Introduction In an age when global peace, disarmament, and security are at the heart of international debates, opportunities for young leaders to shape meaningful policy and advocacy have never been more essential. The Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship 2025/2026, though based in Washington, D.C., opens doors for outstanding graduates from across the world including New Zealand to participate in shaping global peace and security policy.

For ambitious New Zealand students or recent graduates, this fellowship is more than just an internship it’s a gateway into the world of diplomacy, arms control, conflict prevention, environmental security, and public policy. It equips emerging professionals with hands-on experience at some of the most respected think tanks and advocacy organisations in the United States.

This article will walk you through every aspect of the Herbert Scoville Peace Fellowship 2025/2026, from eligibility and benefits to how New Zealand candidates can prepare strong applications and stand out in this highly competitive global programme.

What is the Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship?

The Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship was established in 1987 in memory of Dr Herbert Scoville Jr., a visionary leader in the U.S. arms control and peace movement. The programme aims to inspire and train the next generation of leaders in peace, security, and public-interest advocacy.

Each year, the Fellowship selects highly motivated recent graduates to work full-time with leading Washington, D.C.–based organisations focused on:

• International peace and security
• Nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament
• Conflict resolution and peacebuilding
• Environmental and climate security
• Global health and biosecurity
• Emerging technology and cyber policy

For New Zealanders who dream of influencing international policy or working with multilateral institutions such as the UN, NATO, or Pacific security initiatives, the Scoville Fellowship offers unparalleled exposure, mentorship, and skill-building.

Why the Scoville Fellowship Matters in 2025/2026

The 2025/2026 cycle is especially important due to shifting global security dynamics. Around the world, governments are re-evaluating peace strategies amid increasing regional tensions, technological risks, and environmental pressures.

New Zealand, known for its independent foreign policy, anti-nuclear stance, and strong peace diplomacy, has always been a beacon of moral leadership in global affairs. This makes New Zealand graduates excellent candidates to represent fresh, international perspectives at the Scoville Fellowship.

Through this programme, participants gain the tools to turn academic knowledge into policy impact. You’ll have a seat at the table where major discussions about disarmament, climate security, and emerging global threats take place.

Fellowship Objectives

The Scoville Fellowship is built on three central objectives:

1. Train future peace professionals: Provide hands-on experience in policy research, advocacy, and communication.
2. Build a global network: Connect young professionals with policymakers, experts, and institutions advancing peace and disarmament.
3. Foster international collaboration: Encourage innovative, cross-cultural approaches to global security challenges.

For New Zealand participants, this aligns perfectly with the country’s values of diplomacy, disarmament, and multilateral engagement.

Fellowship Benefits

The Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship offers both professional and financial benefits that make it one of the most prestigious entry-level opportunities in peace and security.

Financial Benefits

• Monthly Stipend: Fellows receive a competitive living allowance (around USD 4,000 per month).
• Travel Funding: Round-trip travel to Washington, D.C. is covered.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage for the duration of the fellowship.
• Professional Development Grant: Additional funding for training, conferences, or workshops.

Professional Benefits

• Placement in a top-tier peace or policy organisation in Washington, D.C.
• Mentorship from senior experts in international affairs.
• Networking with government officials, diplomats, and civil-society leaders.
• Opportunities to publish policy briefs, op-eds, or research papers.
• Access to alumni working in NGOs, international organisations, and government agencies worldwide.

These benefits make the Scoville Fellowship ideal for New Zealand graduates seeking a career in diplomacy, research, or policy analysis.

Duration and Structure

Each Scoville Fellowship lasts between 6 and 9 months. Fellows work full-time at their host organisation, contributing to research, event coordination, policy analysis, and advocacy campaigns.

Placements include some of the most respected institutions in the field, such as:

• Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
• Brookings Institution
• Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL)
• Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS)
• Stimson Center
• Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

This exposure gives Fellows real-world experience in crafting and influencing international policy decisions.

Eligibility Requirements

Although the programme is based in the United States, its mission is global. For New Zealand citizens who are already authorised to work in the U.S. (such as through a visa, study exchange, or residency), the fellowship is open.

General Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher by the start of the fellowship.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in peace and security issues.
• Possess excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
• Be passionate about making a difference in global affairs.
• Be ready to work full-time in Washington, D.C.

While priority is typically given to U.S. citizens or permanent residents, international applicants already legally in the U.S. (including New Zealanders) can apply and compete successfully if they meet the requirements.

Fellowship Themes

Scoville Fellows work on a wide range of peace and security topics. Applicants should choose one or two focus areas that align with their academic background or career aspirations.

Major Thematic Areas

1. Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Arms Control
   Work on reducing global nuclear risks and promoting disarmament.
2. Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution
   Engage in conflict mediation, diplomacy, and community-based peace efforts.
3. Climate and Environmental Security
   Address how environmental changes threaten global peace and stability.
4. Global Health and Biosecurity
   Study how pandemics and biological threats affect security policy.
5. Emerging Technology and Cybersecurity
   Explore how AI, cyber warfare, and drones shape modern security challenges.
6. Human Rights and Humanitarian Policy
   Support human-rights advocacy, post-conflict reconstruction, and global justice.

New Zealanders with expertise in Pacific peacekeeping, climate resilience, or disarmament policy are particularly well-positioned in these areas.

