University of Iowa, USA, Obermann International Fellowships 2026

The Obermann International Fellowships (OIF) at the University of Iowa’s Obermann Centre for Advanced Studies allow international scholars and artists to conduct collaborative and multidisciplinary study in Iowa City’s thriving academic environment. This outstanding fellowship program promotes international intellectual exchange by bringing researchers from Kosovo, Mexico, Germany, Nigeria, and South Africa to the University of Iowa. If you’re an international scholar or artist looking for research funding, access to world-class resources, and a platform to engage with top academics, the OIF is your ticket to a rewarding experience.

What Are the Obermann International Fellowships?

The Obermann International Fellowships aim to bring international researchers and artists to the University of Iowa to pursue creative ideas and establish lasting scholarly relationships. This program, funded by the Obermann Centre for Advanced Studies and supported by International Programs and the Centre for Social Science Innovation (CSSI), provides up to eight fellowships per academic year. The fellowships are open to active scholars from accredited universities outside the United States, as well as independent researchers and artists with a demonstrated track record of quality.

The program is consistent with the University of Iowa’s objective to equip students and faculty for success in a varied, global context while fostering cutting-edge research. Whether you work in the humanities, social sciences, or arts, the OIF allows you to further your research agenda while also engaging with the academic community at the University of Iowa.

Degree Level

University of Iowa USA Obermann International Fellowships 2026 is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at University of Iowa.

Available Subjects

The following subjects are available to study under this scholarship program.

• All Subjects

Center for Social Science Innovation (CSSI) Co-Sponsorship

The Obermann Centre collaborates with the Centre for Social Science Innovation (CSSI) to finance one foreign fellow each semester who focuses on innovative social science research. This opportunity is appropriate for academics who want to work with the UI social science community or establish initiatives in fields like survey research, multimethodology, or grant creation. Applicants can express interest in CSSI co-sponsorship on the online application, however collaboration with a CSSI researcher associate is not essential.

Benefits

The OIF offers a comprehensive support package to ensure fellows can focus on their research. Important advantages include:

• $2,000 Stipend: Fellows are encouraged to obtain additional funding from their home institutions to help with travel and lodging costs.
• Health Insurance: For the duration of the fellowship, J-1 visa holders must have University of Iowa health insurance coverage.
• Office Space: The Obermann Centre for Advanced Studies has a dedicated workspace.
• Temporary affiliation with the University of Iowa, which grants access to its resources and libraries.
• Scholarly Exchange Opportunities: Organized events to promote cooperation, including lectures, seminars, and introductions to UI researchers.
• Visa Support: A formal invitation letter and help completing the DS-2019 form for applications for a J-1 visa. Fellows pay the $220 SEVIS fee, but the Obermann Centre pays the $185 J-1 visa application fee.

These benefits make the OIF an attractive option for international scholars looking to advance their research while building global academic networks.

Eligible Nationalities

Open to applicants of all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be independent researchers or artists with a strong portfolio or active researchers at an accredited institution outside of the United States in order to be eligible for the Ostermann International Fellowships. In addition to demonstrating adequate English proficiency to engage in academic activities, their research must be in line with the University of Iowa’s academic offerings. The fellowship can last for as little as two weeks or as long as a full academic semester at UI (for example, Spring 2026: January 20–May 8, 2026).

The online application process is simple to complete. Required materials include:

• A CV, or curriculum vitae
• Dates of proposed fellowship start and end
• A 2,000-word research proposal that describes the project and how it relates to the University of Iowa
• A one-page list of references pertaining to the proposal
• Evidence of fluency in English (TOEFL, IELTS, academic records, or a video interview)
• Two letters of recommendation (for candidates without a terminal degree or Ph.D.)

The deadline for Spring 2026 fellowship applications is October 24, 2025. A letter of invitation and DS-2019 form to help with their J-1 visa application will be sent to successful applicants. Go to the official OIF page of the Obermann Centre for additional information.

How to Apply for the Obermann International Fellowships

Are you prepared to advance your research? By October 24, 2025, you can apply online for the Obermann International Fellowships for the spring of 2026. For questions, contact Obermann Center Director Luis Martín-Estudillo at luis-martin-estudillo@uiowa.edu. Don’t miss this opportunity to join a global network of scholars at one of the leading research institutions in the United States.

Why Select Obermann International Fellowships ?

The OIF program is notable for its dedication to promoting international scholarly cooperation. Ercan Canhasi, a Spring 2025 fellow from Kosovo, emphasized that “I had an amazing time at the University of Iowa.” The friendly and encouraging atmosphere really helped…I depart with a greater understanding of the University of Iowa’s dedication to academic excellence and global engagement, as well as new research collaborations and enlarged professional networks.

From eco-theatre initiatives to artistic works examining illness and poetics, fellows like Gabriela Román Fuentes from Mexico and Rasheedah Liman from Nigeria have also made noteworthy contributions to the UI community. These illustrations show how the program affects the University of Iowa as well as fellows.

Become a Part of Iowa’s Global Academic Community

International scholars and artists have a life-changing opportunity to further their studies, work with University of Iowa faculty, and support a thriving academic community through the Ostermann International Fellowships. Apply now to join this international network and advance your research.