Frequently Asked Questions: Undergraduate Fellows

The Undergraduate Fellowship Program is a year-long fellowship and joint initiative offered byIIS and CPD. The program presents a unique opportunity for a highly selective group of undergraduate students to work side-by-side with IIS/CPD affiliated faculty and graduate level research associates on conducting original research.

Fellows will benefit from this experience in the following ways:

• The opportunity to work side-by-side with and learn from a faculty or graduate student mentor.
• Develop key skills including statistical programming, map-making, and knowledge necessary to study the analysis of international affairs and/or the politics of developing countries.
• Access to various seminars and workshops where scholars from UC Berkeley and other top universities present their projects providing unique insight into the theories and methods used by experts, and exposure to the larger interdisciplinary research community. Workshops and seminar series include MIRTH, Global History, Global Security Policy and Comparative Politics Colloquium.
• Regular meetings that offer additional programming and opportunities for fellows to connect with each other informally.
• A $1000-2000 stipend awarded in two increments at the end of each semester, contingent upon completion of assignments.

IIS/CPD are not in a position to provide advice regarding tax related concerns or the impact of grant funding on financial aid packages. We do, however, encourage students to consult with their graduate advisor at their respective departments for further guidance.

To learn more about participating mentors and their research projects, visit the IIS and CPD website.

Yes, and we recommend that you select two projects that align with your personal interests and/or that you have prior knowledge about.

Yes, you can apply for up to two projects. If you are selected to proceed to the next stage of the process, you might not get your first choice or the opportunity to interview for all projects you applied for.

Fellows are expected to commit 25-30 hours per semester (1-2 hours/per week) to supporting their mentor’s research project. For fellows who can dedicate more time to the fellowship, the time commitment can potentially be increased, if supported by the mentor. The stipend amount will be increased to reflect the increased time commitment. We recommend that you openly communicate with your mentor about your availability in the beginning and throughout the fellowship.

Applicants must be enrolled at UC Berkeley for the full duration of the fellowship (through the upcoming spring semester) and have completed at least one  semester of study in residence. All majors are eligible and encouraged to apply. Mentors may require specific skills relevant to their research project.

Students are eligible for support regardless of previous fellowships or fellowships from other sources.

Please fill out the application form which can be accessed here. You will also be required to upload a cover letter and your resume.

The application deadline is EOB September 8, 2022.

The applications for each project will be shared with the respective mentors who will in turn reach out and set up interviews with their selected candidates. Applicants will be notified by the end of September.

Getting on the same page about expectations and maintaining regular and open communication are key to a successful mentoring relationship. If conflict arises that cannot be resolved through conversation, fellows are encouraged to reach out to the IIS Program Manager for additional support.