- Using vague research objectives.
- Ignoring formatting instructions.
- Waiting until the final day to submit.
Application Deadline: September 17, 2026
CLICK HERE TO START YOUR APPLICATION
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much funding does the ACLS Fellowship provide?
Successful applicants may receive up to $60,000 for a twelve month fellowship.
2. Who can apply?
The fellowship is open to eligible postdoctoral scholars and some established scholars with equivalent research experience.
3. Is the fellowship open to international applicants?
Some foreign nationals may be eligible if they meet ACLS residency requirements.
4. Can I continue teaching during the fellowship?
The fellowship is intended for full time research and writing, so teaching and major administrative duties are generally not permitted.
5. What subjects are eligible?
Projects in the humanities and interpretive social sciences are eligible.
6. Can dissertation research be funded?
No. Dissertation research is not supported.
7. When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by September 17, 2026.
8. When will applicants receive results?
Applicants can expect notification by April 2027.
9. How long can the fellowship last?
The fellowship may last between six and twelve months.
10. Can I apply if my project is already underway?
Yes. ACLS accepts projects that are at the early, middle, or final stages of development, provided they meet the program’s objectives.
