National Humanities Center Residential Fellowships 2026

Conceived with the needs of humanists in mind, the National Humanities Center provides scholars with an environment and resources conducive to generating new knowledge and furthering understanding of the human experience.

Here, they enjoy the freedom to focus on their work in the beautiful Archie K. Davis building, take breaks to wander paths through the surrounding pine forest, and share ideas with colleagues working on a fascinating array of projects from across humanities disciplines. Scholars also take advantage of the Center’s exceptional support services, including the Center’s outstanding librarians and attentive dining staff.

Scholars can apply for year- or semester-long fellowships or, if they work at one of the Center’s sponsoring institutions, may be eligible to participate in our month-long summer residency program.

The National Humanities Center welcomes fellowship applications from scholars engaged in advanced humanities research regardless of citizenship or national origin. Each year, several scholars from countries other than the United States come to the Center as part of the cohort of Fellows.

Applicants must have a doctorate or equivalent scholarly credentials. Mid-career scholars as well as senior scholars are encouraged to apply. Emerging scholars with a strong record of peer-reviewed work may also apply. The Center does not normally support the revision of a doctoral dissertation.

In addition to scholars from all fields of the humanities, the Center accepts individuals from the natural and social sciences, the arts, the professions, and public life who are engaged in humanistic projects. The Center is international in scope and welcomes applications from scholars outside the United States. 

The National Humanities Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national or ethnic origin, handicap, sexual orientation, or age. We are dedicated to fair treatment, diversity, and inclusion.

Eligibility

• Successful candidates typically earned a PhD in a humanities discipline from an accredited university at least five years prior to applying for a fellowship.
• Fellowships are awarded to established scholars, meaning that successful candidates usually have published at least one single-author monograph or a significant body of peer-reviewed scholarship.
• The Center does not fund post-docs.
• There is no upper age limit, but senior candidates must be actively engaged in scholarly research which will eventuate in significant publication.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

Relocation Assistance for International Fellows

Fellowship recipients who come from overseas are provided with guidance in securing housing, arranging local transportation, and finding schools. Travel expenses to the Center and back home again by the Fellow and those members of the household who accompany him or her to North Carolina are reimbursed by the Center.

The Center sponsors J-1 (Research Scholar) visa applications for its Fellows who are not U.S. citizens.

 Email: info@nationalhumanitiescenter.org 

Stipends

The amounts awarded are individually determined, according to the needs of the Fellow and the Center’s ability to meet them. The Center seeks to provide at least half salary and covers travel expenses to and from North Carolina for Fellows and dependents.