CFR Robert A. Belfer International Affairs Fellowship in European Security 2026

The Robert A. Belfer International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) in European Security seeks to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between rising generations of leaders and thinkers in Europe and the United States. This transformational program enables mid-career U.S. professionals to spend up to twelve months conducting research and working in Europe at a think tank, university, government agency, or international organization on issues pertaining to European security. Individuals from academia, business, government, journalism, NGOs, and think tanks are all encouraged to apply.

• Table of Content
• About Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)
• Robert A. Belfer International Affairs Fellowship
• Aim and Benefits of Robert A. Belfer International Affairs Fellowship
• Requirements for Robert A. Belfer International Affairs Fellowship Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Robert A. Belfer International Affairs Fellowship
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

Robert A. Belfer International Affairs Fellowship

Aim and Benefits of Robert A. Belfer International Affairs Fellowship

The fellowship runs between four and twelve months. The program awards a stipend of $120,000 for a period of twelve months (or a prorated amount if the duration is shorter) as well as a modest travel grant. Fellows are considered independent contractors rather than employees of CFR and are ineligible for employment benefits, including health insurance. No indirect costs can be deducted from the stipend.

CFR assists fellows in finding a host organization that matches their proposed work in Europe. However, all placements are made at the discretion of the host institution. CFR cannot guarantee placement at any specific agency or organization. The fellowship is intended as a full-time in-person experience for the duration of the fellowship; fellows should expect to work on-site with their host organization at least three days per week.

Requirements for Robert A. Belfer International Affairs Fellowship Qualification

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
• Applicants must be mid-career professionals.
• Applicants must have a strong record of professional achievement.
• Applicants must have a demonstrated commitment to a career in foreign policy and have an interest in European security.
• Applicants must hold at least a bachelor's degree.
• Applicants must have a U.S. passport, valid through six months after the fellowship end date.

Interview date, Process and Venue for Robert A. Belfer International Affairs Fellowship

Selection as the Robert A. Belfer IAF in European Security is based on the following criteria:

• Scholarly qualifications and/or professional experience
• An interest in European security issues
• The merits and feasibility of a research proposal on some aspect of European security
• Character and personal qualities conducive to promoting cross-cultural communication and cooperation
• The contribution the fellowship will make to the applicant’s career development

Check also:
Mastercard Foundation Scholars' Program at ALCHE 2027
Global Korea Scholarship 2027

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the program’s eligibility requirements can apply online between September 15 and October 31, 2025, for the 2026–27 fellowship cycle. Awardees will be notified by January 30, 2026.

To apply, you will need to submit the following: 

• Basic biographical, educational, and employment information
• Project proposal and proposed placements
• Two letters of support

For more details, visit CFR Fellowship webpage