Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2027–2028 | Powerful $80,000 Postdoctoral Fellowship at Harvard University
The Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2027–2028 is now accepting applications from outstanding social science researchers at the beginning of their academic careers. Hosted by the Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies at Harvard University, the prestigious fellowship supports researchers whose work combines excellence in a social science discipline with deep knowledge of countries or regions outside the United States or Canada.
The two-year, in-residence postdoctoral fellowship provides substantial financial and research support, mentorship from Harvard faculty and opportunities to participate in an interdisciplinary community of scholars working on comparative, transnational and international issues.
Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2027–2028
The programme selects approximately five to six Academy Scholars each year. Successful candidates receive a two-year in-residence appointment at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The fellowship is designed for researchers whose scholarship demonstrates originality, initiative and strong potential for future careers in research universities or international institutions.
Academy Scholars become part of a select intellectual community and participate in seminars, dinners and informal academic gatherings while receiving mentorship from the Harvard Academy Senior Scholars.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected Academy Scholars receive significant financial and research assistance, including:
- 💰 Annual stipend: $80,000
- 🔬 Annual research support: $6,000
- 🎓 Two-year postdoctoral fellowship
- 🏫 In-residence appointment at Harvard University
- 👩🏫 Mentorship from Harvard Academy Senior Scholars
- 🌍 Interdisciplinary academic and international research community
- 📚 Opportunities for research and professional skills development
- 🤝 Academic networking through seminars, dinners and Harvard Academy events
The fellowship years must be completed within a three-year window. A scholar may apply for a one-time leave of up to 12 months between Years 1 and 2 to accept or continue a tenure-track teaching appointment.
Who Can Apply?
The Academy Scholars Program is open to:
- Recent PhD recipients
- Advanced doctoral candidates in the social sciences
- Candidates whose research focuses on countries or regions outside the United States or Canada
- Researchers demonstrating strong knowledge of the language and regional context relevant to their work
PhD Eligibility
Applicants must have received their PhD or equivalent degree within two years of August 1, 2027, meaning the degree must generally have been awarded on or after August 1, 2025.
Advanced doctoral candidates may also apply. Those nearing completion of their dissertation must be able to provide official degree-conferral documentation from their university registrar by June 30, 2027.
Important: Individuals who hold or have already completed another postdoctoral fellowship are not eligible to apply.
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Research Areas
The programme is intended for researchers in the social sciences whose work demonstrates both disciplinary excellence and substantial knowledge of regions or countries outside the United States or Canada.
The Academy supports scholarship that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries and examines:
- Comparative issues
- Transnational issues
- Domestic issues
- Historical and contemporary questions
- International and area studies
- Regional experiences and practices
Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed research contributes original knowledge to their field and area of specialization.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit all required materials online. The application includes:
1. Curriculum Vitae
A current CV should include the applicant’s academic background and a list of publications.
2. Research Proposal
A research proposal of no more than 2,000 words is required.
The proposal should explain the intellectual objectives of the project and the planned methodological and disciplinary work.
Footnotes, endnotes and bibliographies may be included and do not count toward the 2,000-word limit.
3. Scholarly Writing Sample
Applicants must submit one scholarly writing sample, such as:
- A PhD dissertation chapter
- A peer-reviewed journal article
- Another appropriate scholarly work
The writing sample must be in English and no longer than 50 pages.
Co-authored work is permitted if the applicant’s contribution is clearly identified and the co-authorship is not shared with an academic advisor.
4. PhD Program Transcript
A copy of the applicant’s PhD programme transcript is required.
Applicants from foreign universities should provide as much official transcript-like documentation as their university can provide for graduate-level study, including Master’s and PhD work where applicable.
5. Three Recommendation Letters
Three confidential letters of recommendation are required.
The recommenders must upload their letters directly through the online application system.
Important: Applicants must submit their application before the recommendation upload link is sent to their recommenders, so candidates should plan their applications accordingly.
Application Deadline
📅 Main application deadline: September 18, 2026
⏰ Time: 11:59 PM EDT
Late applications are not accepted.
Recommendation letters must arrive by:
📅 September 28, 2026
⏰ 11:59 PM EDT
The selection process begins immediately after the application deadline, with awards anticipated to be announced in December 2026.
Fellowship Start Date
Successful applicants will begin their fellowship on:
📅 August 1, 2027
Candidates completing their doctoral degrees must ensure that their degree-conferral documentation can be submitted by June 30, 2027.
Fellowship Location
📍 Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies
Weatherhead Center for International Affairs
Harvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
The fellowship is an in-residence programme, meaning Academy Scholars are expected to be based at Harvard during the fellowship.
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Important Fellowship Conditions
Academy Scholars may not accept outside funding, awards or professional obligations during their appointment.
They may, however, be invited to teach a Harvard class during their fellowship.
The fellowship is intended to provide scholars with the time, resources and academic environment needed to undertake substantial research and develop their academic careers.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should:
1. Check eligibility
Confirm that your PhD status, field and research focus meet the Academy’s requirements.
2. Develop your research proposal
Prepare a compelling proposal of no more than 2,000 words outlining your research objectives, methodology and disciplinary approach.
3. Prepare your writing sample
Select a strong English-language scholarly paper or dissertation chapter of no more than 50 pages.
4. Prepare your CV and transcript
Ensure your CV includes your publications and that your academic documentation is complete.
5. Contact your recommenders early
Arrange for three recommendation letters and allow sufficient time for confidential submission.
6. Submit the online application
Complete the application before September 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT.
7. Ensure recommendation letters are submitted
Letters must arrive by September 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT.
Harvard Academy Scholars Program at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Academy Scholars Program 2027–2028 |
| Institution | Harvard University |
| Host | Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies |
| Level | Postdoctoral Fellowship / Advanced Doctoral |
| Field | Social Sciences |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA |
| Annual Stipend | $80,000 |
| Research Support | $6,000 annually |
| Start Date | August 1, 2027 |
| Applicants Selected | Approximately 5–6 scholars annually |
| Main Deadline | September 18, 2026 |
| Recommendation Deadline | September 28, 2026 |
| Expected Awards | December 2026 |
| Application | Online |
Why This Fellowship Is Worth Considering
The Harvard Academy Scholars Program is particularly valuable for researchers seeking to build an international academic career. Beyond financial support, fellows receive access to an interdisciplinary research environment, mentorship and opportunities to engage with scholars working across different regions and disciplines.
For researchers whose work focuses on international and area studies, this fellowship can provide the time and resources needed to develop ambitious research projects while establishing connections that can support long-term academic and professional growth.
Final Reminder
The Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2027–2028 application season is currently open, but the deadline is approaching. Prospective applicants should begin preparing their research proposal, scholarly writing sample, CV, transcript and recommendation letters as early as possible.
Main deadline: September 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT.
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