Recently finished a PhD on politics, economics, health or society in Asia? Stanford University’s Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center (APARC) has opened applications for its 2027–2029 postdoctoral and visiting fellowships. The main postdoctoral positions pay US$83,000 a year (prorated), plus research funds. No nationality restriction is stated, so researchers from Africa and elsewhere working on Asia-Pacific topics can apply. Most deadlines fall on 1 December 2026.
Fellowships at a Glance
| Fellowship | Places | For | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shorenstein Postdoctoral Fellowship on Contemporary Asia | 2 | Recent PhDs | 1 Dec 2026 |
| Asia Health Policy Program Postdoctoral Fellowship | 1 | Recent PhDs or MDs | 1 Dec 2026 |
| Next Asia Policy Postdoctoral Fellowship (2 years) | 2 | Recent PhDs | 1 Dec 2026 |
| STINT–SNAPL Postdoctoral Fellowship | 1 | Recent PhDs | 1 Dec 2026 |
| Lee Kong Chian NUS–Stanford Fellowship on Southeast Asia | — | All career stages | 25 Jan 2027 |
| Next Asia Policy Visiting Fellowship | 2 | Asia-Pacific researchers and professionals | 1 Mar 2027 |
| Kwoh-Ting Li Visiting Fellowship in Taiwan Studies | 1 | Mid-career and senior scholars | 1 Mar 2027 |
1. Shorenstein Postdoctoral Fellowship on Contemporary Asia
This fellowship supports research on political, economic or social change in Northeast, Southeast or South Asia, or on international relations and political economy in the region. Two fellows will spend the 2027–28 academic year at Stanford, starting in the fall quarter.
2. Asia Health Policy Program Postdoctoral Fellowship
This fellowship is for research on health and healthcare policy in Asia-Pacific, with a focus on developing countries in the region. It welcomes applicants from many fields, including public health, economics, demography, sociology, political science, anthropology, law, medicine and health services research.
3. Stanford Next Asia Policy Lab (SNAPL) Fellowships
SNAPL studies four themes: talent flows and development; nationalism and racism; US–Asia relations; and democratic crisis and reform.
- Next Asia Policy Postdoctoral Fellowship: two positions for two years, with a possible extension
- STINT–SNAPL Postdoctoral Fellowship: one position on science policy and the internationalisation of higher education in Asia-Pacific. Projects with Swedish perspectives are preferred.
- Next Asia Policy Visiting Fellowship: two places for researchers and professionals from the Asia-Pacific region, one of them for research on the Philippines. Economic security is a priority this cycle.
4. Lee Kong Chian NUS–Stanford Fellowship on Southeast Asia
This fellowship is for social scientists and humanities scholars at any career stage working on contemporary Southeast Asia. Fellows spend two to three quarters at Stanford between September 2027 and June 2028. Candidates who want to be hosted at the National University of Singapore apply separately through NUS.
5. Kwoh-Ting Li Visiting Fellowship in Taiwan Studies
This fellowship is for mid-career and senior scholars researching contemporary Taiwan, including its economy, society, demography, environment and technology. The fellow may also teach a course.
Benefits
For the Shorenstein and Asia Health Policy postdoctoral fellowships:
- A salary at an annual rate of US$83,000, prorated for the 10-month appointment
- Up to US$3,000 for research expenses
- A full academic year at one of the world’s leading universities
- Chances to present at APARC seminars and publish through the Center’s publication programme
Terms for the other fellowships are set out on each fellowship’s page.
Eligibility
For the Shorenstein and Asia Health Policy postdoctoral fellowships:
- Your PhD must be awarded no more than three years before the fellowship starts (for the health fellowship, up to six years after an MD).
- Your degree must be conferred by 30 June 2027.
- You must live at Stanford for the whole appointment and take part in Center activities.
- No nationality restriction is stated.
The Next Asia Policy Visiting Fellowship is the exception. It is reserved for researchers and professionals from the Asia-Pacific region.
Required Documents
Shorenstein Postdoctoral Fellowship:
- CV (PDF)
- Research statement of up to five double-spaced pages describing your planned research and the publication you will produce
- Three letters of recommendation, emailed separately
Asia Health Policy Postdoctoral Fellowship:
- Cover letter
- CV
- Research statement of up to five double-spaced pages
- Two letters of recommendation
Recommendation letters must also arrive by the deadline.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus on a publishable output. APARC wants to know what book, article or report you will produce during the fellowship.
- Link your work to Asia-Pacific. African researchers working on Africa–Asia relations, Chinese investment in Africa or comparative development can make a strong case, as long as the Asia-Pacific focus is clear.
- Contact referees early. Letters are due on the same day as your application.
- Check your PhD timeline. You must have your degree by 30 June 2027 and be within three years of it.
How to Apply
- Choose the fellowship that fits your research and career stage.
- Open its page on the APARC website and complete the online application form.
- Upload your CV, research statement and (where required) cover letter.
- Ask your referees to email their letters as instructed.
- Submit by the deadline: 1 December 2026 for most postdoctoral fellowships (Pacific Time).
View all APARC 2027–2029 fellowships and apply
