Eligibility

Graduate and professional school students and those who have completed graduate studies (degree awarded) within the last five years may apply.  Areas of study may include any social/behavioral science, medical/health discipline, physical or biological science, any field of engineering, law/business/public administration, or any relevant interdisciplinary field.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Eligibility:

Can undergraduates apply for the program?
Sorry, at this time, the program is just for graduate science and engineering students, postdocs, and professional school students (e.g, MBA, JD, MS, MD).

We have no plans to offer a program for undergraduates; however, some units of the National Academies independently sponsor a few interns who are at the undergraduate level. Those enrolled in University “Washington Semester” educational programs generally have a better chance at obtaining an internship.

To propose an undergraduate internship, the student should send a letter to the unit of interest.  The student should state clearly why they are interested in applying to that unit, describe relevant experience, education, and policy issues of interest.  The Executive Director of the Division or the Director of a Board is the appropriate staff person to send the letter to; staff are listed on the homepage of each unit.

Is the National Academies Fellowship Program open to non-US citizens?
Yes, the program is open to all US and non-US citizens who meet the eligibility criteria.  Applicants may be U.S. citizens or U.S. lawful permanent residents or adjustment applicants.  Other eligible applicants include those with valid F-1, J, asylee, or refugee status. Non-US citizens not currently enrolled in a U.S. university must be within 5 years of graduation and have OPT, work authorization, or their visa sponsor's written authorization valid throughout the program period as indicated below.  The National Academies cannot sponsor a visa for this program.  Copies of immigration documents must be submitted at the time of application.

• F-1 students may participate using curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT).  The I-20 form must be signed by the Designated School Official (DSO) for CPT or OPT, indicating that the student has permission to come to Washington, DC, for the 12-week fellowship term and receive the grant/stipend.  If using OPT, a copy of the  Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is required by November 15th for the Winter/Spring session and by June 15th for the Fall session.

• J-1 students must provide a DS-2019 form showing authorization for academic training by the university's J-1 Responsible Officer (RO) by November 15th for the Winter/Spring session and by June 15th for the Fall session. 

• J-1  research scholars must provide written authorization by their J-1 Responsible Officer for participation in the program by November 15th for the Winter/Spring session, and by June 15th for the Fall session.

 • J-2 dependents must provide a DS-2019 form and an EAD by November 15th for the Winter/Spring session and by June 15th for the Fall session. 

  • Adjustment applicants, refugees, and asylees must show evidence of work authorization by November 15th for the Winter/Spring session and by June 15th for the Fall session. 

Am I eligible if I have temporary worker status (i.e., B-1, or H-1B, TN, O-1, L-1)? 
The National Academies Christine Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship Program is a fellowship award, not employment by the National Academies.  For that reason, participants may not hold B-1, or H-1B, TN, O-1, L-1 or other similar employment-related visas.

Do I have to live in the United States to be considered?
No, candidates do not need to be current residents of the United States to apply, but they must be US citizens or meet the visa requirements.

Would a graduating senior who will be entering a graduate program qualify for this program?
No, you must be attending a graduate or professional school.

Can I apply if I'm just past the point of being a postdoctoral fellow?
Yes, if you completed your graduate studies (degree awarded) within the last 5 years, you are eligible to apply.

Are the social sciences included as a "science"?
Yes, we do consider the social sciences to be a science. Students focusing on the history of science, museum studies, etc. are welcome to apply for the program as well.

Can law and business students in professional programs apply?
Yes. Given the importance of science and technology today, business and law students also need exposure to science and technology policy issues. Business students must be at the MBA or PhD level.