Are you passionate about democracy and eager to make a difference? The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) offers a range of prestigious fellowship programmes for individuals around the world. Whether you're an activist, journalist, civil society leader, academic or foreign policy professional, the NED provides a platform to deepen your understanding of democracy and strengthen your progress.

Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Programme

Named after the main founders of the NED, Ronald Reagan and Congressman Dante Fascell, this programme is an international exchange initiative funded by the federal government. It brings together democracy activists, journalists, civil society leaders and scholars from various countries. The programme offers a unique opportunity to spend five months in residence at the NED's International Forum for Democratic Studies in Washington, D.C., conducting independent research on democracy in a specific country or region.

Fellowship Tracks

The Reagan-Fascell programme has two tracks:

1. Practitioner Track: This track is aimed at professionals mainly from developing democracies or non-democratic countries. Candidates are expected to have practical experience in promoting democracy or human rights. No specific degree requirements or age limits apply, but mid-career professionals are generally favoured.

2. Academic track: Although the programme is designed for practitioners around the world, distinguished academics from established democracies, including the United States, can also apply. Applicants for the academic track must have a doctorate (Ph.D. or academic equivalent), a record of publications and a detailed research outline.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates for both tracks must:

• Demonstrate proficiency in English.
• Propose a project related to political, social, economic, legal or cultural aspects of democratic development.
• Be available for a five-month residency in Washington, D.C. during the scholarship period (1st October to 28th February or 1st March to 31st July).

How to register

To apply for the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship, you must create an account through the online portal. The application requires the submission of candidate information, a project proposal, letters of recommendation and a CV/resume. All application materials must be in English.

Application deadlines

Applications for scholarships in 2024-25 are now open, with a deadline of 6 November 2023 for applications and 13 November 2023 for letters of recommendation.

Scholarship Projects

During the fellowship, participants work on projects related to the prospects for democracy in a given country or region. The projects explore various aspects of democratic development, excluding a study of democracy in the United States.

Programme details

Fellows receive a monthly stipend for living expenses, basic health insurance and travel to and from Washington, D.C. They also benefit from programme activities, support from associate researchers and access to the Democracy Resource Centre, which contains an extensive collection of works on democracy.

Visas

Potential scholars from countries other than the United States must obtain a J-1 exchange visitor visa before travelling to the United States. Family members accompanying scholars need J-2 visas.

Selection process

The Reagan-Fascell programme runs an annual competition with applications due by 31 October. Entries undergo rigorous evaluation, with finalists selected by the NED Board of Directors. All applicants receive notification of the results of the competition in mid-April.

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