Instructions for Applicants

There are two possible ways to submit an application for membership. You can either fill out the online application by creating an account and following the procedures posted on the web at https://applications.ias.edu, or, if you have a legitimate reason why you cannot apply through the online system, you may be given permission to submit a paper application form. If you submit an online application you will be asked to upload your research proposal (no longer than 1,500 words), a separate one-page bibliography related to the proposal, your CV with list of publications, and up to three sample articles, or book chapters, in PDF format. (Please note that these should be pieces that have already been published.) (If you are unfamiliar with creating PDF files there are online services that will convert Word documents into PDF files for you. Go to http://www.primopdf.com for further information.)

Paper Applications:
The paper application form is provided only to scholars who have legitimate reasons for being unable to complete the application online. If this applies in your case, please contact the Administrative Officer at the address below to request the paper form. With your request please include an explanation as to why you are not able to complete the online application, and please indicate if you prefer to have the paper form sent to you as an attachment by email, or by regular paper post. (If you would like the application sent to you by post please include your full mailing address.) We strongly advise sending any request for a paper application by no later than September 15 to allow time for processing the request. Any request received after September 15 will be handled by email only. Paper applications should be submitted as early as possible so they can be processed by the application deadline.

Applicants who received the Ph.D. within the last ten years are further advised to note that although the application deadline is October 15, we strongly recommend submitting the application as early as possible, preferably by October 1st. This will allow time for references to be contacted and for reference letters to be submitted by the October 15th deadline. (Reference letters are not requested for scholars who received the Ph.D. more than ten years ago, however early application is still encouraged.) If an application is received after October 1st and letters of recommendation are needed, referees will be asked to submit their letters as soon as possible, however, our application review will begin within days after the October 15th deadline, and if the letters have not been received by that time reviewers will see the application in incomplete form, without any unsubmitted letters.

To request a paper application contact:

School of Historical Studies
Membership Applications
Institute for Advanced Study
1 Einstein Drive
Princeton, NJ 08540

Email: hsappquery@ias.edu

Additional Details

For additional information please see the Announcement of Memberships, the Supplementary Information for Members, or the Faculty and Members Brochure.

Former Members and Visitors: It is only possible to come to the School of Historical Studies twice in a lifetime as a Member and three times in a lifetime as a Visitor. Former members who were previously in residence for a full year may re-apply for a Membership or Visitorship only after a 5-year waiting period (3 years for single-term members and visitors) has fully passed. All else being equal, preference will be given to the selection of first-time members.

Princeton University Faculty should contact the Administrative Officer for further information before completing an application.

Questions regarding application materials or procedures should be directed to by e-mail to hsappquery@ias.edu or in writing at the above address.

If your application form or package is incomplete the application will not be considered.