The Obermann Center for Advanced Studies at the University of Iowa now offers flexible fellowships for international researchers and artists to develop collaborations and pursue independent work at our beautiful Iowa City campus. Obermann International Fellowships are funded by the University of Iowa’s Obermann Center for Advanced Studies with generous additional support from International Programs and the Center for Social Science Innovation.
Applications for Spring 2026 fellowships are due October 24, 2025.
Get Up to $100,000 Student Loan for Your Master in US or Canada.
Read Also:
- Switzerland Updates Its Visa Document Requirements for Studies & Work 2025
- 2025 Masters Scholarship for Ugandan Students at Makerere University in Partnership with Case Western Reserve University (USA)
- NOW OPEN: 2026 JAPANESE GOVERNMENT MEXT SCHOLARSHIP FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
- Register for the University of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships Information Session on April 23, 2025
What an OIF offers to international researchers:
Fellows will receive:
- A $2,000 stipend to assist with travel and lodging
- University of Iowa health insurance for the duration of the fellowship
- Access to office space and University libraries
- Temporary UI affiliation and official letter of invitation
- Participation in academic events, seminars, and research networking opportunities
- Visa support, including payment of the $185 J-1 visa application fee
*International Fellows should come with their own agendas for their time at the University of Iowa.
Funding
Each fellow will be reimbursed up to $2,000 for travel and lodging expenses. Since the fellowship covers only a portion of the expenses of travel and lodging, applicants need to secure funding from their home institutions.
The Obermann Center will also cover the cost of a University of Iowa health insurance plan for each fellow, for the duration of their stay. (J-1 scholars are required to carry a UI health insurance policy.)
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be affiliated with an institution of higher learning outside the United States OR be independent researchers/artists with a strong professional track record based outside the U.S.
- Have a project that aligns with the University of Iowa academic offerings
- Have sufficient English proficiency to engage in scholarly activities
- Be available to live in Iowa City during the fellowship period
Application Process
Complete the online application. The application asks for
- a curriculum vitae;
- desired start and end dates of fellowship (Spring 2026 fellowships must take place between January 20 and May 8, 2026);
- a research proposal, including a rationale of the project’s connection to the University of Iowa (maximum 2,000 words);
- a one-page bibliography related to the proposal;
- two reference letters (only required for applicants without a Ph.D. or other terminal degree); and
- proof of English proficiency (a TOEFL or IELTS score, a transcript, or a request for a video interview).
Once you submit this application, the Obermann Center will notify you of your application status via email. If you are accepted, we will ask you to email us the photo page of your passport and a financial statement showing the USD equivalent of at least $1,000/month for living expenses for the duration of your stay; scholars with J-2 dependents are required to show $500 per month for living expenses for each dependent.
Visit the Award Webpage for Details:
🔗 https://chcinetwork.org/opportunities/obermann-international-fellowships-oif-2
