U.S. Fellowship Programs Paused and Next Steps for Applicants

Fellowships are incredible opportunities that transform lives and support social impact initiatives. They provide a multitude of benefits to leaders, scholars, and advocates, such as financial support, hands-on experience, global opportunities, and access to professional networks. From funding graduate research to supporting aspiring public servants, these programs help individuals develop expertise, propel innovation, and give back to their communities.

At the behest of the current U.S. Administration, several federally funded fellowship programs have been paused or are at risk of being defunded.

Update March 22, 2025: Some current Fellows are being told that their programs are still operating and current Fellows may still be receiving stipend disbursements; however, our understanding is that ALL international exchange programs funded by the U.S. State Department were temporarily “paused” for 15 days on February 13, 2025 but as of today, the pause has not yet been lifted. Please see the NAFSA statement (March 3, 2025): Suspension of International Education and Exchange Program Funding Threatens U.S. Economic and National Security.

In this article, we share which programs are affected as of March 2025, what you can do to stay informed, and how to find alternatives.

Fellowship Programs That Are Paused (March 2025)

Fulbright Program: A premier international educational exchange program that fosters cross-cultural exchange, international networking, and a study abroad program. The Fulbright program had opportunities for all career stages and disciplines. (Fulbright Advocacy)

Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program: A two-year leadership development program in the federal government for advanced degree candidates. The program has been suspended as part of recent funding changes.

USAID Fellowships: The agency offered various programs for scientists, international development, and abroad appointments to tackle peace-building and global development challenges. This includes related opportunities such as the Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program and the USAID Science for Development Fellowships have been terminated due to changes at USAID. ​

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Training Programs: Various NIH-funded training programs for young scientists and researchers have been suspended, impacting career pathways in biomedical research. Many summer training programs have also been affected. ​(AP News)

National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP): A program supporting outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. Funding for the next application cycle remains uncertain.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: Provides grants for U.S. undergraduate students of limited financial means to enable them to study or intern abroad. Funding has been paused amid broader cuts to international education programs.

Critical Language Scholarship: A U.S. State Department funded immersive summer opportunity for American college and university students to learn languages essential to America’s engagement with the world. Funding has been paused. (AP News)

Presidential Innovation Fellows: Selects mid-to-senior career technologists, designers, entrepreneurs, and strategists. Each fellow is paired with a federal agency to complete a 12-24-month project as an entrepreneur-in-residence. This program was suspended.

Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program: This program attracts and prepares outstanding young people for Foreign Service careers in the U.S. Department of State, representing the diversity and excellence of the United States.

Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program: Offering summer and graduate funding, this program provides stipends for master’s degrees and summer enrichment for students interested in international affairs. 

William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security Fellowship: Prepares individuals for careers in the Diplomatic Security Service as Foreign Service Diplomatic Security Service Special Agents. ​Funding has been paused.

Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) Fellowship: A two-year program funded by the U.S. Department of State to attract top technology talent to the Foreign Service. Funding has been paused.

Critical Language Scholarship Program: Prestigious program that allows undergrad and graduate students to learn a foreign language through immersive programs. Funding for the next application cycle is uncertain.

Stay Informed and Find Alternative Fellowships at ProFellow

It’s vital that prospective applicants stay informed. Take these next steps.

1. Subscribe to the affected program’s mailing list and monitor their websites for the latest updates on funding statuses and application opportunities.​ News and press releases are changing daily, so be sure to check often!
2. Advocate to keep these programs funded! This is the perfect time to engage with your elected representatives to express the importance of these programs. Share personal stories or data illustrating their impact on individual careers and societal advancement.​
3. Find alternative fellowships in ProFellow’s free database. Don’t forget to create a free ProFellow account to access the database. With over 2,800 opportunities, you’re sure to find something that aligns with your career goals.

Conclusion

The suspension of these fellowship programs leads to a significant shift in professional development and international exchange. By staying proactive, advocating for the value of such programs, and looking for alternatives, applicants can navigate these challenges and continue to pursue their fellowship goals.​

Be sure to stay updated by creating a free ProFellow account and subscribing to the newsletter!

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