Minnesota Sea Grant Fellowship 2026–2027 (Bridge Science and Policy in the US)

Minnesota Sea Grant Science & Policy Fellowship 2026–2027 | Fully Funded Fellowship in the U.S.

The Minnesota Sea Grant Science & Policy Fellowship at the University of Minnesota is more than just a year-long placement. It is a systemwide opportunity that connects graduate students and recent graduates with leading government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and policy-driven institutions.

For international students, this fellowship is especially valuable. Not only does it provide hands-on training in U.S. environmental policy and water resource management, but it also positions fellows as future leaders who can apply these skills back in their home countries.

At a time when global water challenges—climate change, pollution, scarcity, and policy conflicts—are increasing, this fellowship offers real-world problem-solving experience in one of the world’s most advanced environmental research ecosystems.

About the Minnesota Sea Grant Program

The Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) is part of a nationwide network supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The program works to connect science with the needs of people, industries, governments, and communities.

Minnesota, known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” is at the heart of North America’s freshwater resources, making it an ideal location for studying and shaping sustainable water policy.

The Science & Policy Fellowship brings together:

• Research and innovation from universities.
• Policy-making opportunities from state, tribal, and county agencies.
• Practical solutions through nonprofit and community collaboration.

This integration ensures that the fellowship remains globally relevant, providing an excellent platform for international students to engage with pressing water and climate issues.

Fellowship Summary at a Glance

• Duration: 1 year (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027)
• Location: Minnesota (placements vary by host agency)
• Funding: $65,250 per fellow (includes stipend, training, and admin support)
• Stipend: $55,000
• Professional Development Support: $2,500
• Administration & Reporting: $7,750
• Application Deadline (Hosts): November 6, 2025
• Application Deadline (Fellows): February 1, 2026
• Matching Workshop: March–April 2026, Duluth, MN

Why International Students Should Apply

Although the call for hosts is specific to Minnesota organizations, international graduate students can apply as fellows once hosts are selected. This is crucial because:

1. Exposure to U.S. Environmental Policy
   Fellows work directly with state agencies and organizations that design and implement water policy. This offers a rare learning opportunity for international students interested in governance and sustainability.
2. Fully Funded Fellowship
   With a stipend of $55,000 plus professional development support, fellows can comfortably live and focus entirely on their projects.
3. Career-Defining Experience
   The fellowship creates a pipeline of future leaders in science and policy, making graduates more competitive globally.
4. Networking with Policy Makers
   Fellows gain access to U.S. government agencies, nonprofits, and legislative bodies—valuable connections for anyone pursuing an international career.
5. Transferable Knowledge
   Skills learned in Minnesota, such as water conservation, invasive species management, and policy analysis, are directly applicable to other regions facing environmental crises.

Timeline of the Fellowship (2026–2027)

• September 16, 2025: Informational Webinar #1 for hosts
• October 8, 2025: Informational Webinar #2 for hosts
• November 6, 2025: Host applications close via eSeaGrant
• December 2025: Hosts selected, fellowship applications open
• February 1, 2026: Deadline for fellowship applications
• March–April 2026: Matching workshop in Duluth, Minnesota
• July 1, 2026: Fellowship begins
• June 30, 2027: Fellowship concludes

What Fellows Will Do: Roles & Responsibilities

Fellows placed in host organizations may engage in diverse, high-impact activities, such as:

• Policy Analysis & Development
  Assisting with drafting new policies or improving existing ones.
• Research & Data Synthesis
  Translating complex scientific data into actionable policy recommendations.
• Community & Stakeholder Engagement
  Collaborating with local communities, indigenous groups, and nonprofit organizations.
• Program & Project Management
  Managing initiatives on invasive species, water quality, and habitat conservation.
• Legislative Support
  Assisting with hearing preparations, bill writing, and committee research.

These tasks ensure that fellows become bridge-builders between science and policy.

Host Organizations and Opportunities

Some of the past and potential hosts include:

• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Invasive Species & Water Ecology Units)
• Saint Louis County Department of Public Works
• Legislative Committees on Environmental Policy
• Nonprofit Water Advocacy Groups

These placements expose fellows to real-world environmental policy challenges—making the fellowship highly practical and rewarding.

Funding & Financial Support

Each fellow receives a comprehensive package valued at $65,250:

• $55,000 stipend for living expenses
• $2,500 professional development fund for conferences, training, or certifications
• $7,750 administration and program management

Funding is made possible through:

• Minnesota Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund
• Host Contributions (organizations co-funding fellows for sustainability)
• National Sea Grant College Program (NOAA)

Application Process

For Hosts (2025 Deadline: November 6, 2025)

1. Submit host interest form via eSeaGrant.
2. Provide a fellowship position description, mentorship plan, and financial contribution.
3. Participate in review and selection process.

For Fellows (2026 Deadline: February 1, 2026)

1. Review available host positions.
2. Submit an application via eSeaGrant with academic and professional details.
3. Attend interviews and matching workshop (March–April 2026).
4. Begin fellowship in July 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

• Academic Level: Current or recent graduate students (Master’s or Ph.D.).
• Fields of Study: Environmental science, policy, law, public administration, natural resources, or related fields.
• Location: Fellows may come from any background or nationality (program explicitly encourages diverse applicants).
• Commitment: Full-time participation for one year.

Why Choose the University of Minnesota System?

The University of Minnesota is one of the largest research universities in the United States, with campuses across the state. Its systemwide Sea Grant program ensures fellows get access to:

• Cutting-edge research labs
• Expert mentors
• State and tribal government collaborations
• Exposure to U.S. and international policy-making frameworks

This combination makes Minnesota one of the best training grounds for global science-policy leaders.

Long-Term Benefits of the Fellowship

• Professional Growth: Fellows gain leadership, research, and policy experience.
• International Networking: Build strong U.S. and global policy connections.
• Career Advancement: Alumni often transition into government, academia, NGOs, or international agencies.
• Impactful Work: Fellows directly contribute to protecting Minnesota’s—and the world’s—water resources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion: A Global Opportunity in Minnesota

The Minnesota Sea Grant Science & Policy Fellowship (2026–2027) at the University of Minnesota is more than just a placement—it is a career accelerator for future science-policy leaders worldwide.

By combining academic excellence, hands-on policy work, and real-world environmental problem-solving, the fellowship builds the next generation of leaders ready to address water challenges at both local and global scales.

If you are an international student passionate about sustainability, governance, or environmental science, this is your chance to join a prestigious U.S. fellowship that shapes future policy—and your career.

Please visit the official website and other documents for better understanding.