Tisch Summer Fellows: Eligibility Requirements and Application Process
The 2026 Tisch Summer Fellows program will operate from June 1 through August 7, 2026. The general application is open to all Tufts undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students.
In addition to the general application, health sciences students may also apply to opportunities designed specifically to match their specialized skills and professional interests. Visit the health sciences TSF landing page for complete details, including different application timelines.
To center place-based partnerships and build long term community relationships, we do not accept student requests to consider placements with organizations that have not gone through the required proposal and review process. If you would like to suggest a potential program partner, contact Jenna Logue to learn more about the review process.
Program Eligibility
The Tisch Summer Fellows Program is open to enrolled Tufts undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students in good standing with the university. Fellows are selected based on application materials, professional demeanor throughout the application process, recommendation letter, and a final interview with the hiring team at the partner organization.
- Students who wish to apply for the 2026 program must be enrolled during the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters. Study-abroad participation does not disqualify you from applying.
- TSF is open to eligible international students, however, Tufts does not provide I-20 sponsorship for the sole purpose of this program. If you are currently in the U.S. on a visa, work authorization is required to intern in the United States. If you are studying on a student visa sponsored by Tufts, please reach out to your I-Center Advisor to inquire about eligibility for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). If you are studying on a student visa at another U.S. institution, you should reach out to your international student advisor at your school for further assistance.
- Exchange students are not eligible to apply for TSF.
- For undergraduate students, preference is given to rising juniors and seniors and students who have not already been a Tisch Summer Fellow. Though, all eligible students are welcome to apply. If a student who is a senior at the time of applying is selected as a fellow and accepts the spot, we would expect a commitment to participate in the program.
We welcome and encourage all students to apply to Tisch College programs. Some programs are limited by degree requirements.
2026 General TSF Application Process and Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| TSF application opens & 2026 positions posted | December 8, 2025 |
| Application submission deadline | January 23, 2026, 11:59 pm |
| Applicants notified of decision status | February 23, 2026 |
| Finalist Interviews | February 23 - March 23, 2026 |
Applications are submitted via Tufts Civic Impact. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Complete applications include:
- Application form including thoughtful, concise replies to two essay questions
- Current, professional resume
- We recommend that applicants consult a resume guide, like this one created by the Tufts Career Center. Also consider having a member of the career center team on your campus review the document prior to submission.
- Unique cover letters, tailored for each individual position
- Unofficial transcript (Cummings, Fletcher, Friedman, TUSM, and TUSDM students do not need to include a transcript)
- Recommendation form
- Applicants are responsible for sharing the link with a recommender. Complete details are found in the application.
Application review: January 23, 2026 - February 23, 2026
- Each complete application is reviewed after the January 23 submission deadline. The review committee is comprised of individuals from across Tufts.
- Applicants move forward for an interview based on the degree to which they:
- Demonstrate a clear idea of how program elements have the potential to provide opportunities for civic learning and career development.
- Articulate a deep understanding of civic engagement.
- Submit a well-organized and easy to follow resume with thoughtful, concise descriptions of each project or job listed; includes relevant experience for positions with specific requirements or preferences.
- Write a cover letter that demonstrates a clear understanding of the organization’s mission and the position description with a clear interest in the work of the organization.
- Attend to grammar, spelling, and the overall presentation of application materials.
- Applicants who will not move forward for an interview will be notified during the week of February 23, 2026.
- Keep in mind:
- Students who wish to apply for the 2026 program must be enrolled during the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters.
- TSF is open to eligible international students, however, Tufts does not provide I-20 sponsorship for the sole purpose of this program. If you are currently in the U.S. on a visa, work authorization is required to intern in the United States. If you are studying on a student visa sponsored by Tufts, please reach out to your I-Center Advisor to inquire about eligibility for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). If you are studying on a student visa at another U.S. institution, you should reach out to your international student advisor at your school for further assistance.
- Exchange students are not eligible to apply for TSF.
- For undergraduate students, preference is given to rising juniors and seniors and students who have not already been a Tisch Summer Fellow.
- If a student who is a senior at the time of applying is selected as a fellow and accepts the spot, we would expect a commitment to participate in the program.
Finalist interviews: February 23, 2026 - March 23, 2026
- Applicants who are selected as finalists will be contacted by a member of the Tisch staff to explain the interview process and the next steps. Interviews will take place through late February into March.
- Zoom interviews will be scheduled for students who are abroad or otherwise require a virtual modality.
- We recommend candidates prepare for an interview by reviewing helpful tips and suggestions such as those offered by the Tufts Career Center.
- Not all candidates who interview will receive an offer to participate in Tisch Summer Fellows. The final hiring decisions are made by our program partners.
- Final selection decisions will be communicated on or around March 23, 2026.
- Finalists will be considered a member of the 2026 cohort of Tisch Summer Fellows upon signing and submitting a memorandum of understanding by the requested deadline and attending the mandatory orientation which will take place near the end of the spring semester.
For more information, please contact Jenna Logue by email or at 617-627-3535.