SPF-APSA Congressional Fellowship Program

Established in 1953 by the American Political Science Association (APSA), the Congressional Fellowship Program aims to deepen scholars' and professionals' understanding of the U.S. Congress. At its core is a program designed for PhD holders, and today the fellowship boasts a network of over 2,200 alumni. Fellows spend approximately one year in Washington, D.C., where they receive training and gain hands-on experience working in congressional offices or committees.

While the program primarily targets Americans, it also hosts international fellows. Those participating through the SPF-APSA Congressional Fellowship will work as Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) Fellows within the APSA Congressional Fellowship Program.

Visit the APSA website for details.

• American Political Science Association (APSA)
• German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMFUS)

Important: The information provided below is for informational purposes only. Applicants should refer to the Japanese website for the official program details, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and submission instructions.

Applications are now open for two fellowship positions in the 2027 SPF-APSA Congressional Fellowship Program.

Period: September 2027 to August 2028
Location: Washington, D.C.
Number of Positions: 2
  1. One position in the Researcher category
  2. One position in the Practitioner category
Fellowship Benefits: USD 8,000 per month, covering stipend and health insurance; Round-trip travel between Japan and the U.S.; Office space at GMFUS
*The expenses associated with obtaining a U.S. J-1 visa shall be the responsibility of the fellow.

Applicants must:
1. Be Japanese nationals or permanent residents of Japan.
2. Possess sufficient English proficiency to carry out training and fellowship work.
3. Demonstrate a strong interest in the U.S. federal legislative process, engagement with U.S. congressional stakeholders, and building long-term relationships with them.
4. Have a flexible and open-minded personality, and be willing to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, including younger supervisors.
5. [Researcher Category] Hold a doctoral degree awarded within the past 15 years, or be expected to obtain a doctoral degree before the start of the fellowship in September 2027.
6. [Practitioner Category] Have approximately 10 years of professional experience in politics-related fields* (approximately 7 years for those with a master's degree).
*Note: Politics-related professional experience is not limited to any specific industry.

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
1. Resume (in Japanese)
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) (in English)
3. Statement of Purpose (in English, approximately 750 words, single-spaced): Describe how participation in this fellowship will contribute to your professional goals.
4. A writing sample of a single-authored or lead-authored academic paper (in English; Japanese is acceptable if no English version is available) [Required for Researcher Category]
5. A detailed work history (in Japanese) [Required for Practitioner Category]
6. Names, titles, and contact information (phone number and email address) of two referees

Notes:
1.  All files must be submitted in PDF format.
2. Additional documents may be requested during the selection process if necessary.

Please attach all required application documents to an email and send them to apsa-fellowship@spf.or.jp.

Two letters of recommendation (in Japanese or English)

Notes:
1. There is no required file format (PDF preferred if possible).
2. A handwritten signature is not required.
3. Referees must send the letters directly to apsa-fellowship@spf.or.jp.

Tuesday, December 1, 2026 at 17:00 (Japan Standard Time)

Please note that letters of recommendation must also be submitted by this deadline. Be sure to contact your referees well in advance to ensure timely submission. If there are exceptional circumstances preventing submission by the deadline, please consult with us in advance.

Fellows will be selected through a document screening and interview process. Final decisions are expected to be made in January 2027.

1. Please note that even after selection, the fellowship may be revoked if any false information is found in the application documents or if the applicant becomes ineligible.
2. Individuals who have previously received this fellowship are not eligible to apply.
3. Information regarding the J-1 visa application process will be provided after the fellowship selection is finalized. For all other U.S. visa-related inquiries, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate directly.
4. Fellows are responsible for arranging their own housing. Neither APSA nor GMFUS will provide housing referrals or intermediary services.

The Sasakawa Peace Foundation will handle applicants' personal information appropriately in accordance with applicable laws and the Foundation's privacy policy. Submitted personal information will be used solely for administrative purposes related to the selection process and other related activities. Please note that personal information may be shared with partner organizations involved in the fellowship.

Email: apsa-fellowship@spf.or.jp
Attn: Takuya Tazawa