The NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027 is now accepting applications from early-career researchers whose work focuses on education research. The fellowship is open to scholars from a wide range of academic disciplines and does not require applicants to be based in the United States.
The programme provides financial support, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to researchers who are building their careers in education research. For the 2027 fellowship, up to 20 researchers will be selected.
About the NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship
The fellowship is offered by the National Academy of Education (NAEd) with support from the Spencer Foundation. It is designed for researchers who have recently completed a PhD, EdD, or an equivalent research degree and are developing an independent programme of education research.
The fellowship is non-residential, meaning fellows can conduct their research at their home institution or at another suitable research location. Applicants do not need to be affiliated with a particular university or education department.
Research proposals can cover education-related issues across different academic fields, including psychology, sociology, economics, history, political science, public health, linguistics, communications, and other disciplines.
Benefits of the NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027
Successful applicants will receive:
- Up to $80,000 in fellowship funding for one academic year.
- Two-year funding option of $40,000 per year for two consecutive years, with the fellow working half-time.
- Three professional development retreats designed to support fellows as they develop their research careers.
- Individual mentorship from an NAEd member or another senior scholar selected by the fellow.
- Support for research-related expenses, as the fellowship award can be used for expenses connected to the approved research.
- A professional research community, allowing fellows to connect with other education researchers and members of the National Academy of Education.
- International eligibility, as non-U.S. citizens and non-resident citizens can apply.
NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027 Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the 2027 fellowship, applicants must:
- Hold a PhD, EdD, or equivalent research degree.
- Have had the degree conferred between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2025.
- Not hold tenure at the application deadline.
- Have demonstrated research experience in education.
- Propose a research project that is primarily focused on education.
- Apply as an individual rather than as a group.
- Be from any academic discipline, provided the proposed research is centrally related to education.
Applicants do not have to work in a school or department of education, and the fellowship accepts researchers from different academic and professional backgrounds.
What Research Areas Are Covered?
The fellowship has a broad definition of education research. Projects may examine formal or non-formal education, in the United States or elsewhere, and can cover education from early childhood through adulthood.
Researchers from fields such as anthropology, economics, psychology, sociology, history, philosophy, public health, political science, literature and linguistics are among those who may be eligible.
Documents and Application Materials
Applicants should be prepared to provide:
- Personal and educational background information.
- Employment information.
- Details of previous scholarships, fellowships, or assistantships.
- An example of previous research relevant to education.
- A current CV or résumé.
- Information about previous applications if they have applied to the fellowship before.
- Three recommendation letters.
The previous research example can be published or unpublished and should be no more than 20 double-spaced pages. If the original work is longer, applicants may submit an appropriate excerpt and provide a link to the full work.
How to Apply for the NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027
Applications are submitted online through the National Academy of Education, and you can follow the steps below;
- Visit the official NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship webpage and review the eligibility requirements carefully.
- Prepare your application materials, including your CV, previous research example, and background information.
- Identify three people who can provide strong recommendation letters and make sure they understand the application deadline.
- Develop your proposed education research project and complete the required application sections.
- Submit the application and ensure that all three recommendation letters are submitted before the deadline.
NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027 Selection Process
Applications are first reviewed by NAEd staff for completeness and programme fit. A selection committee then reviews the applications and chooses approximately 50-60 semifinalists.
Semifinalists have their proposals reviewed by senior scholars in their respective disciplines. The committee later selects approximately 25 finalists, from whom the 2027 fellows are chosen.
For the 2027 fellowship, 20 exceptional researchers will ultimately receive the fellowship.
NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027 Deadline
The application deadline is October 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Also, the fellowship is scheduled to begin as early as September 1, 2027.
NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027 – Official Page
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027 open to international applicants?
Yes, the official NAEd information states that non-U.S. citizens and non-resident citizens are eligible to apply.
Do I need to live in the United States?
No, the fellowship is non-residential, so fellows do not have to relocate to the United States to participate.
Can researchers from disciplines outside education apply?
Yes, applicants can come from different academic disciplines as long as their proposed research is primarily focused on education.
Can I apply if I am not affiliated with a university?
Yes, applicants do not need to be affiliated with an institution to apply.
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