The UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship is a research fellowship offered by the University of California. It supports outstanding scholars who want to conduct postdoctoral research and prepare for an academic career.
The program welcomes applicants across disciplines. In addition, fellows receive research support, faculty mentoring and professional development opportunities.
What programme is this?
The University of California President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (PPFP) is a postdoctoral research and academic development program.
It works with UC campuses and UC National Laboratories. The program aims to help scholars develop research, teaching and service experience while preparing for future university faculty careers.
The program covers all academic fields, while some National Laboratory opportunities focus on STEM disciplines.
Who is eligible for the UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship?
The fellowship is open to scholars who hold a terminal degree in their discipline and are preparing for a career in university teaching and research.
Applicants do not have to be from an underrepresented minority group. Also, applicants with terminal degrees such as a PhD, JD, MD, MFA or EdD may qualify when the degree is appropriate for their field.
Applicants who completed their doctorate more than five years ago can still apply. However, anyone who has already held postdoctoral appointments for more than five years may not qualify because of UC’s postdoctoral service limit.
What country or region is eligible?
The program is based in the United States, but U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is not required.
International scholars can apply. However, successful applicants must provide documents showing that they are legally authorized to work in the United States. UC states that visa sponsorship and work authorization may be possible for successful applicants.
Therefore, applicants from countries such as Nigeria and other countries outside the U.S. can apply if they meet the academic and work-authorization requirements.
What does the fellowship cover?
The program provides more than a research position. It also supports professional and academic development.
For 2026 fellowships, salaries start at approximately $71,491, although additional salary may apply in certain circumstances.
The award also includes:
- Health insurance
- Vision benefits
- Dental benefits
- Paid sick leave
- Maternity leave
- Four weeks of paid time off
- Faculty mentoring
- Professional development
- Academic networking opportunities
What are the academic requirements?
Applicants need a terminal degree in their discipline or must be on track to complete one.
For the 2026–27 cycle, the application asks applicants to provide their expected or actual PhD completion date. Applicants should expect to complete their doctorate by July 1 of the year following their application.
The program also requires a strong research plan and evidence of preparation for an academic career.
In addition, applicants need a tenured UC faculty mentor who is an associate or full professor. The mentor should normally be someone other than the applicant’s PhD dissertation adviser.
What documents are required for the UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship?
Applicants should prepare several materials before starting the online form.
The main requirements include:
- Research proposal of 700–1,000 words
- PhD thesis/dissertation abstract
- Education and background statement of 300–700 words
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Writing sample of up to 35 pages
- Faculty mentor information
- Thesis adviser information
- Reference information
- Other application details requested by the online system
The research proposal must be submitted as a PDF. The education and background statement must also be provided as a PDF.
Official graduate transcripts are not required with the initial application. Instead, UC requests them from finalists and requires them before issuing a fellowship offer.
When is the deadline for the UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship?
For the 2026–27 application cycle, the key dates are:
- Application opens: September 1, 2026
- Application deadline: November 1, 2026
- Mentor and recommendation letters: December 1, 2026
- Finalist/decision timing: March 31, 2027
The applicant must submit the main online application by November 1. However, recommenders and the mentor have until December 1 to submit their letters.
Partner universities may have different dates, so applicants should check the relevant institution when applying through a partner program.
How do I apply for the UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship?
First, identify a suitable research area and potential UC faculty mentor.
Next, prepare the research proposal, education and background statement, CV, writing sample and other required information.
Then, create an account on the official application system and complete the online form. After submission, the system sends instructions to the mentor and references so they can upload their letters.
Applicants should also allow enough time to contact potential mentors before the application deadline.
Where is the official application?
The application is submitted online through the University of California’s official PPFP application portal.
The official program website also provides the application instructions and requirements.
What are the benefits?
The fellowship offers financial and professional support for scholars preparing for academic careers.
Key benefits include:
- Salary starting at approximately $71,491 for 2026 fellowships
- Health, vision and dental benefits
- Paid sick leave
- Maternity leave
- Four weeks of paid time off
- Faculty mentoring
- Professional development
- Academic networking
- Access to research opportunities across the UC system
Moreover, fellows are expected to establish a presence in their UC department or campus, except when they are away for approved research, conferences or other scholarly activities.
For more scholarship and fellowship opportunities, visit OpportunityLab.net.
