Fellowships for the Social Sciences

sophia
Crafting a proposal is a very introspective process. I was challenged to understand my motivations and interest in death and dying, then explain how those have informed my life’s course. From this, I gained a deeper sense of myself, academically and personally, which was rewarding in and of itself.
Sophia Zupanc ’19
2019 Watson Fellow "Dispatches from Death: Exploring How We Die"

Fellowships for the Social Sciences

Discover Funding Opportunities

A wide range of social sciences fellowships are open to students and graduates of any nationality. Explore the resources below to get started!

Office hours 

Already reviewed the resources and ready to take the next step? Book a fellowships advising appointment or stop by pop-up advising hours (listed as events in Handshake) to meet with the Fellowships team!
8:30 am – 4:30pm
Green Hall 444

Deborah Tien ’12, 2019 Schwarzman Scholar
Deborah Tien ’12, 2019 Schwarzman Scholar

Up Skill Resources for Alumnae

Destiny
Destiny M. Barletta

For many alumnae, lack of confidence or familiarity with technology is an impediment in the job search. Perhaps you worked in a job that didn’t require much use of technology, or perhaps you have been out of the workforce for a while and are not up to date. You may be confident in some areas and less so in others. Maybe you are curious and like new challenges. There are many resources out there to help you update and improve your technology related skills.  

Yenching Academy Scholarship at Peking University (seniors & graduates)

Kate Dailinger
Kate Dailinger

The Yenching Academy of Peking University builds bridges between China and the rest of the world through an interdisciplinary master’s program in China Studies for outstanding graduates from all over the globe. This initiative brings together young people who show promise to lead and innovate in their fields in an intensive learning environment where they can explore China and its role in the world — past, present, and future. The Academy aims to thereby shape a new generation of global citizens with a nuanced understanding of China and its role in the world.

Wellesley is an official Partner Institution for the Yenching Academy: campus deadline typically in November.

Elisabeth Luce Moore '24 Fellowship at the National Palace Museum in Taipei (seniors & graduates)

Kate Dailinger
Kate Dailinger

This one-year, full-time position is available to Wellesley College graduates, thanks to a long-standing arrangement between the college and the National Palace Museum. Each fellow’s responsibilities and job description will be determined, to some extent, according to the Museum’s current staffing requirements as well as the fellow’s personal background, interests and skills.  

Wellesley-Yenching Fellowship at Chung Chi College in Hong Kong (seniors & graduates)

Kate Dailinger
Kate Dailinger

The Wellesley-Yenching Program in cooperation with Chung Chi College in Hong Kong sponsors a fellowship to teach or assist in teaching English at Chung Chi. This one-year fellowship is generally offered on an annual basis to a Wellesley College senior or graduate with the option to extend for a second year.  Candidates are first interviewed by the committee at Wellesley College, which then sends on the credentials of its nominee for final approval by Chung Chi College.

Apply in spring semester 2025 for the 2025-26 Fellowship.

Thomas J. Watson Fellowship (rising seniors)

Kate Dailinger
Kate Dailinger

The Thomas J. Watson Fellowship offers graduating seniors a one-year grant for independent study and purposeful travel and exploration outside of the United States, to enhance their capacity for resourcefulness, imagination, openness, and leadership and to foster their humane and effective participation in the world community. Campus deadline typically in August.

Udall Scholarship (sophomores & juniors)

Kate Dailinger
Kate Dailinger

Supports a year of undergraduate study for American Indians and Alaska Natives working on an array of policy issues in Indian country or interested in pursuing health-related careers, or for students with demonstrated leadership, service, and commitment to issues related to conservation and environmental issues. Eligible are college sophomores and juniors who are US citizens, nationals, and permanent residents. Campus application deadline typically in early February.