The ACLS Fellowships 2025–2026 represent a distinguished funding opportunity for researchers in the humanities and interpretive social sciences. Administered by the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS), this program empowers scholars to pursue innovative projects that enhance our understanding of human culture, behavior, and history.
Tailored for early-career academics, postdoctoral scholars, independent researchers, and junior faculty, this fellowship supports impactful research without institutional constraints. With significant financial aid, wide disciplinary coverage, and global eligibility, ACLS Fellowships serve as a catalyst for academic excellence and professional growth.
About the Program
Program Name: ACLS Fellowship Program
Current Status: Applications Open for the 2025–2026 Cycle
Organizing Body: American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS)
The ACLS Fellowship is designed to advance original research in the humanities and social sciences. It provides scholars with the time and resources to complete significant scholarly work, such as a monograph, book chapter, or journal article.
Program Objective: To enable scholarly productivity and encourage public-facing humanities research.
Duration: 6 to 12 months
Mode: Full-time, location-independent (remote/non-residential)
Focus Areas:
History
Philosophy
Literature
Cultural Studies
Religious Studies
Anthropology
Interdisciplinary and Public Humanities
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following eligibility standards:
Academic Qualifications: PhD degree in the humanities or interpretive social sciences (awarded by the deadline)
Experience Level: Open to early-career faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and independent scholars
Research Area: Project must align with humanities or interpretive social sciences
Residency/Nationality: Open globally. International applicants encouraged, particularly for projects relevant to U.S. culture or history
Language: All application materials must be in English
Additional Conditions: Applicants should not hold another fellowship or funded leave overlapping the proposed period
Application Process
Follow these steps to submit a complete and competitive application:
Access the Portal: Go to ACLS Fellowship Application Page
Create an Account: Register on the ACLS online application system
Complete the Online Form: Enter personal, academic, and professional details
Draft Your Proposal: Attach all supporting documents in the designated format
Submit Before the Deadline: Finalize and submit the application package before the deadline (late September)
Required Documents
Applicants are expected to upload the following documents:
Curriculum Vitae (CV): Academic background, key publications, and achievements
Project Proposal (max. 5 pages): Research problem, methodology, and anticipated outcomes
Personal Statement: Motivation and alignment with ACLS mission
Bibliography (max. 2 pages): Scholarly references and source materials
Two Recommendation Letters: Academic or professional referees who can speak to the quality of your work
Proof of PhD Completion: Degree certificate or completion letter
Writing Sample: Optional but recommended
Government-issued ID or Passport Copy: For identity verification
Eligible Fields / Disciplines
ACLS Fellowships welcome applicants from a wide array of disciplines:
History and Historiography
Literary and Cultural Studies
Art and Architectural History
Comparative Literature
Religious Studies
Philosophy and Ethics
Media and Film Studies
Gender and Sexuality Studies
Sociology and Anthropology (Interpretive focus)
Area Studies (African, Asian, Latin American, Middle Eastern, etc.)
Interdisciplinary and public scholarship projects that bridge academia and society are especially encouraged.
Financial Support & Benefits
Fellowship recipients will receive:
Stipend:
$70,000 for 12-month projects
$40,000–$50,000 for shorter terms
Supplemental Research Costs: Funding for research-related expenses, including travel and materials
No Overhead Deductions: The full amount goes directly to the fellow
Location Flexibility: Fellows are not required to relocate; projects may be conducted from home or any institution
Selection Process
The ACLS employs a rigorous peer-review process:
Eligibility Screening: Initial review by ACLS administrative staff
Panel Evaluation: Subject experts assess academic merit, clarity, and potential impact
Evaluation Criteria:
Originality and relevance
Feasibility of proposed work
Scholarly record
Potential to contribute to humanities discourse
Commitment to inclusive and public scholarship
Final Decisions: Announced in Spring 2026
Acceptance rates are low, typically under 15%, underscoring the fellowship’s prestige.
Important Dates
| Application Phase | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | July 1, 2025 |
| Submission Deadline | September 25, 2025 |
| Letters of Reference Due | October 2, 2025 |
| Notification of Results | March–April 2026 |
| Fellowship Commencement | June–September 2026 (Flexible start) |
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Start Early: Draft your project narrative and personal statement well in advance
Be Specific: Clearly define the research questions, scope, and methods
Demonstrate Impact: Highlight how your work contributes to the field or benefits broader society
Choose Referees Strategically: Select referees familiar with your research and writing
Edit Meticulously: Review for structure, grammar, and clarity. Avoid vague or overly technical language
Contact Details
Program Inquiries: ACLS Fellowship Program Team
Email: [email protected]
Contact Page: https://www.acls.org/contact
ACLS recommends contacting the fellowship office via email for queries related to eligibility, document formats, or technical issues.
Conclusion
The ACLS Fellowships represent more than financial support; they offer a transformative opportunity for scholars to shape public discourse through cutting-edge research in the humanities. The fellowship encourages intellectual freedom, interdisciplinary exploration, and cultural insight, equipping recipients with the resources to produce lasting academic contributions.
For those passionate about enriching human understanding and sharing their work beyond the university, this fellowship offers the ideal platform.
🔍 Quick Summary Table
Feature Details Program Name ACLS Fellowships Host Country Global (Open to scholars worldwide) Funded By American Council of Learned Societies Duration 6–12 Months Study Mode Full-time (remote/non-residential) Eligibility PhDs in humanities or social sciences Financial Support Up to $70,000 + additional research support Fields of Study Humanities, cultural studies, interpretive social sciences Deadline September 25, 2025 (tentative) Official Website https://www.acls.org/competitions/acls-fellowships
FAQs
The ACLS Fellowship supports humanities scholars with a PhD to pursue independent research projects globally.
It offers up to $70,000 in stipend plus research cost support for up to 12 months.
Yes, scholars worldwide may apply, especially those working on U.S.-related humanities topics.
Applications typically open in July and close by late September through the ACLS portal.
Yes, independent scholars without university affiliation are encouraged to apply.
Eligible fields include history, philosophy, cultural studies, anthropology, literature, and public humanities.
No, the fellowship is non-residential and can be completed remotely from any location.