How to Apply Step-by-Step Guide for 2025/2026

Step 1: Review Eligibility and Topics

Visit the official website (www.scoville.org) to confirm that your interests align with the fellowship’s mission.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Your application should include:

• Personal Statement: Explain your motivation, relevant experience, and future goals.
• Policy/Analytical Essay: Discuss a current international peace or security issue and propose policy solutions.
• Résumé or CV: Highlight education, achievements, and relevant activities.
• Academic Transcripts: Provide evidence of strong academic performance.
• Two Letters of Recommendation: From professors, supervisors, or mentors who can speak to your qualifications.

Step 3: Select Preferred Host Organisations

Applicants can list several preferred host organisations based on their interests. Research these institutions carefully and tailor your application to show fit.

Step 4: Submit Online

Applications must be submitted electronically through the official portal by the deadline (typically October 2025 for Spring 2026 intake).

Step 5: Prepare for Interviews

Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed online. Be prepared to discuss your essay, your long-term career goals, and how your New Zealand background enriches the global conversation on peace and security.

Step 6: Final Selection

Selected Fellows are matched with host organisations based on interests and expertise.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

1. Show your global perspective: Emphasise how growing up or studying in New Zealand shapes your understanding of peace and diplomacy.
2. Demonstrate relevant experience: Highlight any research, activism, or internships related to peace, climate, or international relations.
3. Use strong active language: Write confidently about your achievements and motivation.
4. Connect your field to real-world impact: Explain how your work can promote peace in the Pacific or globally.
5. Follow formatting rules: Keep essays concise, proofread carefully, and stay within the word limits.
6. Secure strong references: Choose recommenders who know your analytical and leadership potential.

Why New Zealand Candidates Are a Perfect Fit

New Zealanders embody values that align with the Scoville Fellowship’s mission—peace, equality, and sustainability.

1. Commitment to Peace

New Zealand has a proud anti-nuclear legacy and plays an active role in peacekeeping through the UN and regional partnerships.

2. Focus on Climate Diplomacy

As a Pacific nation, New Zealand understands the link between environmental crises and global security—key areas in Scoville’s agenda.

3. Global Citizenship

New Zealand graduates are known for adaptability, cross-cultural understanding, and strong ethics—qualities valued in global policy work.

4. Education and Research Strengths

Universities such as the University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, and the University of Otago have world-class programmes in political science, international relations, and environmental policy—excellent foundations for this fellowship.

Career Opportunities After the Fellowship

Completing the Scoville Fellowship can launch your international career in peace and policy. Alumni have gone on to work with:

• United Nations (UNDP, UNODA, UN Women)
• World Bank and OECD
• Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch
• Government ministries and embassies
• Leading think tanks and research centres
• Universities and policy schools worldwide

Many Fellows later pursue advanced degrees at prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Oxford, or Georgetown.

For New Zealand Fellows, returning home after the fellowship can lead to impactful roles in government ministries (e.g., MFAT), NGOs, or academic research on peace and disarmament.

Application Deadlines for 2025/2026

• Spring 2026 Fellowship: Applications close October 6, 2025
• Fall 2026 Fellowship: Applications close January 15, 2026

Always verify these dates on the official Scoville website, as schedules may change.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Generic essays: Tailor your essays to the specific mission of the Scoville Fellowship.
2. Poor structure: Organise your application clearly introduction, argument, conclusion.
3. Missing international relevance: As a New Zealander, emphasise how your perspective enhances global dialogue.
4. Weak recommendations: Choose references who can provide detailed insights, not generic praise.
5. Late submissions: Submit early to avoid technical issues or missed deadlines.

Success Stories and Impact

Over the years, Scoville Fellows have contributed to major peace initiatives and policy research. Many have become diplomats, policy analysts, or NGO directors.

For example:

• One former fellow joined the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs to work on nuclear non-proliferation.
• Another became a policy adviser for climate-security resilience in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Several fellows are now senior researchers at think tanks influencing U.S. and global foreign policy.

These examples show the programme’s transformative power. New Zealand applicants can draw inspiration from them and aim to bring Pacific perspectives into the global policy arena.

How to Prepare While Studying in New Zealand

If you’re still in university and planning to apply in 2025/2026:

• Take courses in international relations, peace and conflict studies, and environmental security.
• Join peace or climate advocacy organisations.
• Attend policy conferences or Model UN events.
• Publish articles or opinion pieces on global issues.
• Network with professionals in your field.

The more hands-on experience you gain now, the stronger your Scoville application will be.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can New Zealand citizens apply for the Scoville Fellowship?
Yes if you are legally authorised to work in the U.S. or currently studying there, you can apply.

2. Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes. It includes a living stipend, travel funding, and health insurance.

3. Where is the fellowship hosted?
In Washington, D.C., at one of several participating peace and policy organisations.

4. What is the duration?
Six to nine months, full-time.

5. What kind of work will I do?
Policy research, event coordination, advocacy, and writing reports or publications related to peace and security.

Conclusion

The Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship 2025/2026 in New Zealand is a golden opportunity for passionate, forward-thinking graduates eager to shape international peace and security policy.

Whether you are a student of international relations, political science, law, or environmental policy, this programme will give you real-world experience, mentorship, and a powerful professional network.

For New Zealanders, it represents a chance to extend the country’s proud legacy of peace and diplomacy into the global policy arena. By combining your academic foundation with hands-on work in Washington, D.C., you’ll be equipped to make meaningful contributions to global peacebuilding efforts.

If you’re ready to take that next step, start preparing now craft a strong application, highlight your unique perspective, and apply before the 2025 deadline. The world needs more leaders who understand that peace isn’t just an ideal it’s a profession, a commitment, and a lifelong mission.