FOR STUDENTS
Brumley Graduate Fellows
The Brumley Next Generation Graduate Fellows Program at the Strauss Center provides a transformative experience for UT graduate students from an array of disciplines, accelerating their path towards career success through an emphasis on building professional and scholarly skills and networks. Involving students in international affairs early in their career is an important part of the Strauss Center’s mission to prepare the next generation of leaders to help develop solutions to the most pressing public policy challenges. The program is made possible by the generous support of Jon and Rebecca Brumley.
How It Works
As part of the one-year Brumley Next Generation Fellows Program, Fellows will:
Attend Brumley Fellows Colloquia
Once per month during the fall and spring semesters, Fellows will convene in a lunchtime colloquium to discuss their original research project, engage with a visiting guest speaker, and hone their skills in writing, briefing, professionalism, and career development. The date of each colloquium will be set based on Fellows’ schedules each semester.
Conduct Original Research
Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, and backed by the financial support detailed below, Brumley Fellows will conduct their own research project and submit it to the Strauss Center by the end of May. The mentor will assist the Fellow in developing a research plan, help determine the form of the final product, and advise on career and professional development matters. Fellows will be required to meet regularly with their mentor as part of the fellowship requirements.
Receive Funding
Fellows will receive a fellowship award in the amount of $3,000 for the 2026-27 academic year, disbursed evenly in the first few weeks of the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters, which is contingent upon active participation. Fellows will also be eligible to apply for additional funding from the Strauss Center, in support of travel for conferences, research expenses, and other scholarly or professional activities approved on a case-by-case basis.
Participate in Events on Behalf of the Strauss Center
Fellows are expected to maintain a deep level of engagement with the Strauss Center during their Brumley fellowship year, attending public events covering a wide range of international security and law issues, as well as granted opportunities to participate in private engagements with guest speakers as they visit the Forty Acres.
How to Apply
Apply to join the Brumley Next Generation Graduate Fellows Program:
Apply today!
Applications for the 2026-27 cohort are open now. Submit your application by March 1: Apply Here
Eligibility
- You must currently be enrolled as a graduate student in good standing at the University of Texas at Austin. All graduate-level programs (Master’s, Ph.D., JD) at the University of Texas at Austin are eligible, regardless of their area of study. Students in programs that are not typically perceived as linked to international affairs, such as business or the natural sciences, should not hesitate to apply!
- You must be enrolled as a full-time graduate student for both fall and spring semesters of the 2026-27 academic year, and you must be in residence in Austin during that time.
- You must have a GPA of at least 3.50.
- Your research topic of interest must have a demonstrated connection to issues within international security and law. Potential issue areas include:
- Cybersecurity
- Technology, Security, and Global Affairs, including Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductors, etc.
- U.S. Intelligence Community
- Non-State Actors and Conflict
- National Security Law
- Asia Policy, including China, Taiwan, North Korea, etc.
- Space Security, Safety, and Sustainability
- Security and Migration in Mexico and Central America
Applications should include
- A detailed cover letter explaining your academic and professional interests, career plans, the specific policy question(s) you are interested in researching, and why you would be a good fit as a Brumley Fellow, participating in the intellectual life of the Strauss Center.
- Résumé with your complete contact information, including preferred email address and phone number.
- Names and contact information for two references. At least one of these references should be a faculty member who can speak to your academic abilities and potential.
- One unofficial UT Austin transcript or academic summary, which reflects all UT coursework (including complete Fall 2025 grades) and overall GPA.
We will select a shortlist of finalists for interviews in April prior to making final decisions. Please contact Brittany Horton at brittany.horton@austin.utexas.edu if you have any questions.
The Brumley NextGen Fellows and Scholars program would not be possible without the generous support of Jon and Rebecca Brumley of Fort Worth, Texas.