Eligibility

Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars and those who have completed graduate studies or postdoctoral research in any social/behavioral science, medical/health discipline, physical or biological science, any field of engineering, law/business/public administration, or any relevant interdisciplinary field within the last five years are eligible to apply.

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, 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 undergradate internship, the student should send a letter to the unit for whom they might be interested in being a fellow and clearly state they are an undergraduate who is not eligible for the formal National Academies Graduate Policy Fellowship Program. Be sure to provide a resume and describe your education, experience, and policy issues of interest. They can use the fellow opportunities chart to find the right unit(s) for them. The Executive Director of the Division or the Director of a Board is the appropriate person to whom to send the letter. That individual will be listed on the homepage for that 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 criteria. However, you must be currently enrolled in a US university and have proof of holding a valid J-1 or F-1 status. We cannot sponsor a visa on your behalf. If you are accepted into the program, copies of your immigration documents will be required immediately.

• F-1 students may participate using curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT). They must provide an I-20 form, showing approval by the Designated School Official (DSO) for CPT or OPT, and permission to come to Washington, DC, for the time period required to participate in this program, and that you are allowed to receive the stipend. A copy of your Employment Authorization Card (EAD) is required if you are using OPT.

• J-1 students must provide a DS-2019 from showing authorization for academic training by the university's J-1 Responsible Officer (RO).

You need not submit this information at the time of application. However, it must be submitted within 1-2 weeks of acceptance to the program, or your participation may be cancelled.

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 graduate policy 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. Applicants with valid F-1, J-1, asylee, refugee, adjustment applicant or U.S. lawful permanent resident status are eligible to apply. Certain other categories are considered individually.

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 (see international students).

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 a postdoctoral fellow?
Yes, if you are currently a graduate student or postdoc or have completed your graduate studies or postdoctoral research 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.