If you’re looking for fully funded fellowships USA, the Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2027 is one of the most prestigious opportunities for early-career researchers. This program, offered by Harvard University, supports outstanding scholars in the social sciences focusing on regions outside the United States and Canada.
Basically, this is an exclusive, two-year gig where you live in residence, get serious financial backing, and tap into Harvard University scholarships and its incredible network of mentors and resources.
Degree Level
Just to be clear, this isn’t a program where you go to earn another degree. It’s a fully funded PhD fellowship / postdoctoral fellowship Harvard. It fits two types of people best: those who have recently wrapped up their PhDs, or the folks who are right at the finish line and about to hand in their dissertations.
Once you’re in, the expectation is that you’ll dive into your own independent research while living at Harvard University.
Eligible Fields of Study
You need to be rooted in a social science discipline, but with a global twist. If your work is strictly focused on the US or Canada, this isn’t the one for you. They are looking for people specializing in:
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Anthropology
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Economics
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Geography
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Government
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History and History of Science
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International Relations
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Law
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Political Science & Political Economy
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Psychology
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Public Policy & Social Policy
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Sociology
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Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies
Regional and area studies such as South Asian Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, African Studies, Latin American Studies, East Asian Studies, and European Studies are also accepted when grounded in a social science discipline.
Fellowship Benefits
Let’s talk about what you actually get, because it’s a pretty sweet deal. Aside from the obvious prestige, they take care of the bills so you can focus on the work. Selected scholars get:
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Annual stipend of USD 80,000
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Research allowance of USD 5,000 per year
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Two-year fully funded fellowship
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Mentorship from senior Harvard University faculty
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Dedicated office space
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Full access to Harvard University libraries and resources
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Participation in academic seminars and workshops
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Opportunities to build an international academic and policy network
Eligibility Criteria
If you want to get in on the 2026–2027 cycle, you need to match this profile:
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Hold a PhD awarded on or after August 1, 2024, OR be an advanced PhD candidate able to submit degree conferral documents by June 30, 2026
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Specialize in a social science discipline
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Demonstrate regional expertise outside the United States or Canada
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Not have held another postdoctoral fellowship Harvard
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Be available to begin on August 1, 2026
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Be willing to reside in Cambridge, Massachusetts, during the academic year
Eligible Nationalities
The program is open to everyone, whether you are a:
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International students
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U.S. citizens
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Domestic and foreign scholars
Harvard University scholarships are actually pretty keen on getting a diverse mix of researchers from all over the globe.
Application Process
Everything happens online through the Harvard Academy Scholars Program website. The deadline usually lands in September. No late submissions allowed.
Required Documents
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Curriculum Vitae (CV) with publications
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Research proposal (maximum 2,000 words)
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One scholarly writing sample (up to 50 pages, English only)
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Official PhD transcript or equivalent record
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Three confidential letters of recommendation
Don’t forget to nudge your recommenders so they get their letters in by the deadline.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed after the deadline. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed in December. Only five to six scholars are selected annually, so the competition is fierce.
frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Harvard Academy Scholars Program fully funded?
Absolutely. You get an $80,000 yearly stipend, plus research money and full support for two years.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The program is open worldwide.
What is the acceptance rate?
It’s very competitive. Only a handful of scholars are selected each year.
Is this a degree program?
No. This is strictly a postdoctoral fellowship Harvard.
Do I need a completed PhD to apply?
You can apply if you are close to finishing before the required deadline.
Does research have to focus outside the US and Canada?
Yes, your work must focus on other regions of the world.
