Are you getting ready to apply for a PhD in political science? The APSA Diversity Fellowship Program gives selected students 5000 US dollars over two years. It is for aspiring scholars who study race, ethnicity, gender and other issues linked to underrepresented communities.
There is one rule to check before anything else. This fellowship is only for US citizens US nationals US permanent residents and DACA recipients. Applications for the Fall Cycle close on 25 October 2026.
Last Information Checked: 21 October 2026
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
| Programme | APSA Diversity Fellowship Program (DFP) Fall Cycle |
| Host | American Political Science Association (APSA) |
| Award | 5000 US dollars paid over two years |
| Who can apply | Undergraduate seniors and recent graduates. Also people in terminal master’s programmes who are applying to political science PhD programmes |
| Citizenship | US citizen. US national. US permanent resident with a Permanent Resident Card. Or DACA recipient |
| Deadline | 25 October 2026 |
What the Fellowship Is
The American Political Science Association runs this programme to support people who plan to earn a PhD in political science. It targets students whose research looks at political systems institutions identities and inequalities that affect historically underrepresented communities.
The goal is a more inclusive political science profession. APSA wants more researchers and teachers from diverse backgrounds. The fellowship supports people as they prepare for doctoral study and a future career in research and teaching.
Fellowship Benefits
- Award. A total of 5000 US dollars paid over two years
- Support for your journey. Money to help your academic and professional development as you prepare for doctoral study
- Recognition. Recognition as an aspiring scholar who is committed to political science research
- Stronger profile. A boost to your academic profile as you move towards PhD study
Who Can Apply
Where you are in your studies. You must be an undergraduate senior or a recent graduate. People in terminal master’s programmes can also apply. In all cases you must be in the process of applying to PhD programmes in political science.
Your research. You must be doing or planning political science research that focuses mainly on one or more of these areas:
- Race
- Ethnicity
- Gender
- Systemic racism
- LGBTQ politics
- Disability politics
- Indigenous politics
- Tribal sovereignty and governance
Your status. At the time you apply you must be one of these:
- A US citizen
- A US national
- A US permanent resident who holds a Permanent Resident Card
- A person with deferred action status under DACA
Your interests. You must show interest in teaching and potential for research in political science.
Who is encouraged. APSA strongly encourages first generation students and scholars. It also encourages people from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. These include African Americans, Asian and Asian Pacific Americans, Latinos and Latinas, American Indians and Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and scholars of Middle Eastern and North African descent.
Important. Having a research topic from the list or coming from one of these communities is not enough. You must also meet the citizenship or residency rule. If you are outside these groups, you should not assume you qualify.
Documents You Need
| Document | Notes |
| Online application | Includes your personal statement, resume and list of recommenders |
| Transcripts | From every undergraduate and graduate school you attended. Official transcripts unofficial transcripts or degree audits may be accepted for review |
| Three letters of recommendation | Recommenders send them directly through the application system. You will be prompted to send them requests |
How To Apply
- Check that you meet the citizenship and research focus rules.
- Create a profile on the APSA website.
- Start the online application.
- Write your personal statement. Explain your academic interests your research goals and your commitment to political science.
- Add your resume.
- List your recommenders. The system will let you send them requests.
- Upload transcripts or degree audits from every school you attended.
- Check that all your recommendation requests were sent.
- Submit before 25 October 2026.
Ask your recommenders early. Their letters must be sent before the deadline and they depend on other people’s time.
Mistakes To Avoid
- Applying when you do not meet the citizenship or residency rule
- Choosing a research topic that is not on the eligible list
- Asking for recommendation letters in the last week
- Forgetting transcripts from one of your schools
- Writing a general personal statement without real research questions
- Waiting until the final day to submit
Key Dates
- 25 October 2026: Deadline for the 2027 to 2028 Fall Cycle
- After the deadline: APSA reviews applications and tells the selected fellows