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?
The Undergraduate Fellowship Program is a year-long fellowship offered by IIS anually. The program presents a unique opportunity for a highly selective group of undergraduate students to work side-by-side with IIS 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.
Will I get a stipend?
Yes. A $1000 or $2000 stipend will be awarded in two increments at the end of each semester, contingent upon completion of assignments as determined by the mentor. Fellows who contribute up to 2 hours per week will receive $1000 and those who contribute up to 4 hours per week will receive $2000.
Please note that the fellowship is not a job and the stipend is not considered compensation but meant as an acknowledgment of the time committed and as a contribution to equitable access to this program.
Furthermore, IIS is 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.
What are the project topics?
To learn more about participating mentors and their research projects, visit the Undergraduate Fellowship page on the IIS website.
Do I have to apply for a specific project in order to qualify for the fellowship?
Yes, and we recommend that you select two projects 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 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.
If selected as a fellow, what will I work on, and how much time would I have to commit to working on a project?
Fellows are expected to commit either up to 2 or up to 4 hours/per week to supporting their mentor’s research project. We recommend that you openly communicate with your mentor about how much time you realistically can contribute to the fellowship. The mutually agreed upon number of hours per week will be included in the Undergraduate Fellowship Program Agreement that will be collaboratively completed and signed by mentor and fellow at the onset of their collaboration. This agreement will also include a description of the tasks the fellow will be expected to take on during their fellowship.
If your mentor's research support needs change over the course of the fellowship and you are being asked to complete tasks that were not listed on the initial project description, please work with your mentor on adjusting the agreement. If you have any concerns about the tasks you are being asked to complete, please discuss them with your mentor or reach out to the IIS Program Manager.
What are the eligibility requirements?
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.
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.
What is required to apply?
Please fill out the application form which can be accessed here during application season which will start in early August. You will also be required to upload a cover letter and your resume.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is (TBD)
What are the next steps after I submit my application?
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.
What should I do if the collaboration with my mentor is not going well?
Getting on the same page about expectations and maintaining regular and open communication are key to a successful mentoring relationship. You are expected to communicate to you mentor if any changes in your life should prevent you from completeing your assigned tasks or the fellowship entirely. There is no requirement to disclose details but your mentor must be made aware of any impact on your committment.
If conflict arises that cannot be resolved in direct communication with your mentor, fellows are encouraged to reach out to the IIS Program Manager for additional support.