Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) 2025
Scholarship Amount
About This Scholarship
The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) 2025 is a prestigious research award supporting outstanding researchers in independent study related to Smithsonian collections, facilities, and research interests. This program is offered by the Smithsonian Institution and provides significant financial backing for scholars at various academic levels.
Selected candidates will receive comprehensive financial support, which varies based on the fellowship category and duration:
• Graduate Student Fellowships (10 weeks): USD 10,000.
• Predoctoral Fellowships (3-12 months): USD 45,000 per year, plus up to USD 5,000 research allowance.
• Postdoctoral Fellowships (3-12/24 months): USD 57,000 per year, plus up to USD 5,000 research allowance.
• Senior Fellowships (3-12 months): USD 57,000 per year, plus up to USD 5,000 research allowance.
The application deadline for this esteemed fellowship is October 15, 2025 (11:59 PM EST).
Candidates are selected based on a rigorous evaluation process that considers several factors:
• The quality and feasibility of the proposed research.
• The applicant’s demonstrated ability to successfully carry out the research.
• The likelihood of completing the research within the requested timeframe.
• The extent to which the Smithsonian Institution, through its research staff and extensive resources, can contribute meaningfully to the proposed study.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) 2025, an applicant must fulfill the following criteria:
• Meet specific academic requirements based on the fellowship category:
• For Graduate Student Fellowships: Candidates must be formally enrolled in a graduate program.
• For Predoctoral Fellowships: Candidates must be Ph.D. candidates who have received dissertation approval.
• For Postdoctoral Fellowships: Candidates must have completed their doctorate degree by the fellowship start date.
• For Senior Fellowships: Candidates must have held a Ph.D. for at least five years.
• Be a graduate student, predoctoral student, postdoctoral researcher, or senior investigator.
• Propose to conduct research in a discipline actively pursued at the Smithsonian Institution.
• Demonstrate the ability to write and converse fluently in English.
Important Notes:
• The fellowship category for which an applicant applies should precisely match their academic level at the commencement of the fellowship.
• No employee or contractor of the Smithsonian Institution is permitted to hold a fellowship during their employment period or within one year immediately following their employment or contract termination.
Required Documents
Applicants for the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) 2025 must submit the following essential documents:
• An abstract of the proposed research.
• A comprehensive research proposal.
• A detailed timeline outlining the various phases of the research.
• A thoroughly justified budget for the proposed research.
• A bibliography of all relevant literature.
• A current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Official transcripts from academic institutions.
• Two reference letters from appropriate academic or professional persons.
How to Apply
Eligible applicants can apply for the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) 2025 by following these detailed steps:
1. Access the official website to begin the application process.
2. Locate and click on the 'Register' button, then proceed to fill in all the required registration details. If you are already a registered user, simply log in using your Gmail, mobile number, or email ID.
3. Scroll down the page and click on the provided link for the 'Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA)'.
4. Create a new account within the SOLAA system and meticulously proceed with completing your fellowship application.