Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Institute Fellowships
Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Institute Fellowships
The Big Ten Academic Alliance and the Smithsonian Institution (SI) invite fellowship applications for one-year fellowships to support research in residence at Smithsonian Institution facilities. Fellowships carry a stipend of $45,000 (stipends are prorated for periods of less than twelve months). All fields of study that are actively pursued by the museums and research organizations of the Smithsonian Institution are eligible.
How it Works
Under this fellowship program, the Smithsonian Institution and the Fellow鈥檚 university share the cost of support. Students enrolled at Big Ten Academic Alliance member universities apply directly via the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA). From 2017 forward, it will be possible for more than one award per campus. Fellowships awarded in future years could be as many as two dozen or more in one cycle.
Eligibility
Students must have completed all course work for their programs, and must have been admitted into doctoral candidacy and satisfied all requirements except completion of the dissertation in order to qualify. Only students enrolled at Big Ten Academic Alliance institutions are eligible to apply.
Benefits
The stipend is $45,000 for one year, and fellows are eligible for tuition and health insurance benefits in accordance with their university policy. Fellows are eligible to receive allowances for related expenses and for temporary relocation to the Smithsonian.
Application Instructions
The 2025-2026 application is now open. See Program Guide for additional information and Application Guide for details on how to apply.
Staff Contact
Charity Farber
Associate Director
Programs Team
charity.farber@btaa.org
Jon Rutter
Program Coordinator
Programs Team
jon.rutter@btaa.org