Postdoc, PhD, Scholars, Students, PractitionerFully Funded Closed 101 days ago

International Studies Association (ISA) Grants and Fellowships

Last verified 21 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The International Studies Association (ISA) offers various funding opportunities, including Research Workshop Grants, Travel Grants, and a Dissertation Completion Fellowship, supporting scholars, practitioners, and students in international studies to foster collaboration, resear

Provider: International Studies Association (ISA)
Host country: Multiple
Deadline: February 17, 2026
Region: Global

Official source

Topics

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

International Studies Association (ISA) Grants and Fellowships is open to African students applying to study in Multiple at the Postdoc, PhD, Scholars, Students, Practitioner level, with fully funded funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Postdoc, PhD, Scholars, Students, Practitioner · applicants for Multiple
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Postdoc, PhD, Scholars, Students, Practitioner
Deadline: February 17, 2026

Key eligibility criteria

Applicants must be members of the International Studies Association. Eligibility varies per grant type, with specific provisions for graduate students, junior scholars, and those from developing countries.

What the fully funded award covers

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Return airfare

About the International Studies Association (ISA) Grants and Fellowships (2026)

## Overview The International Studies Association (ISA) is dedicated to fostering excellence in international studies through a range of grants and fellowships designed to support its diverse membership. These opportunities are tailored for scholars, practitioners, and students involved in international studies, aiming to encourage collaboration, facilitate groundbreaking research, and support career progression. ISA’s commitment extends to promoting diversity, interdisciplinary approaches, and global participation within the field, ensuring a rich and inclusive academic environment. ## Benefits ISA offers several distinct funding programs, each with specific benefits: * **Research Workshop Grants (RWG):** These grants, established in 1992, are designed to stimulate collaborative and interdisciplinary research. They bring together scholars from various global regions to work on projects across all subfields of international studies. The grants emphasize intellectual merit, diversity, and alignment with ISA’s broader mission. * **Travel Grants:** These grants provide financial assistance to ISA members attending ISA conferences, particularly the Annual Convention. They are especially beneficial for graduate students, junior scholars, and academics hailing from developing nations, ensuring broader participation and representation. * **Dissertation Completion Fellowship:** This fellowship is specifically for graduate students in the critical final stages of their PhD in international studies. It provides crucial support to help them complete their dissertations, with a strong encouragement for applications from underrepresented groups and those without alternative funding sources. ## Eligibility To be considered for any of ISA’s funding opportunities, applicants must meet the following criteria: * All applicants must be current members of the International Studies Association. * **For Research Workshop Grants:** Open to scholars across all subfields of international studies. Proposals must clearly demonstrate interdisciplinarity and a collaborative spirit. * **For Travel Grants:** Open to all ISA members, with a prioritization for graduate students, junior scholars, and scholars from developing countries, reflecting ISA’s commitment to global inclusion. * **For Dissertation Completion Fellowship:** Targeted at graduate student members who are in the final year of their PhD studies in international studies or related academic fields. Applications from underrepresented groups, diverse genders, and various nationalities are highly encouraged. ## Required documents The article does not explicitly list required documents. However, typical applications for grants and fellowships in academia often include: * A detailed CV or resume. * A research proposal (for Research Workshop Grants and Dissertation Completion Fellowships). * Letters of recommendation. * Transcripts (for graduate students). * A budget proposal (for Research Workshop Grants and Travel Grants). * Proof of ISA membership. Applicants are strongly advised to consult the official ISA website for precise and up-to-date documentation requirements for each specific grant or fellowship. ## Application steps To apply for ISA grants and fellowships, follow these general steps: 1. **Visit the Official ISA Website:** Navigate to the Grants or Programs section on the official ISA website (isanet.org). 2. **Review Requirements:** Carefully read the specific requirements, guidelines, and deadlines for the particular grant or fellowship you are interested in. 3. **Prepare Application Materials:** Compile all necessary documents as outlined for your chosen program. This may include proposals, CVs, and letters of recommendation. 4. **Submit Online:** Complete and submit your application through the ISA online portal. Always refer to the official ISA page for the most detailed eligibility criteria and application instructions. ## Key dates The listed application deadline is February 17, 2026. However, deadlines for specific grants and fellowships may vary. Applicants must check the official ISA website for the most accurate and current information regarding application timelines for each opportunity. ## Selection criteria While specific selection criteria for each grant are not exhaustively detailed, the article highlights several key considerations: * **Intellectual Merit:** Especially for Research Workshop Grants, the intellectual strength and potential impact of the proposed research are paramount. * **Diversity and Collaboration:** ISA places a high value on projects that demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration and contribute to the diversity of the field of international studies. * **Membership Status:** All applicants must be active members of the International Studies Association. * **Targeted Support:** Preference is often given to graduate students, junior scholars, scholars from developing countries, and underrepresented groups, aligning with ISA’s goals of inclusive support. ## Tips 1. **Become an ISA Member:** Ensure your membership is current, as it is a prerequisite for all grants and fellowships. 2. **Tailor Your Application:** Customize your application to align perfectly with the specific objectives and criteria of the grant you are applying for. 3. **Highlight Collaboration and Diversity:** For research-oriented grants, emphasize the collaborative and interdisciplinary aspects of your project. 4. **Proofread Thoroughly:** Submit a polished application free of errors to demonstrate professionalism. 5. **Start Early:** Give yourself ample time to prepare all required documents and address any potential queries before the deadline. 6. **Consult Official Sources:** Always verify all information and deadlines directly on the official ISA website, as details can change. ## Official source For comprehensive information and to apply, please visit the official International Studies Association website: [http://isanet.org/](http://isanet.org/)

What the Fully Funded International Studies Association (ISA) Grants and Fellowships covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Return airfare

International Studies Association (ISA) Grants and Fellowships eligibility for Multiple applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Applicants must be members of the International Studies Association. Eligibility varies per grant type, with specific provisions for graduate students, junior scholars, and those from developing countries.

Documents required for the International Studies Association (ISA) Grants and Fellowships application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Financial-need declaration or family-income statement (sponsor-specific template)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the International Studies Association (ISA) Grants and Fellowships 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open http://isanet.org/ and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Applicants must be members of the International Studies Association. Eligibility varies per grant type, with specific provisions for graduate students, junior scholars, and those from developing countries.". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Identify a supervisor whose research aligns with yours, exchange emails, and either obtain a conditional offer or confirmation that they will host your project. Many International Studies Association (ISA) awards require this before the funding application opens.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a focused 1,000–2,000-word research proposal and a separate personal statement. Tailor every paragraph to the sponsor's stated priorities — generic recycled essays are the most common reason strong applicants are rejected.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on http://isanet.org/, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Aim to have the full draft complete by 19 Dec 2025. Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by February 17, 2026 (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours before the 17 Feb 2026 deadline. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, International Studies Association (ISA) will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

International Studies Association (ISA) Grants and Fellowships deadline & application timeline

Working backwards from the sponsor's stated deadline (February 17, 2026). Dates assume a smooth, single-attempt timeline — start earlier where you can.

12 months out
22 Feb 2025
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
21 Aug 2025
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
19 Nov 2025
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
18 Jan 2026
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
17 Feb 2026
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

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Editorial verification note

Imported from afterschoolafrica.com editorial listing.

Last checked 5/21/2026

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the International Studies Association (ISA) Grants and Fellowships?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Postdoc, PhD, Scholars, Students, Practitioner level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by International Studies Association (ISA), and be able to relocate to the host country for the duration of the programme.

Is the International Studies Association (ISA) Grants and Fellowships fully funded?+

Funding model: Fully Funded. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is February 17, 2026. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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