APF Stimson Center Fellowship

Our 2026 Call for Stimson Center Fellows is nOW OPEN

Deadline to apply: April 10, 11:59 EST

APF – Stimson Center Pakistan Fellowship

The American Pakistan Foundation (APF), in partnership with the Stimson Center, is pleased to offer the APF–Stimson Center Pakistan Fellowship, an immersive summer opportunity for students and emerging professionals interested in South Asia, policy research, and international affairs.

Hosted within the Stimson Center’s South Asia Program, this full-time fellowship places fellows at the center of policy research, convening, and analysis related to Pakistan and the broader South Asian region. Fellows gain hands-on experience supporting research initiatives, policy engagement, and high-level events while working alongside leading scholars and practitioners in Washington, DC.

This fellowship reflects APF’s commitment to expanding access for American Pakistani and Pakistan-focused talent within premier U.S. policy institutions and to strengthening the pipeline of future leaders in international affairs.

What the Fellowship Offers

• Full-time, hands-on experience at a leading Washington-based think tank

• Direct involvement in South Asia–focused policy research and programming

• Exposure to public and private policy discussions, briefings, and convenings

• Mentorship and guidance from Stimson Center experts and APF leadership

• Professional development in policy research, writing, and strategic communications

• Opportunity to publish and present original work

Fellowship Format

• Duration: 8  weeks

• Commitment: Full-time (40 hours per week)

• Mode: Hybrid, with a strong in-office presence

• Location: Washington, DC

Who Should Apply

This fellowship is well suited for candidates who:

• Are rising seniors, graduate students, or early-career professionals

• Are pursuing or have completed coursework in international affairs, public policy, political science, communications, business administration, or related fields

• Have a strong interest in Pakistan and South Asian affairs

• Possess excellent research, writing, and communication skills

• Are highly organized, self-motivated, and comfortable working in a fast-paced policy environment

Eligibility Requirements

• U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident

• Currently residing in the United States

• A junior, senior, graduate student or young professional

Fellowship Details

• Duration: 8 weeks (remote/hybrid optional)

• Tentative Start: First week of June

• Format: Full-time, virtual

• Stipend: $500 upon successful completion and submission of deliverables

• Application Deadline: April 10

What Fellows Will Do

Fellows will support research and policy initiatives within the Stimson Center’s South Asia Program, assist with the preparation and execution of public and private events, and contribute to the broader work of the Center as needed. Fellows will also work closely with APF throughout the summer, participating in regular check-ins and producing written and presentation-based deliverables that reflect their research and fellowship experience.

Each fellow will complete a final project related to their policy work, author a short article for the APF website, and present their work to APF leadership at the conclusion of the fellowship.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The APF–Stimson Center Pakistan Fellowship provides emerging leaders with rare, practical exposure to policy research and institutional decision-making at one of Washington’s most respected think tanks. By combining rigorous policy engagement with mentorship and public-facing outputs, the fellowship equips participants with the skills, networks, and experience needed to pursue impactful careers in international affairs and U.S.–South Asia policy.

Our Partner

The South Asia Program produces policy analysis and academic research on regional strategic trends and geopolitical dynamics.