Robert A. Belfer International Affairs Fellowship in European Security
Hear From Past International Affairs Fellows
The Robert A. Belfer International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) in European Security seeks to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between rising generations of leaders and thinkers in Europe and the United States. This transformational program enables mid-career U.S. professionals to spend up to twelve months conducting research and working in Europe at a think tank, university, government agency, or international organization on issues pertaining to European security. Individuals from academia, business, government, journalism, NGOs, and think tanks are all encouraged to apply.
IAF is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to challenge our assumptions, evaluate status quo, reflect on past and present foreign policy decisions while addressing national security priorities and redefining and restating the importance of the U.S. global footprint and reach.
Fellowship Award
The fellowship runs between four and twelve months. The program awards a stipend of $120,000 for a period of twelve months (or a prorated amount if the duration is shorter) as well as a modest travel grant. Fellows are considered independent contractors rather than employees of CFR and are ineligible for employment benefits, including health insurance. No indirect costs can be deducted from the stipend.
CFR assists fellows in finding a host organization that matches their proposed work in Europe. However, all placements are made at the discretion of the host institution. CFR cannot guarantee placement at any specific agency or organization. The fellowship is intended as a full-time in-person experience for the duration of the fellowship; fellows should expect to work on-site with their host organization at least three days per week.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
- Applicants must be mid-career professionals.
- Applicants must have a strong record of professional achievement.
- Applicants must have a demonstrated commitment to a career in foreign policy and have an interest in European security.
- Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree.
- Applicants must have a U.S. passport, valid through six months after the fellowship end date.
The Robert A. Belfer IAF program does not fund pre- or postdoctoral research, work toward a degree, or the completion of projects on which substantial progress has been made before the fellowship begins. The program is meant to be a transformational experience that enables awardees to develop new skills, pursue new avenues of research, or otherwise take a significant step in their career development. The fellowship is intended primarily for applicants without substantial experience working in Europe. Applicants with experience working in Europe will be considered if they can demonstrate that the fellowship would add a significant new dimension to their career.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the program’s eligibility requirements can apply online between September 15 and October 31, 2025, for the 2026–27 fellowship cycle. Awardees will be notified by spring 2026.
To apply, you will need to submit the following:
- Basic biographical, educational, and employment information
- Project proposal and proposed placements
- Two letters of support
Selection Process
Selection as the Robert A. Belfer IAF in European Security is based on the following criteria:
- Scholarly qualifications and/or professional experience
- An interest in European security issues
- The merits and feasibility of a research proposal on some aspect of European security
- Character and personal qualities conducive to promoting cross-cultural communication and cooperation
- The contribution the fellowship will make to the applicant’s career development
The selection process is highly competitive. One to two fellowships are awarded each year. A strong preference is given to candidates who have never received a CFR fellowship and who have not lived and worked in Europe.
The fellowship has provided me with an absolutely critical opportunity to step back and be thoughtful about development as a tool for U.S. national security objectives.
Contact Us
For more information, please contact [email protected]