The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) 2026–27 Fellowships and Grants is a prestigious opportunity for scholars and researchers in the humanities and social sciences, with a deadline of September 17, 2026. This program offers a chance for individuals to pursue their research interests and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their fields. By applying for this fellowship, candidates can gain access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and professional development, which can significantly enhance their academic and career prospects.
About the Opportunity
The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) is a nonprofit federation that represents scholarly organizations in the humanities and social sciences, working to strengthen research, scholarly communication, and the broader infrastructure supporting knowledge production. The ACLS supports research in a wide range of fields, including history, philosophy, religious studies, literature, linguistics, anthropology, archaeology, sociology, political science, economics, gender studies, ethnic studies, legal studies, geography, art history, architectural history, film and media studies, musicology, psychology, science and technology studies, communication, theatre and performance studies. The ACLS is committed to fostering innovative and interdisciplinary research, and its programs are designed to promote excellence in scholarship and to provide opportunities for scholars to engage with one another and with broader audiences.
The ACLS 2026–27 Fellowships and Grants program is particularly significant for African scholars, as it provides a platform for them to engage with international scholars and to contribute to the global conversation in their fields. The program also offers a unique opportunity for African scholars to access resources and networks that may not be available to them in their home countries. By supporting research in the humanities and social sciences, the ACLS is helping to promote a deeper understanding of the complex issues facing African societies and to foster innovative solutions to these challenges.
The ACLS 2026–27 Fellowships and Grants program is also relevant to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as it supports research and scholarship that can contribute to the achievement of these goals. For example, research in fields such as education, health, and environmental sustainability can help to promote progress towards the SDGs, and the ACLS program provides a platform for scholars to engage with these issues and to develop innovative solutions.
Who Can Apply
The ACLS 2026–27 Fellowships and Grants program is open to scholars and researchers in the humanities and social sciences, and the eligibility criteria are designed to ensure that the program is accessible to a wide range of candidates.
- Candidates must have a PhD or equivalent degree in a field related to the humanities or social sciences, or be enrolled in a PhD program and have completed all requirements except the dissertation.
- Candidates must be citizens or permanent residents of a country in Africa, Asia, Australia and Oceania, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Middle East and North Africa, or the United States.
- Candidates must have a strong record of scholarly achievement and a well-developed research proposal that aligns with the ACLS’s mission and goals.
- Candidates must be able to demonstrate a commitment to promoting excellence in scholarship and to engaging with broader audiences, including policymakers, practitioners, and the general public.
What You Will Gain
By applying for the ACLS 2026–27 Fellowships and Grants program, candidates can gain access to a wide range of benefits, including financial support, mentoring and professional development opportunities, and networking opportunities with other scholars and researchers.
- Financial support: The ACLS provides fellows with a stipend to support their research and living expenses during the fellowship period.
- Mentoring and professional development opportunities: The ACLS offers fellows the opportunity to work with experienced scholars and researchers who can provide guidance and support in developing their research and career prospects.
- Networking opportunities: The ACLS provides fellows with the opportunity to connect with other scholars and researchers in their field, and to engage with broader audiences, including policymakers, practitioners, and the general public.
- Access to resources and facilities: The ACLS provides fellows with access to a range of resources and facilities, including libraries, archives, and research centers, to support their research and scholarship.
Application Deadline
Do not miss this opportunity. Deadline: September 17, 2026. Start your application early to ensure that you have sufficient time to prepare and submit a strong proposal.
How to Apply for The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) 2026–27 Fellowships and Grants
To apply for the ACLS 2026–27 Fellowships and Grants program, candidates should follow these steps: first, review the eligibility criteria and program requirements to ensure that they are eligible to apply; second, develop a strong research proposal that aligns with the ACLS’s mission and goals; third, gather all required application materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and writing samples; fourth, submit the application through the ACLS online portal; and finally, ensure that all application materials are complete and submitted by the deadline.
Apply directly here: Click here to apply
Final Thoughts
The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) 2026–27 Fellowships and Grants program is a prestigious opportunity for scholars and researchers in the humanities and social sciences, and we encourage all eligible candidates to apply. By applying for this program, candidates can gain access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and professional development, which can significantly enhance their academic and career prospects. Do not miss this opportunity – start your application today and take the first step towards achieving your research and career goals.

