Academic Fellowships in Russia (AFR)

Geographic Scope: Russia

Target Audience:

• US graduate students enrolled in PhD programs
• Post-doctoral fellows
• University faculty
• Independent scholars

Focus Areas: Social science disciplines with emphasis on Russia and US-Russian relations

Program Details:

• Supports on-site research and fieldwork in Russia for 3-9 months
• Expected awards: 12-20 fellowships per year
• Award amounts range from $10,000 to $45,000 depending on duration and academic rank

Support Includes:

• Housing and living stipends
• Visa support
• Overseas health, accident, and evacuation insurance
• Archive access
• Logistical support
• Economy class travel to/from US and host city in Russia
• In-country research travel may be supported at committee recommendation

Key Requirements:

• Applicants must be US citizens
• Research must occur between September 15 and August 31 of the funding year
• Must demonstrate Russian language proficiency sufficient for project completion
• Must specify why on-site research is essential and realistic
• Must consult with Russian scholars on research plans
• Must coordinate in-country travel with host institutions
• Must provide plan for dissemination of findings upon completion

Selection Process:

• Two-tiered peer-review process
• Review by scholars in candidate's field plus multi-disciplinary selection committee
• Process considers academic background and career stage
• Overseas language support may be available at committee direction

Application Process

Deadline: April 2 (historical deadline from 2018 announcement)

Required Materials:

• Online application submission
• Evidence of Russian language proficiency
• Research proposal with justification for on-site research period
• Academic background information

Application Timeline:

• Research programs must take place: September 15 - August 31 of award year

Application Access:
Check program website for online application portal

Inquiries:
Contact American Councils for application information