Mary Isabel Sibley Fellowship 2026: $20,000 for Women Researching Greek Culture or French Literature

The Phi Beta Kappa Society has opened applications for the Mary Isabel Sibley Fellowship for the 2026 cycle. This prestigious award alternates annually between the fields of French and Greek studies. For the 2026 competition, the fellowship is designated for the study of Greek language, literature, history, or archaeology.

Selected fellows will receive a stipend of $20,000 to support a year of full-time research, often including the experience of living and researching abroad. This fellowship is specifically designed to reward women pursuing advanced graduate work. If you are a female scholar ready to devote a year to original research in Greek culture, you must apply before January 20, 2026.

Fellowship Overview & Key Details

Program Scope: Researching Abroad

The fellowship aims to provide women with the experience of researching and living abroad (though not strictly limited to it). Focus Area (2026): Your proposal must focus on Greek culture, which includes language, literature, history, or archaeology. Commitment: You must plan to devote full-time work to research during the fellowship year. Note: Concurrent positions are generally discouraged but may be held if approved by Phi Beta Kappa under appropriate circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria

This fellowship has specific demographic and academic requirements. To qualify, you must:

• Gender: Be a woman.
• Academic Status:
  • Hold a doctorate, OR
  • Have fulfilled all requirements for the doctorate except the dissertation (ABD status).
• Research Ability: Demonstrate the ability to carry on original research.
• Membership: You do not need to be a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
• Citizenship: There are no citizenship requirements. International scholars are welcome to apply.

Financial Benefits

The fellowship provides a $20,000 stipend. This is typically paid in two installments (July and January) and is intended to cover living and research expenses, allowing you to focus entirely on your scholarly work.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online via the Phi Beta Kappa website. You will need to prepare a comprehensive dossier:

1. Work Proposal: A detailed description of your research project.
2. Transcripts: From all institutions attended (unofficial copies are acceptable during the application phase).
3. Three Letters of Recommendation: These should speak to your ability to conduct original research.

Official Application Link: Click Here to Apply for Mary Isabel Sibley Fellowship