Application Process

The Mortara Undergraduate Research Fellowship provides School of Foreign Service (SFS) students with an opportunity to gain valuable research experience under the mentorship of Georgetown faculty. If you’re passionate about academic research and wish to contribute to ongoing projects, we invite you to apply to our research fellowship program!

Eligibility:

First-year students enrolled in the School of Foreign Service (SFS) are eligible to apply. A faculty recommendation form from any SFS professor is required (previously restricted to Proseminar faculty but now open to all SFS faculty). Students must apply through the GMS platform (Georgetown Management System).

Application Process:

1. Build Relationships with Faculty

Engage with your professors during your first semester, participate in discussions, and explore potential research interests.

2. Submit an Application:

This year, applications open on December 19, 2025, and close on January 30, 2026.

The application is composed of three parts: The GMS application. A Student Google Form where you will have to attach the following documents: A personal statement detailing your research interests and reasons for applying. An updated resume or CV. An (unofficial) Georgetown transcript. A research proposal (1-2 pages, single-spaced, excluding bibliography and footnotes). Faculty Recommendation: If your professor agrees, he or she will recommend you for the program through a special Google Form. We very strongly recommend that your Faculty recommendation come from an SFS professor, but if there is a non-SFS professor who can attest to your research skills in the context of international studies, you may use them as a recommender.

3. Selection Process:

Applications are reviewed by a panel, and six students will be selected.

Decision notifications will be sent by mid spring semester and students will be paired with faculty mentors who align with their research interests.

Questions?

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more details.