Harvard Academy Scholars Fellowship 2027/28 (Fully-Funded)

Applications are open for the Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2027-2028. This prestigious, two-year postdoctoral fellowship supports early-career social scientists. Fellows combine strong disciplinary training with regional expertise beyond the US and Canada. Only five or six scholars are selected from over 500 applicants yearly.

Program Snapshot

• Host Organization: Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies
• Funding: $80,000 annual stipend, plus $6,000 in annual research support
• Duration: Two years, in residence at Harvard University
• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
• Application Deadline: September 18, 2026, 11:59 PM EDT
• Fellowship Start: August 1, 2027

Focus Areas

• Social science research on regions outside the US and Canada
• Original, comparative, or transnational research questions
• Mentorship from senior interdisciplinary scholars
• Publication and career development for early-career researchers

About the Fellowship

Harvard’s Academy for International and Area Studies backs innovative global research. It supports scholars whose disciplinary work engages deeply with specific regions. Fellows join a select community alongside faculty and senior mentors. The programme deliberately excludes research focused solely on the US or Canada.

What Fellows Receive

Fellows receive a substantial $80,000 stipend across each fellowship year. An additional $6,000 yearly supports direct research-related expenses. Mentorship from Harvard’s Senior Scholars accompanies every cohort throughout. Fellows also join regular seminars, dinners, and interdisciplinary academic exchange.

Who Can Apply

Applicants need a recent PhD, or near-completion, in an eligible social science field. The degree must fall within two years of the August 2027 start. Scholars from any country or citizenship may apply. Research must focus meaningfully on a region outside the US or Canada.

Required Materials

Applicants submit a CV, research proposal, and one scholarly writing sample. The proposal cannot exceed 2,000 words; the sample tops out at 50 pages. A PhD transcript and three confidential recommendation letters complete the package.

How to Apply

Submit your full application online before September 18. Recommendation letters follow separately, due by September 28.

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Conclusion

This fellowship offers exceptional funding and mentorship for globally minded social scientists. Its intense selectivity rewards a sharply focused, original research proposal. Given the fast-approaching deadline, applicants should contact recommenders and finalize materials immediately.

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