For information on the Undergraduate Fellowship please consult our FAQs below. Should further clarification be necessary, do not hesitate to contact us at: iis@berkeley.edu.
What is the Undergraduate Fellowship Program about?
The Undergraduate Fellows Program is a year-long fellowship and joint initiative offered by IIS 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.
What will I get out of this experience?
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 stipend awarded in two increments at the end of each semester, contingent upon completion of assignments.
What are the projects about?
Do I have to apply for a specific project in order to qualify for the fellowship?
Yes, and we recommend that you select a project/s that align with your personal interests and/or that you have prior knowledge about.
Can I apply for more than one project?
Yes, you can apply for up to three 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.
If selected as a fellow, how much time would I have to commit to working on a project?
Your time commitment will be collaboratively agreed upon by you and your mentor. In general, we are asking for fellows to dedicate 2-6 hours per week to project work. We understand that you have other obligations and recommend that you openly communicate about your availability in the beginning and throughout the fellowship.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Applicants must currently be enrolled at UC Berkeley and have completed at least one semester of study in residence. All majors are eligible and encouraged to apply.
Does it matter if I already receive funding from other sources?
Students are eligible for support regardless of previous fellowships or fellowships from other sources.