NED Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program 2027/2028
National Endowment for Democracy (NED)
Quick Facts
A word from Eli, founder of Rise Africa Scholars
MSc Information Security — Unicaf Scholar
While you wait for a fully funded opportunity, don’t put your education on hold. I completed my MSc through Unicaf — studying online from Nairobi while working full-time. The tuition discount made it genuinely affordable, and the degree is from an accredited UK university.
If you’re serious about advancing your career now, I’d encourage you to explore it. I only recommend what I’ve used myself.
About This Scholarship
The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program is a federally funded international exchange program that allows democracy activists, journalists, civil society leaders, and scholars to spend five months in residence at the National Endowment for Democracy in Washington, D.C. Fellows undertake independent research on democracy in a particular country or region and participate in the Democracy Accelerator initiative to advance democratic learning.
What This Scholarship Covers
- Monthly stipend for living expenses (covers short-term furnished rental apartment, food, local transportation, and other necessities)
- Basic health insurance
- Roundtrip travel to and from Washington, D.C. at the beginning and end of fellowship
- Fully equipped office
- Limited budget for long-distance phone calls and professional travel within the United States
- Research, written, and editorial support from program staff
Who Can Apply
- 1 Demonstrate proficiency in the English language
- 2 Propose a project focusing on the political, social, economic, legal or cultural aspects of democratic development
- 3 Be available to work in residence at the International Forum for Democratic Studies in Washington, D.C. during the 5-month fellowship period
- 4 No other fellowships or jobs may be held during the fellowship
- 5 Practitioner track: have substantial practical experience working to promote democracy or human rights in their country of origin or interest and be a mid-career professional
- 6 Scholarly track: possess a doctorate (Ph.D. or academic equivalent) at the time of application, have a proven record of publications, and have developed a detailed research outline
- 7 Former Reagan-Fascell fellows are not eligible for repeat fellowships