University of Iowa USA Obermann International Fellowships

Obermann International Fellowships (OIF) are flexible fellowships offered by the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies at the University of Iowa, funded by the Obermann Center with additional support from International Programs. The stated purpose is to help international researchers and artists develop collaborations and pursue independent work at the Obermann Center campus in Iowa City. Beginning in Fall, the Center for Asian and Pacific Studies (CAPS) will contribute an additional $2,000 for scholars from East or Southeast Asia.

OIF is for active researchers at an accredited institution of higher learning outside of the United States or independent researchers/artists with a track record based outside of the U.S. The scholar’s area of research must have a direct equivalent at the University of Iowa. Fellows are expected to reside in the Iowa City area during the term and participate in Obermann Center activities. The fellowship duration is flexible, with a minimum and maximum described for the length of stay.

Selection is based on the 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 are reviewed by Obermann Center staff, who make recommendations for acceptance to the Advisory Board. International Fellows are expected to come with their own agendas for their time at the University of Iowa.

Support includes a stipend and additional University of Iowa-related support for the duration of the fellowship. Each fellow is reimbursed up to $3,000 for travel and lodging expenses, and the Obermann Center covers a University of Iowa health insurance plan for the duration of the stay. The Obermann Center also provides temporary University of Iowa affiliation and associated access. After the fellowship ends, all Fellows are required to submit a brief assessment of the impact of the OIF on their research.

• 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.
• The applicant’s area of research must have a direct equivalent at the University of Iowa.
• Qualified candidates of any nationality are invited to apply; at a minimum, they should hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
• Applicants must maintain an active research/creative agenda.
• Applicants must have a good enough command of English 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 start and end dates of the fellowship must fall within a single Fall or Spring UI semester.
• The duration of the stay is flexible: fellowships can last a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of one UI academic semester.
• J-1 visas are required for this program.
• Applicants who are already in the U.S. on a J-1 visa: eligibility is described as possibly eligible, with an instruction to email the Obermann Center before applying.

• A $3,000 stipend to help defray the cost of travel and lodging.
• Reimbursement up to $3,000 for travel and lodging expenses.
• University of Iowa health insurance coverage for the duration of the fellowship (UI health insurance plan).
• 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.
• Beginning in Fall 2026, an additional $2,000 contribution from the Center for Asian and Pacific Studies (CAPS) for scholars from East or Southeast Asia.

1. Complete the online application.
2. Provide the required items in the application: curriculum vitae; desired start and end dates of fellowship; a research proposal with 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).
3. After submission, the Obermann Center notifies you of your application status via email.
4. If you are a finalist, complete a short video interview with the Obermann Center Director.
5. If accepted, email the photo page of your passport and a financial statement showing the USD equivalent of at least $1,000/month for the duration of your stay (and, for scholars with J-2 dependents, show $500 per month for living expenses for each dependent).
6. After those steps, receive a link to the University of Iowa’s online international scholars system to complete forms necessary for the preparation of your DS-2019.
7. After you complete the forms, the Obermann Center contacts you with your letter of invitation and DS-2019; then make your visa appointment.
8. Pay any required visa fees and the $220 non-refundable SEVIS fee; retain receipts, which can be put toward your $3,000 travel reimbursement.
9. Submit all receipts to the Obermann Center’s Director of Operations by the end of your fellowship so reimbursement can be processed (reimbursements cannot be received until the fellowship ends).

• Curriculum vitae
• Desired start and end dates of fellowship
• Research proposal, including a rationale of the project’s connection to the University of Iowa (maximum 2,000 words)
• One-page bibliography related to the proposal
• Two reference letters (only required for applicants without a Ph.D. or other terminal degree)
• Proof of English proficiency (a TOEFL or IELTS score, a transcript, or a request for a video interview)
• If accepted: photo page of the passport
• If accepted: financial statement showing the USD equivalent of at least $1,000/month for the duration of the stay
• If applicable (J-2 dependents): financial statement showing $500 per month for living expenses for each dependent
• Receipts for travel and lodging expenses submitted by the end of the fellowship
• Retain receipts for required visa fees and the $220 non-refundable SEVIS fee (these can be put toward the $3,000 travel reimbursement)