The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program 2026 has opened applications for its fully funded five-month fellowship in Washington, D.C., for eligible international and U.S. applicants.
The Fellowship is a prestigious opportunity that supports activists, journalists, scholars, policymakers, and democracy advocates who are committed to strengthening democratic governance and promoting human rights around the world. The program is fully funded, covering travel, monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance, and research resources for selected fellows.
Scholarship Summary
- Host: National Endowment for Democracy (NED)
- Host Country: United States of America
- Study Level: Fellowship (Practitioner Track | Scholarly Track)
- Duration: 5 Months
- Eligible Countries: International & U.S. Applicants
- Category: Democracy, Governance & Human Rights Fellowship
- Reward: Fully Funded | Monthly Stipend | Housing | Health Insurance | Travel Support
- Deadline: December 31, 2025
Scholarship Details
The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship is hosted by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in Washington, D.C., and is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of democratic principles, governance systems, and human rights protection.
The five-month program provides fellows with an enriching platform to engage in independent research, collaborate with U.S. and international democracy experts, and explore comparative democratic practices. Through seminars, workshops, on-site visits, mentorship opportunities, and access to extensive research materials, fellows are supported in developing innovative approaches to strengthen democratic institutions globally. The fully funded structure ensures that participants can focus entirely on their work without financial concerns.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship, applicants must:
- Be proficient in English (written and spoken)
- Submit a democracy-related project proposal addressing political, social, economic, legal, or cultural themes
- Be available for a full five-month residency at the NED headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Practitioner Track Requirements:
- Must have significant practical experience in democracy or human rights promotion
- Suitable for mid-career professionals such as journalists, activists, NGO leaders, policymakers, and civic organizers
Scholarly Track Requirements:
- Must hold a PhD degree at the time of application
- Must have a strong record of publications in fields related to democracy, governance, or political studies
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants of the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship will receive:
- Fully funded travel support
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses
- Furnished housing in Washington, D.C.
- Health insurance throughout the fellowship
- Office space, research support, and access to NED resources
- Participation in seminars, workshops, conferences, and networking events
- Support for U.S.-based professional development travel
Tracks Offered
- Practitioner Track
- Focuses on activists, journalists, civic leaders, NGO professionals, policymakers, and others actively promoting democracy and human rights
- Emphasizes practical skills, network development, and project implementation
- Scholarly Track
- Designed for researchers, academics, and university professors
- Allows fellows to conduct advanced academic research on democratic governance and comparative political systems
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare to submit:
- Completed online application form
- Detailed project proposal
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé
- Proof of English proficiency (if required)
- Academic transcripts (for scholarly track applicants)
- Letters of recommendation
- Copy of valid passport or identification document
How to Apply
To apply for the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship Program 2026:
- Visit the official NED Fellowship Application Portal
- Create an account and provide the required basic information
- Check your email for confirmation and login details
- Log in and click Start to begin the application
- Fill out your personal, academic, and professional details accurately
- Submit your democracy-related project proposal
- Upload all required documents and submit before the deadline
To begin the application process, click HERE
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