The Buffett Post-Baccalaureate Fellowship is a one-year, paid fellowship program designed to prepare recent Northwestern graduates for impactful global careers and open doors to diverse career paths.
Fellows work full-time at partner organizations abroad, gaining practical experience and professional skills in a variety of fields such as the arts, human rights, community development, and global health, among others.
Fellowship opportunities are typically posted in mid-February each year, with an application deadline of April 1 for positions generally beginning September 1. Students can review and apply for fellowships through Handshake.
"The Buffett Post-Baccalaureate Fellowship has allowed me to merge my love of musical theatre with my passion for international relations in a way that’s shaping my professional identity. It has given me the opportunity to become a rising expert in an international field I’m actively helping to define, where art and diplomacy bridge worlds. Rather than adapting to the job market, this fellowship has empowered me to build a unique path forward and return better equipped to lead in this emerging space.”
—Anne-Sophie LaCombe-Garcia, School of Communication '25
Join us for a virtual info session with a current fellow and program staff on February 23 >>
Annual application deadline: April 1
Fellows work as term employees of the host organization and receive compensation as well as benefits designed to support life abroad, including:
- Transportation support, including travel to and from the fellowship location and short-term housing assistance upon arrival
- Funding to study the local language
- Community and connection through a global network of fellows and program staff
While fellows are responsible for securing their own visas and work authorization, host organizations provide assistance throughout the process.
After completing the program, fellows join the Roberta Buffett Institute’s alumni network, remaining connected to the Institute and a global community of leaders shaping shared futures.
- Undergraduate students: You must be currently enrolled in Northwestern University’s Evanston campus and graduating in fall, winter, or spring quarter.
- Alumni: You must have graduated within the past year from a Northwestern University undergraduate program on the Evanston campus.
- Fellows must be able to dedicate themselves full-time to the fellowship for its duration. You may not pursue other coursework, jobs, or internships concurrently.
- Review individual fellowship descriptions for additional qualifications or preferences.
Students must apply directly to the fellowship postings on the Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Affairs' profile on Handshake.
Each fellowship posting has specific details, such as employer, compensation, and location, so please review each one carefully. This is a competitive program: applicants are interviewed and hired directly by our partner organizations, though the fellowships are only open to eligible Northwestern University candidates.
Partner organizations typically finalize fellowship offers by June. This allows fellows to begin the visa process and plan to start the fellowship in September. Timelines depend on approval from the relevant authorities.
Once you accept a fellowship offer, you may not pursue other jobs or coursework during the fellowship. We know this is an important decision, and you’re welcome to reach out to the Buffett Undergraduate Programs team at any stage with questions.
At the end of the spring quarter, all fellows attend a day-long orientation to prepare for living and working abroad, including practical tips, cultural preparation, and community-building activities.
Please email or schedule an appointment with a member of the Buffett Undergraduate Programs team.
Subscribe to our mailing list to receive reminders about program deadlines. To ensure you receive emails about our undergraduate programs, please mark yourself as an “Undergraduate student” in the final question on the sign-up form.
Launched in 2025, the program has already partnered with a diverse range of organizations around the world. 2025 fellowships included:
- Legal Fellow, Center for Reproductive Rights' Latin American and the Caribbean Program – Colombia
- Research Associate, Innovations for Poverty Action – Philippines (Olivia Case)
- Artistic Producing Associate, Broadway Across Borders – Bosnia and Herzegovina (Anne-Sophie Lacombe García)
Please note that sites and positions are subject to change from year to year.