NATO Defense College Fellowship 2025-2026: Fully Funded Research Scholarship in Italy

Great news for aspiring researchers! Applications are now open for the NATO Defense College Fellowship 2025-2026. This prestigious, fully funded research scholarship offers an excellent opportunity to study in Italy and engage in research on defense and security policy, contributing to NATO’s objectives. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on the NATO Defense College Fellowship, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, and step-by-step application process.

Overview of NATO Defense College Fellowship

The NATO Defense College (NDC) offers an exceptional fellowship program designed for international scholars. Each year, the college awards eight fellowships to individuals working on critical defense and security policy issues. The program provides fellows with the chance to conduct research in areas of direct relevance to NATO Member States, as well as nations involved in NATO’s global partnerships such as the Partnership for Peace (PfP), Mediterranean Dialogue (MD), and Other Military Cooperation (OMC) frameworks.

Established in 1993, the NATO Defense College Fellowship program has supported over 100 fellows, creating a platform for policy analysis and academic study that benefits NATO’s broader mission. The program is designed to foster understanding of NATO’s role and operations, providing fellows with an opportunity to interact with the NATO community and enhance their expertise in international security.

Fellowship Objectives

The NATO Defense College Fellowship aims to achieve several key objectives, including:

• Contributing to the Research Directorate’s calendar by focusing on NATO’s defense and security priorities.
• Promoting research on NATO’s strategic agenda in both Member and Partner countries.
• Offering fellows the chance to learn from NATO’s global network and work in an international environment.
• Expanding knowledge of NATO’s mission in partner nations and fostering closer ties through academic engagement.
• Providing fellows with opportunities to teach and contribute to courses like the Senior Course (SC) and the NATO Regional Cooperation Course (NRCC).
• Helping fellows develop expertise on NATO-related issues, strengthening their careers and international impact.

Key Program Details

• Level of Study: Research
• Institution: NATO Defense College (NDC), Italy
• Focus Areas:
  • NDC Eisenhower Fellowship Programme
  • Partnership for Peace Fellowship Programme (PfP)
  • Mediterranean Dialogue Fellowship Programme (MD)
  • Other Military Cooperation/Partners Across the Globe Fellowship Programme (OMC/PAG)
• Program Duration: 3 to 5 months
• Number of Fellowships: Eight per year
• Application Deadline: March 10, 2025 (23:59 CET)

Scholarship Benefits

NATO Defense College Fellowships offer a comprehensive financial package to support the research activities of the fellows. The fellowship includes:

• A stipend to cover the cost of living in Rome, Italy.
• Travel expenses related to the fellowship program.

These financial provisions allow fellows to focus fully on their research without worrying about their accommodation or travel expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the NATO Defense College Fellowship, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Language Proficiency: A very good level of English is required. While knowledge of French and/or Italian is advantageous, it is not mandatory.
2. Eligible Countries: Applicants from NATO Member States and countries participating in NATO’s global cooperation frameworks, including the Partnership for Peace (PfP), Mediterranean Dialogue (MD), and Other Military Cooperation (OMC) / Partners Across the Globe (PAG).
3. Experience: Candidates should have a solid background in defense or security policy and must be computer literate.
4. Academic Background: Candidates should be well-versed in research methodologies and possess academic credentials relevant to NATO’s focus areas.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the NATO Defense College Fellowship:

1. Complete the Online Application: Ensure you provide accurate and up-to-date details in the application form.
2. Submit Documents: Send the following documents in a single PDF file to fellowships@ndc.nato.int:
   • A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   • A copy of your identification (passport or national ID)
   • A brief biography

Important: Be sure to submit all required documents before the application deadline to avoid disqualification.

Additional Information

For further details about the NATO Defense College Fellowship, including full instructions on the application process, please visit the official website of the NATO Defense College.

Official Website: NATO Defense College Fellowship

Conclusion

The NATO Defense College Fellowship offers an incredible opportunity to contribute to global security research while living and studying in Italy. Don’t miss your chance to apply for the 2025-2026 session and become part of a distinguished international research community dedicated to advancing defense and security studies.

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