NATO Defense College (NDC) Resident Fellowship Programme - NDC Research Division

Applications for Fellowships are NOW OPEN.

Deadline for applications: 17 May 2025 (23:59 CET)

Who we are, and why we offer fellowship opportunities

The NDC Research Division enhances NATO’s ability to address complex challenges by combining rigorous research with targeted training. Its strength lies in its blend of deep subject-matter expertise and methodological innovation. The Division's continued success depends on access to fresh thinking and cutting-edge scholarship. Each year, we therefore offer eight research fellowships, open to both junior and senior scholars from NATO member and partner countries. Fellows are expected to contribute to the Division’s mission. In return, they gain insight into NATO’s decision-making needs, access to upstream information, and entry into a network of 130 alumni from previous fellowship cohorts.

Objectives, responsibilities and eligibility

During their fellowship, fellows are required to:

• write a research essay for eventual publication by the College;
• present their research project to the College before completing their fellowship;
• act as mentors on the College's Senior Course;
• align with the College's overall research agenda.

Before applying, scholars should familiarise themselves with the themes and style of our work and be able to explain how their research will be policy relevant. The NATO Defense College sees itself as one of NATO’s gateways to the world—a space where interested parties can better understand how NATO operates and how they can help shape its thinking and actions. The NDC Research Division is more than just a platform for exchange; it serves as a radar for NATO, scanning the horizon for emerging trends and signals.

1. Eligibility for the Eisenhower Defense Fellowships (NATO Allies)

The four Eisenhower (EIS) Fellowships are for researchers and analysts who hold the nationality of one of the NATO Allies. The three sub-programmes are directed at:

• Senior Scholars: The NDC offers one 5-month long fellowship per year in this category. Candidates applying to the Senior Eisenhower Fellowship must have a PhD in a relevant discipline as well as a minimum of four years’ relevant professional experience since receiving their doctoral degree, and a solid publication record on international security-related issues.


• Junior Scholars: Candidates applying to the Eisenhower Defense Fellowship must have a PhD in a relevant discipline as well as a publication record on international security-related issues. The NDC offers one 5-month long fellowship per year in this category.


• PhD candidates: The NDC offers two 5-month long fellowship per year in this category. Candidates for the Eisenhower PhD candidate Fellowship must be PhD Students enrolled in a University Programme at PhD level, with a thesis topic that has a direct relevance to NATO’s policy. Candidates for this Fellowship must be at the final stage of their research and provide evidence of their advanced work.

2. Eligibility for Partnership for Peace Fellowships

Two 5-month long fellowships are awarded each year in this category. The Partnership for Peace (PfP) Fellowships is designed for scholars/academics/researchers of PfP countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Moldova, Serbia, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan).

3. Eligibility for Mediterranean Dialogue Fellowships

Two 5-month long fellowships are awarded each year in this category. The Mediterranean Dialogue (MD) Fellowships is designed for researchers and analysts of MD countries (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia).

4. Eligibility for Other Military Cooperation/Partners Across the Globe Fellowship (OMC/PatG)

The OMC/PatG Fellowship is designed for scholars/academics/researchers of OMC/PatG countries. One 5-month long fellowship is awarded each year in this category. Countries: Australia, Colombia, Iraq, Japan, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, and Mongolia.


Application procedure

Candidates must both fill in the on-line registration form and send separately:  a signed copy of the 2026 Terms & Conditions, and in a single pdf file a short CV and the certificate of citizenship (Passport or national ID), to the following email address: [email protected]
Research proposals unrelated to NATO or incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

Deadline for applications: no later than 17 May 2025 (23.59 CET).
Selected candidates will be notified in writing by 30 September 2025.
The Research Division cannot provide comments on applicants’ proposals either during or after the selection process.
The Resident Fellowship Programme is under the supervision of Dr Florence Gaub, Director, Research Division.