University of Iowa USA Obermann International Fellowships 2026

Overview

The Obermann International Fellowships are designed to attract international researchers and artists to the University of Iowa to pursue innovative projects and forge lasting scholarly connections. Funded by the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies, with additional support from International Programs and the Center for Social Science Innovation (CSSI) , this program supports up to eight fellows per academic year. The fellowships are open to active researchers from accredited institutions outside the U.S. or independent researchers and artists with a proven track record of excellence.

The program aligns with the University of Iowa’s mission to prepare students and faculty for success in a diverse, global environment while promoting cutting-edge research. Whether you’re working in the humanities, social sciences, or the arts, the OIF provides a platform to advance your research agenda while engaging with the University of Iowa’s academic community.

Description

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Obermann International Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Non-U.S. citizens who are active researchers or artists at accredited institutions outside the United States

Research topics that align with those conducted at the University of Iowa

Applicants should have a solid command of English to participate in academic activities

Fellowship applicants must not have previously studied or worked at the University of Iowa

Applicants should plan to reside in Iowa City during the term of their fellowship

Age and Academic Requirements:

The fellowship is open to all nationalities , with no specific age restrictions

While applicants with a PhD or terminal degree are preferred, applicants without such degrees may also apply with two reference letters

Additional Information

What Are The Obermann International Fellowships

Degree Level

University of Iowa USA Obermann International Fellowships 2026 is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at University of Iowa.

Duration Of The Fellowship

The fellowship term is flexible : applicants may apply for a stay of minimum two weeks to a maximum of one semester

The Spring 2026 fellowship will occur between January 20 and May 8, 2026

Applicants must specify their desired start and end dates within this timeframe

Available Subjects

Following subjects are available to study under this scholarship program.

All Subjects

What The Obermann International Fellowship Offers

Each selected Obermann Fellow will receive the following benefits:

$2,000 stipend to help defray travel and lodging expenses

University of Iowa health insurance coverage for the duration of the fellowship

Office space at the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies

Temporary University affiliation, including access to UI libraries

Structured opportunities for scholarly exchange, including seminars, lectures, and introductions to University of Iowa researchers

Official invitation letter for institutional and visa purposes

Information about accommodations and other practical needs in Iowa City

Fellowship Funding And Reimbursement

$2,000 stipend is provided to cover travel, lodging, and other expenses.

Health insurance coverage for the duration of the fellowship

The Obermann Center will also cover the $185 J-1 visa application fee. However, applicants must cover the $220 non-refundable SEVIS fee.

Eligible Nationalities

This fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities except USA.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Obermann International Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Non-U.S. citizens who are active researchers or artists at accredited institutions outside the United States

Research topics that align with those conducted at the University of Iowa

Applicants should have a solid command of English to participate in academic activities

Fellowship applicants must not have previously studied or worked at the University of Iowa

Applicants should plan to reside in Iowa City during the term of their fellowship

Age and Academic Requirements:

The fellowship is open to all nationalities , with no specific age restrictions

While applicants with a PhD or terminal degree are preferred, applicants without such degrees may also apply with two reference letters

Application Procedure

The application process for the Obermann International Fellowship includes submitting the following documents via the online application system :

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Research proposal (maximum 2,000 words)

One-page bibliography

Two reference letters (for applicants without a terminal degree)

Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS score, transcript, or video interview request)

Completed application form via the online portal

Applications should be submitted no later than October 24, 2025 .

Selection Process

The Obermann Fellowship is competitive, with applications evaluated based on:

Academic and research quality of the proposal

Alignment of the proposed work with the University of Iowa’s research focus

Scholarly impact and potential lasting contributions to the field

Letters of reference and previous work experience

Candidates will be notified of the final decision by November 2025.

Important Dates

Application Deadline : October 24, 2025 (by 17:00 CET)

Notification of Results : November 2025

Fellowship Start Date : Between January 20 and May 8, 2026

Why Apply For The Obermann International Fellowship

The Obermann International Fellowship offers researchers and artists a unique opportunity to:

Access world-class academic resources at the University of Iowa

Develop and expand collaborations with leading scholars in your field

Present your work to an international audience through seminars and lectures

Enjoy a supportive academic community and gain a temporary affiliation with a top U.S. university

The fellowship fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and encourages innovative academic exploration, making it an ideal opportunity for researchers from a wide range of disciplines.

Contact Information

For more details, please visit the Obermann Center’s website.

This fellowship offers an unparalleled opportunity to enhance your academic career and collaborate with global scholars in the U.S. Apply today and contribute to the dynamic intellectual community at the University of Iowa .

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Card

Funding

Partial Funding

Organization

University of Iowa

Degree

Fellowship

Subjects