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Obermann International Fellowships (OIF)

The Obermann Center for Advanced Studies at the University of Iowa now offers flexible fellowships for international researchers and artists to develop collaborations and pursue independent work at our beautiful Iowa City campus. Obermann International Fellowships are funded by the University of Iowa's Obermann Center for Advanced Studies with generous additional support from International Programs and the Center for Social Science Innovation.

Applications for Spring 2026 fellowships are due October 24, 2025.

What an OIF offers to international researchers:

  • A $2,000 stipend to help defray the cost of travel and lodging
  • University of Iowa health insurance coverage for the duration of the fellowship
  • Office space at the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies
  • Temporary University of Iowa affiliation, including access to UI libraries
  • Structured opportunities for scholarly exchange* (seminars, lectures, introduction to UI researchers, etc.)
  • Official letter of invitation for institutional and visa purposes
  • Information about accommodations and other practical needs

*International Fellows should come with their own agendas for their time at the University of Iowa.

Funding

Each fellow will be reimbursed up to $2,000 for travel and lodging expenses. Since the fellowship covers only a portion of the expenses of travel and lodging, applicants need to secure funding from their home institutions.

The Obermann Center will also cover the cost of a University of Iowa health insurance plan for each fellow, for the duration of their stay. (J-1 scholars are required to carry a UI health insurance policy.)

Eligibility

Up to eight international fellowships are granted per academic year.

Applicants must be active researchers at an accredited institution of higher learning outside of the United States or independent researchers/artists with a track record of excellence based outside of the U.S. Their area of research must have a direct equivalent at the University of Iowa.

Fellows are chosen for their ability to expose the campus to new and relevant research agendas or regions, and the likelihood that the fellowship will result in lasting scholarly contributions. Applications will be reviewed by the Obermann Center staff, who will make recommendations for acceptance to the Advisory Board.

Qualified candidates of any nationality are invited to apply; they should have a good enough command of English to be able to partake in UI academic activities. Researchers are expected to reside in the Iowa City area during the term of their fellowship and participate in the Obermann Center’s activities.

The duration of the stay is flexible: fellowships can last a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of one UI academic semester. The start and end dates of the fellowship must fall within a single Fall or Spring UI semester. Spring 2026 fellowships must take place between January 20 and May 8, 2026.

For opening and closing dates of UI semesters, please see this calendar.

Application Process

Complete our online application. The application asks for

  • a curriculum vitae;
  • desired start and end dates of fellowship (Spring 2026 fellowships must take place between January 20 and May 8, 2026);
  • a research proposal, including a rationale of the project’s connection to the University of Iowa (maximum 2,000 words);
  • a one-page bibliography related to the proposal;
  • two reference letters (only required for applicants without a Ph.D. or other terminal degree); and
  • proof of English proficiency (a TOEFL or IELTS score, a transcript, or a request for a video interview).

Once you submit this application, the Obermann Center will notify you of your application status via email. If you are accepted, we will ask you to email us the photo page of your passport and a financial statement showing the USD equivalent of at least $1,000/month for living expenses for the duration of your stay; scholars with J-2 dependents are required to show $500 per month for living expenses for each dependent.

Shortly after, you will receive a link to the University of Iowa's online international scholars system (iHawk), where you will complete a few forms necessary for the preparation of your DS-2019. Once you have completed them, the Obermann Center will be in touch in 1–2 weeks with your letter of invitation and DS-2019. At that point, you should make your visa appointment.

Note: The Obermann Center will pay for your $185 J-1 visa application fee, but you are required to pay the $220 non-refundable SEVIS fee. (SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System used by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to track information on nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors in the United States.)

Applications for Spring 2026 fellowships are due October 24, 2025.

For more information, please visit theObermann International Fellowships (OIF) page.