Harvard University Academy Scholars Program 2027 in the USA (Fully Funded)

The Harvard University Academy Scholars Program 2027 is a prestigious fully funded fellowship for outstanding early-career scholars in the social sciences.

Hosted by the Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies, the program supports researchers whose work combines disciplinary excellence with deep expertise in the languages, history, culture, or institutions of regions outside the United States and Canada.

Harvard University Academy Scholars Program Summary

• Host Country: United States of America
• Host Institution: Harvard University
• Study Level: PhD, Postdoctoral Fellowship
• Eligible Countries: All Countries
• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
• Annual Stipend: USD $80,000
• Application Deadline: 18 September 2026

About the Harvard University Academy Scholars Program

The Harvard Academy Scholars Program identifies and supports exceptional scholars at the beginning of their academic careers whose research bridges the social sciences with in-depth regional or international expertise.

The program encourages research that addresses comparative, transnational, historical, or contemporary issues while crossing traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Each year, approximately five to six Academy Scholars are selected for a two-year residential fellowship at Harvard University, where they receive mentorship, research support, and opportunities to collaborate with leading scholars.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• Annual stipend of USD $80,000.
• Two-year residential fellowship at Harvard University.
• Mentorship from distinguished Harvard faculty.
• Opportunity to conduct independent research in an intellectually stimulating environment.
• Access to Harvard’s academic resources, libraries, seminars, and research networks.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD or an equivalent doctoral degree obtained within two years of the fellowship start date.
• Or be an advanced doctoral candidate in the social sciences who will complete all degree requirements before the fellowship begins.
• Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and strong research potential.
• Conduct research related to countries or regions outside the United States and Canada.
• Not currently hold or have previously completed another Harvard postdoctoral fellowship.

Scholarship Conditions

Selected scholars are expected to:

• Complete the two-year fellowship within a three-year period.
• Begin the first year of the fellowship immediately following the award (deferrals are not permitted).
• Devote themselves primarily to research during the fellowship.
• Not accept other funding or major professional obligations while holding the fellowship.
• Maintain residence at Harvard University during the fellowship period, except where approved.

How to Apply

To apply for the Harvard University Academy Scholars Program:

1. Visit the official Harvard Academy Scholars Program application portal.
2. Complete the online application form.
3. Upload your CV, research proposal, writing sample, and academic transcript.
4. Arrange for three referees to submit confidential recommendation letters through the online system.
5. Submit your completed application before 18 September 2026.
6. Successful applicants will be notified of the selection results in December 2026.