The NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 presents an exciting opportunity for early-career scholars committed to advancing education research. With 25 awards available, each valued at $70,000, the fellowship provides substantial support for innovative studies without requiring recipients to relocate. It is designed to help promising researchers deepen their expertise, expand their impact, and contribute fresh insights to the field of education.
Beyond financial assistance, the fellowship seeks to foster professional growth through structured developmental opportunities and scholarly engagement. Fellows benefit from a combination of retreats, mentorship, and networking with leading academics, ensuring they gain not only the means to conduct their research but also the intellectual guidance and collaborative environment necessary for long-term success in academia.
Key Benefits
- Financial Support: Each fellow receives a $70,000 stipend for one academic year, paid in two instalments. This funding provides the freedom to focus fully on research activities without the pressure of seeking additional income or external grants.
- Professional Development: Fellows participate in three intensive retreats led by NAEd members and other distinguished scholars. These gatherings offer targeted workshops, peer feedback sessions, and discussions that sharpen research approaches while encouraging cross-disciplinary learning.
- Mentorship: Every fellow selects a senior scholar—either an NAEd member or another respected academic—who offers personalised mentorship, career guidance, and scholarly advice throughout the fellowship. This relationship strengthens academic networks and enhances professional growth.
- Flexibility: Because the fellowship is non-residential, recipients can remain at their home institution, ensuring continuity in teaching or research. Alternatively, fellows may choose to pursue work at another research site, giving them freedom to shape their experience around their project’s needs.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet specific academic and professional conditions. These requirements are designed to ensure that fellows are well-prepared to carry out impactful research in education.
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Academic Qualification: Applicants must hold a PhD, EdD, or an equivalent research degree awarded between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2024. This timeframe ensures that candidates are in the early stages of their academic careers.
Future Eligibility: Candidates completing their doctorate in 2025 will not be considered for this cycle but will become eligible for the 2027 fellowship round. This maintains fairness and consistency across applicant cohorts.
Employment Status: At the time of application (13 November 2025), applicants must not hold a tenured academic position. This requirement ensures the fellowship supports early-career researchers still establishing themselves.
Research Background: Applicants must demonstrate a solid track record of education research, highlighting both the quality and relevance of their work. Strong publications or ongoing projects strengthen applications.
Independent Project Proposal: Each applicant is required to propose an independent research project within the field of education. The fellowship emphasises originality, allowing fellows to pursue innovative ideas free from institutional constraints.
Individual Applications: The fellowship only accepts individual applications. Joint or group submissions are not permitted, ensuring that selected fellows receive focused support and recognition for their work.
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Application Process
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Deadline: All application materials must be submitted no later than 13 November 2025, 5:00 PM ET. Late submissions will not be considered.
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How to Apply: Interested candidates must complete and submit their applications online through the official fellowship portal. The process includes uploading all required documents and recommendations.
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Further Information: Detailed guidelines, eligibility requirements, and access to the application system can be found directly on the NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship website.
The NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 offers more than just financial support—it provides a platform to refine research, strengthen networks, and accelerate careers in education scholarship. With $70,000 in funding, mentorship from senior scholars, and opportunities for professional development, fellows gain the tools needed to make a lasting impact. For early-career researchers eager to push the boundaries of educational research, this fellowship could be the transformative opportunity that defines their academic journey.
