Stanford University’s Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center (APARC) is inviting applications for multiple postdoctoral and visiting fellowships beginning in fall quarter 2027. The opportunities are designed for scholars and researchers interested in contemporary Asia, including its political, economic, social, health policy, technological and international relations challenges.
The fellowships provide opportunities to conduct independent research, contribute to academic discussions and engage with experts working on critical issues affecting the Asia-Pacific region. Depending on the programme, appointments range from one academic year to two years, with opportunities available for recent PhD graduates, mid-career scholars, senior researchers and qualified professionals.
Application deadlines vary by fellowship, running from 1 December 2026 to 1 March 2027.
About Stanford’s Asia-Pacific Research Center
APARC is part of Stanford University’s Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies. Its research programmes examine contemporary developments across Asia and generate insights relevant to policymakers, academics and international organisations.
For the 2027–2029 fellowship cycle, APARC and its affiliated research programmes are offering opportunities in contemporary Asian studies, health policy, Southeast Asian studies, Taiwan studies and emerging regional policy challenges.
Available Fellowship Opportunities
1. Shorenstein Postdoctoral Fellowship on Contemporary Asia 2027–2028
This fellowship offers two positions for recent PhD recipients conducting research on contemporary Asia. Research areas include political, economic and social change across Northeast, Southeast and South Asia, as well as international relations and international political economy in the region.
Appointments last one academic year and begin in fall quarter 2027.
Application deadline: 1 December 2026.
2. Asia Health Policy Program Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027–2028
The Asia Health Policy Program offers one postdoctoral position for a recent PhD recipient researching contemporary health or healthcare policy relevant to the Asia-Pacific region.
Research concerning developing countries in the region is particularly relevant. The fellowship provides an opportunity to investigate health policy challenges and contribute evidence to discussions on healthcare systems and policy development.
The appointment lasts one academic year, beginning in fall quarter 2027.
Application deadline: 1 December 2026.
3. Lee Kong Chian NUS–Stanford Fellowship on Southeast Asia 2027–2028
This fellowship supports research and writing on contemporary Southeast Asia. It is open to candidates at different career stages who have professional backgrounds and current positions in the social sciences or humanities.
Selected fellows spend two to three academic quarters at Stanford pursuing their research projects. Appointments must begin and conclude between 1 September 2027 and 30 June 2028.
The programme is no longer a joint-residency fellowship. Stanford-appointed fellows will be hosted at APARC, while applicants seeking a fellowship hosted by the National University of Singapore must use the NUS application portal.
Application deadline: 25 January 2027.
4. Stanford Next Asia Policy Lab Fellowships 2027–2029
The Stanford Next Asia Policy Lab (SNAPL) examines emerging social, cultural, economic and political challenges across Asia. Its research focuses on four themes: talent flows and development, nationalism and racism, United States–Asia relations, and democratic crisis and reform.
The lab offers three fellowship opportunities.
Next Asia Policy Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027–2029: Two positions are available for recent PhD recipients researching one of the lab’s four themes. Appointments last two years, with a possible extension depending on performance and funding.
Deadline: 1 December 2026.
STINT-SNAPL Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027–2028: One position is available for a recent PhD recipient researching scientific policy and the internationalisation of higher education and research in the Asia-Pacific. Preference is given to projects engaging directly or indirectly with Swedish perspectives. The appointment lasts one year, with a possible extension subject to performance and funding.
Deadline: 1 December 2026.
Next Asia Policy Visiting Fellowship 2027–2028: Two positions are available for researchers and professionals from the Asia-Pacific region who hold a PhD or have a substantial record of achievement relevant to the lab’s research themes. The programme will prioritise economic security, with one position specifically dedicated to research on the Philippines. Appointments last one academic year.
Deadline: 1 March 2027.
5. Kwoh-Ting Li Visiting Fellowship in Taiwan Studies 2027–2028
Offered by APARC’s Taiwan Program, this fellowship targets mid-career and senior scholars specialising in Taiwan studies.
The fellowship supports research, academic writing, seminar participation and teaching on contemporary Taiwan. Relevant research areas include the economy, society, demography, environment, technology and other aspects of Taiwan’s development.
The appointment begins in fall quarter 2027 and lasts one academic year.
Application deadline: 1 March 2027.
Eligibility and Career Opportunities
Eligibility varies across the fellowships. Recent PhD graduates are eligible for several postdoctoral positions, while the Lee Kong Chian Fellowship welcomes candidates across career stages with relevant professional backgrounds. The Taiwan visiting fellowship targets mid-career and senior scholars, while the Next Asia Policy Visiting Fellowship accepts researchers and professionals with a PhD or substantial relevant achievements.
Applicants should review the requirements of their preferred fellowship before submitting an application.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should consult the official Stanford APARC announcement and follow the application link for their chosen fellowship. Each programme has its own eligibility criteria, application requirements and deadline.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their research proposals and supporting documents early to meet the relevant deadline.
Why Consider These Stanford Fellowships?
These opportunities offer researchers a platform to advance scholarship on contemporary Asia while engaging with Stanford’s international research community. Depending on the fellowship, participants can develop specialised expertise, pursue independent research, exchange ideas with leading scholars and contribute to policy-relevant discussions on regional challenges.
Researchers whose expertise aligns with the programmes’ themes are encouraged to review the available fellowships and submit applications before the applicable deadlines.
