For doctoral candidates and recent PhD graduates in the social sciences, the Harvard Academy Scholars Program offers an opportunity to spend two years developing independent research at Harvard University.
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The programme is aimed at researchers whose work combines strong social science research with knowledge of countries or regions outside the United States or Canada.
Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2027 at a glance
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Academy Scholars Program |
| Host institution | Harvard University |
| Host unit | Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies |
| Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA |
| Fellowship type | Postdoctoral, in residence |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Annual stipend | $80,000 |
| Annual research support | $6,000 |
| Eligible applicants | Recent PhD recipients and advanced doctoral candidates in social sciences |
| PhD window | Degree granted within 2 years of August 1, 2027 |
| Application deadline | September 18, 2026 |
| Recommendation letter deadline | September 28, 2026 |
| Expected award announcement | December 2026 |
About the Harvard Academy Scholars Program
The Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies supports research that helps deepen understanding of the experiences and practices of different regions and countries.
The Academy Scholars Program focuses on researchers at the beginning of their academic careers whose work combines excellence in a social science discipline with knowledge or expertise relating to countries or regions outside the United States or Canada.
The programme welcomes research that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries and explores comparative, transnational and domestic issues.
Selected Scholars become part of a small academic community. They participate in dinners, seminars and informal gatherings and receive mentorship from Harvard Academy Senior Scholars.
Benefits of the Program
- Each Academy Scholar receives an annual stipend of $80,000 during the fellowship.
- Scholars also receive $6,000 in annual research support, providing additional resources for their research activities.
- The fellowship is a two year, in residence appointment. The two years must be completed within a three year window.
- The financial and research support allows Scholars to undertake substantial research projects and develop skills related to their chosen fields and regions.
- Academy Scholars join a select community of researchers and participate in seminars, dinners and other academic activities.
- Scholars are mentored by Harvard Academy Senior Scholars, who also serve on the selection committee and participate in Academy activities.
Who is eligible?
The programme is open to advanced doctoral candidates in the social sciences and researchers who have recently completed their PhD or equivalent degree. To qualify as a recent PhD graduate, your degree must have been granted within two years of August 1, 2027. Advanced doctoral candidates can also apply.
If you are approaching the completion of your dissertation, you must be able to provide degree conferral documentation from your university registrar by June 30, 2027 if you are selected for an August 1, 2027 start.
Important eligibility restriction
Individuals who hold or have already completed another postdoctoral fellowship are not eligible to apply.
Researches the Academy support
The programme is particularly suited to researchers whose work combines a social science discipline with detailed knowledge of countries or regions outside the United States or Canada.
The Academy describes the scholarship of its Scholars as covering traditional disciplinary boundaries and addressing comparative, transnational and domestic questions.
Applicants should therefore make the regional or country focus of their research clear in their proposal.
Fellowship terms
- Academy Scholars are appointed for two years.
- The two years must be completed within a three year window.
- Year 1 must begin no later than the fall immediately following the fellowship offer.
- There are no delays or deferrals permitted for the start of Year 1.
- Between the first and second years, a Scholar may apply for a one time leave of up to 12 months to accept or continue a tenure track teaching appointment.
- The leave cannot be used for another professional reason.
- Academy Scholars may not accept outside funding, awards or obligations during their appointment.
- They may also be invited to teach a Harvard class during the fellowship.
Required application documents
- Curriculum vitae
- Research proposal
- Scholarly writing sample
- PhD programme transcript
- Three recommendation letters
How to apply for the Harvard Academy Scholars Program
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
Check that you are either an advanced doctoral candidate in the social sciences or a recent PhD recipient within the required time period. Also confirm that you have not already held or completed another postdoctoral fellowship.
Step 2: Develop your research proposal
Your research proposal is one of the most important parts of the application. Keep it within the 2,000 word maximum and clearly explain what you intend to investigate, why the research matters and the intellectual and methodological approach you plan to use.
Step 3: Prepare your writing sample
Select a strong piece of scholarly work that represents your research ability. It must be written in English and be no longer than 50 pages.
Step 4: Update your CV
Prepare an academic CV that includes your publications and presents your research experience clearly.
Step 5: Obtain your transcript
Request the required transcript or official transcript like documentation from your university early enough to avoid delays.
Step 6: Contact your recommenders
Choose three people who can provide meaningful academic recommendations. Tell them about the September 18 application deadline and the separate September 28 deadline for recommendation letters.
Step 7: Submit the application online
All application materials, except the recommendation letters, must be submitted online as PDF documents. The application is accessed through the Apply Online button on the Harvard Academy website.
Step 8: Make sure the letters arrive
Recommendation letters must be received no later than September 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT. Do not assume that submitting your application automatically means your recommenders have completed their part.
Important dates
| Activity | Date |
| Application deadline | September 18, 2026 |
| Application closing time | 11:59 PM EDT |
| Recommendation letter deadline | September 28, 2026 |
| Recommendation letter closing time | 11:59 PM EDT |
| Expected award announcement | December 2026 |
| Fellowship start date | August 1, 2027 |
| Dissertation degree documentation deadline for qualifying doctoral candidates | June 30, 2027 |
CLICK HERE TO START YOUR APPLICATION
Frequently asked questions
What is the Harvard Academy Scholars Program?
It is a two year in residence postdoctoral fellowship at the Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies for outstanding social science researchers.
Where is the fellowship held?
The fellowship is held at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
How much does the Harvard Academy Scholars Program pay?
Academy Scholars receive an annual stipend of $80,000.
Is there additional research funding?
Yes. Scholars receive $6,000 in annual research support.
How long is the fellowship?
The appointment lasts two years.
Who can apply?
Advanced doctoral candidates in the social sciences and recent PhD recipients who meet the programme’s eligibility requirements can apply.
How recent must my PhD be?
The PhD or equivalent degree must have been granted within two years of August 1, 2027.
Can current PhD students apply?
Yes. Advanced doctoral candidates in the social sciences can apply.
Can someone who already completed a postdoctoral fellowship apply?
No. Individuals who hold or have completed another postdoctoral fellowship are not eligible.
How long can the research proposal be?
The research proposal must be no more than 2,000 words.
How long can the writing sample be?
The writing sample must not exceed 50 pages.
Does the writing sample have to be in English?
Yes.
Can I submit a co authored writing sample?
Yes, provided your individual contribution is clearly specified and the authorship is not shared with an academic advisor.
How many recommendation letters are required?
Three confidential letters of recommendation are required.
When are recommendation letters due?
They must arrive by September 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT.
When is the main application deadline?
The application deadline is September 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT.
When will the results be announced?
The Academy anticipates announcing awards in December 2026.
When does the 2027 fellowship begin?
The start date is August 1, 2027.
Can the fellowship be deferred?
No. Delays or deferrals in the start of Year 1 are not permitted.
Can Scholars take leave during the fellowship?
Between Years 1 and 2, Scholars may apply for a one time leave of up to 12 months to accept or continue a tenure track teaching appointment.
Can Scholars receive outside funding?
No. Academy Scholars may not accept outside funding, awards or obligations during their appointment.
Can Scholars teach at Harvard?
They may be invited to teach a Harvard class during their appointment.
Where can I ask questions about the application?
Questions can be directed to applicationinquiries@wcfia.harvard.edu.
