The NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship 2027 is now accepting applications from doctoral researchers working on studies related to education.
The fellowship is offered by the National Academy of Education (NAEd) in partnership with the Spencer Foundation. It supports researchers whose dissertation work can contribute fresh ideas to the history, theory, or practice of education.
For the 2027 cycle, selected fellows will receive $30,000 for one academic year. They will also receive professional development and mentorship from experienced scholars.
Dissertation Research Funding and Fellowship Benefits
The programme offers more than financial support. Fellows can also gain valuable academic and professional experience.
Successful applicants will receive:
- $30,000 for one academic year.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Two professional development retreats.
- Mentorship from an NAEd member or another experienced scholar.
- Time and support to focus on completing their dissertation.
Therefore, the opportunity can be especially useful for doctoral students who are entering the writing stage of their research.
NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship Eligibility
Applicants must meet the programme’s requirements before applying.
To qualify, candidates must:
- Be doctoral candidates at a graduate school in the United States.
- Have completed all pre-dissertation requirements by June 1, 2027.
- Have a clear plan for completing their dissertation within one or two years.
- Propose a research project focused primarily on education.
- Apply individually rather than as a group.
Importantly, U.S. citizenship is not required. The programme also welcomes researchers from many academic fields. Previous fellows have come from fields such as communications, economics, history, psychology, sociology, public health, and education.
Education Research Areas and Eligible Fields
Although the research must focus primarily on education, applicants do not need to study education as their main academic discipline.
For example, researchers in communications, history, political science, linguistics, psychology, and other fields may apply if their dissertation addresses an important education issue.
As a result, the fellowship is open to a broad range of researchers with strong education-focused projects.
NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship Application Deadline
The application deadline is:
October 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
Applicants should begin early because recommendation letters are also due by the application deadline.
You can submit your application before your recommenders upload their letters. However, it is wise to contact your referees early and give them enough time to prepare their recommendations.
The application system also allows applicants to save their work and return later before the deadline.
How to Apply for the Dissertation Fellowship
Before starting the application, applicants should carefully review the official requirements and prepare their research information.
A strong application should clearly explain the research problem, its importance, and how the proposed study can improve understanding of education.
In addition, applicants should prepare their recommendation requests early.
If you are searching for other funding opportunities, explore the latest scholarships and fellowships on OpportunityLab.
Application Deadline and Final Reminder
The October 8, 2026, 5:00 PM ET deadline is approaching. Therefore, eligible doctoral researchers should begin preparing their applications as early as possible.
Most importantly, review the eligibility rules, develop a clear research plan, and contact your recommendation writers early.
