Frequently Asked Questions

Undergraduate students (of any class year) and recent graduates (up to one year post graduation) are welcome to apply. International students, whether studying abroad or in the United States, are also welcome to apply.

Many of our past students have stayed in Washington to work in politics, in journalism, or work on public policy. Many others have gone on to graduate school or law school. Whether they join the United States military or create their own publications, join national think tanks or staff state offices, win nationally competitive fellowships or work on Capitol Hill, we are proud of our many alumni who have gone on to work for the public interest.

Our experience is that the strong bonds each cohort forms extend beyond the conclusion of the program to the alumni community at large. Former fellows are invited to attend in person and online book clubs as well as monthly events featuring professors and policy experts. Job postings and other opportunities are posted to an alumni board and in our alumni newsletter. Since the program's inception more than half of our alumni have returned each year for our alumni reunion events.

The accommodations we provide are both complimentary and mandatory. We provide apartment style housing (shared amongst a group of program participants) with kitchens and common areas. All fellows are housed in the same building in order to foster community amongst participants.

The fellowship is fully funded and free of charge to participants. We intend the $3,000 stipend to cover travel, groceries, and any other ancillary costs. Accommodations in Washington D.C. are also provided by the program, as are all books and other course materials.

Ideal candidates for the program have a serious interest in political thought, political philosophy and public policy. Students with academic backgrounds from political science to philosophy, economics to classics, and even English to chemistry are welcome to apply, as long as they have and can demonstrate a deep interest in the subjects of our fellowship. Applicants should be serious thinkers and strong writers. Past students have come from all over the world and all over the United States, from across the ideological spectrum, and from a variety of academic backgrounds.

The program welcomes international students to apply. Accepted students come from across the United States and around the world. International applicants must be fluent in both written and spoken English. 

Yes, recommendation letters are a required part of our application. The student should ask their professor (or another qualifying individual) to write a letter ahead of time. The recommender will receive an automated letter of recommendation request from Hudson Institute Political Studies upon the submission of the student's application.

It is the student's responsibility to seek out a letter of recommendation well before their recommender receives this automated request, and to notify them that they will receive the request once the application is submitted. Students must give their recommender adequate time to compose and submit a letter.

Hudson Institute Political Studies is dedicated to the principles of liberal education. By pairing seminar style discussions of political thought, led by top professors, with rigorous policy workshops, conducted by experts in their field, the program teaches fellows how to think for themselves about American principles, enduring human questions, and the complex problems challenging our democracy. Hudson Institute Political Studies seeks to educate future leaders, whether in government or in their local community, whether in academia, business, law or public service, in the philosophic and civic tradition upon which freedom and equality depend.

Yes, the program is full-time for the six-weeks it runs. Most mornings are taken up by the seminar portion of the program, while afternoons are usually devoted to policy workshops and our distinguished speaker series. On occasion we also have evening events or speakers. Some activities take place on weekends.

Please note that participants in the Hudson Institute Political Studies Summer Fellowship cannot maintain other internships or forms of work for the duration of the fellowship.

Candidates are expected to fully participate in the entire program.

The program is held in Washington D.C. at the Hudson Institute office.

Address: 1201 Pennsylvania Ave NW, #400 Washington, DC 20004

We run policy certificate programs several times a year. Find the dates of upcoming offerings here.

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Undergraduate degree holder

• Professional experience

• Demonstrated policy expertise in one or more relevant areas

• Highly competent writer and researcher

Our experience is that the strong bonds each cohort forms extend beyond the conclusion of the program to the alumni community at large. Alumni are invited to attend in-person and online book clubs as well as monthly events featuring professors and policy experts. Job postings and other opportunities are posted to an alumni board and in our alumni newsletter. Since the program's inception, more than half of our alumni have returned each year for our alumni reunion events from Keynote Dinners to Alumni Seminars.

Candidates participate in the program free of charge. The only costs associated are those of transportation and housing (should you not reside in the DC area).

The program welcomes international students to apply. International applicants must be fluent in both written and spoken English.

Yes, so long as candidates can make themselves available for the full duration of the three-day program. Those with full-time positions or pursuing a higher degree in related fields are encouraged to apply.