APF Stimson Center Pakistan Fellowship
“The APF Pakistan Fellowships foster a much-needed culture of learning and exchange on Pakistan.”
Our 2026 Call for Stimson Fellows is nOW OPEN
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.
Deadline to apply: April 10
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
Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of Urdu or other regional languages is a plus.
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.