Kluge Fellowships at the Library of Congress
The Kluge Center encourages humanistic and social science research that makes use of the Library's large and varied collections. Interdisciplinary and cross-cultural research is particularly welcome in the Kluge Fellowship program. The fellowship is open to scholars in the humanities, social sciences, and professional fields such as architecture or law.
Among the collections available to researchers are the world's largest law library and outstanding multi-lingual collections of books and periodicals. Deep special collections of manuscripts, maps, music, films, recorded sound, prints, and photographs are also available. In-residence scholars have access to the Library's specialized staff and to the intellectual community of Washington. Further information about the Library's collections can be found on the Library's website: https://www.loc.gov/research-centers/.
Established in 2000 through an endowment of $60 million from John W. Kluge, the Kluge Center is located in the splendid Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress. The Center furnishes attractive work and discussion space for Fellowship holders, Kluge Chairs, other distinguished visiting scholars, and post-doctoral and doctoral fellows supported by other grants and foundation gifts.
Application and Selection
Twelve Kluge Fellowships are awarded each year through a competitive selection process. Kluge Fellowships are offered for a period of four to eleven months.
Since the inception of the Kluge Center, dozens of Kluge Fellows have gone on to distinguished academic careers; many have made lasting contributions as public intellectuals.
Visas
Foreign nationals (not United States Citizens or Permanent Residents) awarded Library of Congress fellowships for research in the U.S. may be eligible for a Library-sponsored exchange visitor visa (category J-1). Even if it would otherwise be possible for a foreign visitor to enter the U.S. without this type of visa, it is the most appropriate category for Library-provided fellowship opportunities.
The Library’s Contracts and Grants Directorate will provide documents necessary to apply for the J-1 visa. Please email visas@loc.gov to request the documents, if you are selected for a Library of Congress fellowship. In the email include the information provided in the Library’s offer letter.
Foreign nationals already in the U.S. on visas obtained through or sponsored by other institutions should send an email to visas@loc.gov to obtain guidance on eligibility under existing visas. Do not email any Personal Identifiable Information (PII) to visas@loc.gov. The Library will send you information on how to provide information after we receive your email. Please note that individuals with H-1B visas are not eligible for Library opportunities, and all other visa types will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Read more about the application and selection process
Program Details
Research Areas
Humanities, social sciences and professional fields such as architecture or law.
Eligibility
Scholars who have received a terminal advanced degree within the past seven years in the humanities, social sciences, or in a professional field such as architecture or law are eligible. The Kluge Center defines terminal advanced degree as the highest degree available in a discipline. In many disciplines, the terminal degree is a doctoral degree (PhD, JD, etc., or their international equivalents). Applicants must have received their terminal degree by the time of application submission. Applicants may be U.S. citizens or foreign nationals. Upon selection, and in accordance with relevant visa regulations, foreign nationals will be assisted in obtaining the appropriate visa.
Tenure & Stipend
Fellowships are tenable for periods from four to eleven months at a stipend of $5,000 per month for residential research at the Library of Congress. The Kluge Center reserves the right to offer fewer months than originally requested. Fellows may be given residence at any time during the 18-month window after the fellowship letter is received. Stipends will be paid monthly by the Library of Congress by means of electronic transfer to a U.S. bank account.
Application Deadline
Applications will open April 15, 2026 and be accepted up to 11:59pm, September 15, 2026. Access our online application portal here.
If you have any trouble, please email scholarly@loc.gov
For More Information
The John W. Kluge Center
Phone: (202) 707-3302
Email: scholarly@loc.gov
