Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2026–2027: Fully Funded Two-Year Postdoctoral Fellowship at Harvard University for Social Scientists
The Harvard Academy Scholars Program offers fully funded two-year postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard University for early-career social scientists. Selected scholars receive an annual stipend of $80,000 along with $6,000 in annual research support.
Overview
The Harvard Academy Scholars Program provides an exceptional opportunity for outstanding early-career social scientists to conduct advanced research at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Organized by the Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies, the initiative supports scholars whose work combines rigorous disciplinary expertise with deep knowledge of countries or regions outside the United States or Canada.
Each year, approximately five to six scholars are appointed for a two-year, in-residence postdoctoral fellowship. The program is designed to create an immersive interdisciplinary environment where participants can engage in independent research, attend seminars and workshops, and receive mentorship from Harvard Academy Senior Scholars.
Benefits
- An annual stipend of $80,000 for each year of the appointment.
- Annual research support totaling $6,000 to assist with project-related expenses.
- In-residence access to Harvard's academic environment, research resources, and scholarly activities.
- Mentorship opportunities through Harvard Academy Senior Scholars and potential teaching opportunities.
Eligibility
- Open to recent recipients of a PhD or equivalent degree in the social sciences, provided the degree was granted within two years of the August 1, 2027 start date.
- Eligible for advanced doctoral candidates in the social sciences who can satisfy official degree-conferral documentation requirements by June 30, 2027.
- Applicants must focus their research on countries or regions outside the United States or Canada.
- Individuals who hold or have completed another postdoctoral fellowship are not eligible to apply.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit all materials online through the official application system. Required documentation includes:
- An academic curriculum vitae including a publication list.
- A research proposal of no more than 2,000 words.
- One scholarly writing sample in English of up to 50 pages.
- A copy of the applicant's PhD program transcript.
- Three confidential letters of recommendation submitted directly by recommenders.
Deadline
The main application deadline is September 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT. Recommendation letters must be submitted by September 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT.