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If you dream of advancing your academic career at one of the world’s most prestigious universities, Harvard University offers a rare and life-changing opportunity. Every year, outstanding emerging scholars from across the globe are selected for the Harvard Academy Scholars Program, a fully funded postdoctoral fellowship designed to support early-career researchers in the social sciences and law. The program goes beyond financial support; it opens doors to mentorship, collaboration, and access to Harvard’s unmatched research ecosystem.
For many international researchers, studying or conducting advanced research in the United States can feel financially impossible. The cost of living, research funding, and academic resources can become overwhelming without scholarship support. This is why the Harvard Academy Scholars Program stands out: it gives brilliant global scholars the platform, funding, and mentorship necessary to pursue transformative academic work.
This guide provides everything you need to know about the scholarship: eligibility requirements, benefits, deadlines, and a detailed step-by-step application process for the 2026/2027 academic cycle. Whether you are finishing your PhD or recently completed one, this opportunity could mark the beginning of a remarkable academic journey.
Fully Funded Harvard University Scholarships For International Postdoctoral Researchers
The Harvard Academy Scholars Program aims to identify and support exceptional early-career researchers whose work demonstrates excellence in the social sciences or law, combined with deep area expertise in regions outside the United States or Canada. The program selects four to six scholars each year, offering them a prestigious two-year appointment at Harvard University.
This fellowship is ideal for scholars whose research explores domestic, comparative, or transnational issues. The program encourages innovative research that sheds light on historical or contemporary topics related to global cultures, systems, or political structures. Harvard Academy Scholars are expected to reside in the Cambridge/Boston area to fully maximize the intellectual resources available, except when traveling for research-related purposes approved by the program.
In addition to academic support, the fellowship offers an opportunity to engage with Harvard’s world-renowned faculty, participate in workshops and conferences, and collaborate with peers from various disciplines.
Scholarship summary
- Level of Study: Postdoctoral / Advanced PhD candidates
- Institution: Harvard University
- Host Country: United States
- Fields of Study: Social sciences and law
- Program Duration: Two years
- Application Opens: June 2026
Scholarship benefits
The Harvard Academy Scholars Program provides one of the most generous postdoctoral funding packages globally. Selected scholars receive:
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1. Annual stipend of $75,000
Each postdoctoral scholar is awarded a yearly salary of $75,000, making the program fully funded and significantly easing financial concerns for international researchers relocating to the U.S.
2. Research and travel support
The stipend is supplemented with funding for:
- Conference travel
- International and domestic research trips
- Research assistants
- Access to academic resources
This ensures that scholars have everything they need to conduct high-level research.
3. Comprehensive health insurance
Health insurance coverage is provided to support scholars during their fellowship period.
4. Flexible teaching expectations
Some teaching may be permitted but is not required, allowing scholars to focus entirely on research productivity, collaborations, and publication.
This financial and academic support allows researchers to immerse themselves fully in their work without the pressure of external obligations or financial stress.
Eligibility criteria for the Harvard University Scholarship
To qualify for the Harvard Academy Scholars Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. English proficiency
All applicants must have a strong command of the English language, as research work, collaboration, and communication will occur in an English-speaking academic environment.
2. Open to all nationalities
Scholars from any country in the world are welcome to apply. Harvard values diversity and encourages global representation.
3. Academic qualifications
Applicants must be:
- Recipients of a PhD or comparable doctoral degree within two years of the program’s start date (August 1, 2026), OR
- Advanced doctoral candidates in the social sciences who will complete their dissertations before the fellowship begins.
Candidates nearing dissertation completion must submit official degree conferral documents by June 30, 2026.
4. Ineligible applicants
Individuals who have already held another Harvard postdoctoral fellowship are not eligible. This ensures opportunities are spread to as many emerging scholars as possible.
How to apply for the Harvard University Scholarship
The application process is completed online. Follow these steps carefully to improve your chances of success:
Step 1: Create an online application account
Visit the official Harvard Academy Scholars Program page and create a new account. This will allow you to upload documents and track your application progress.
Step 2: Prepare and upload your documents
You will need the following application materials:
a. Cover letter
Your cover letter should briefly introduce your academic field, research focus, and region of specialization. It must clearly explain how your work aligns with the goals of the Harvard Academy Scholars Program.
b. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Your CV must include:
- Academic history
- Publications
- Research experience
- Awards, grants, and fellowships
- Relevant professional accomplishments
Ensure it is well-structured and up to date.
c. Research proposal (maximum 2,500 words)
This is the most important part of your application. Your proposal must clearly outline:
- Your research objectives
- The theoretical and methodological framework
- Expected contributions to your field
- Why Harvard is the ideal institution for this research
A strong proposal demonstrates originality, feasibility, and intellectual depth.
d. PhD transcript
Upload your official doctoral program transcript. Advanced doctoral candidates should submit the most recent version available.
e. Three letters of recommendation
These must be written by individuals familiar with your academic or research abilities. Recommenders should submit their letters online as PDF documents via the link provided in your application portal.
Step 3: Review and submit your application
Ensure all documents are uploaded in the correct format. Late or incomplete applications are not reviewed.
Step 4: Await notification
Shortlisted candidates are contacted for further evaluation. Final decisions are typically announced several weeks after the deadline.
Why this scholarship matters for global researchers
The Harvard Academy Scholars Program provides more than financial support; it offers global recognition. Being a Harvard Academy Scholar enhances your academic reputation, expands your professional network, and gives you access to some of the world’s most respected researchers and institutions.
For international scholars, the program also provides cultural exposure, opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, and the chance to contribute intellectually on a global scale.
FAQs
1. Is the Harvard University Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The annual stipend of $75,000 plus research support, travel funding, teaching flexibility, and health insurance makes it fully funded.
2. Can international students apply?
Absolutely. The program is open to scholars from all countries, with no nationality restrictions.
3. Do I need to complete my PhD before applying?
Not necessarily. Advanced doctoral candidates may apply as long as they can provide degree completion documentation by the stated deadline.
4. What fields of study are eligible?
The scholarship is designed for scholars in the social sciences or law, especially those researching regions outside the U.S. and Canada.
5. Is teaching required?
No. Teaching is optional, and scholars are not obliged to take on teaching responsibilities.
6. Can I apply if I previously held another Harvard fellowship?
No. Applicants who have completed another Harvard postdoctoral fellowship are not eligible.
7. How competitive is this scholarship?
Extremely competitive. Only four to six scholars are selected annually, making it one of the most prestigious postdoctoral opportunities in the world.
Final thoughts
The Harvard University Academy Scholars Program stands among the most respected fully funded postdoctoral opportunities worldwide. It is designed for brilliant, early-career researchers ready to push boundaries in the social sciences and law. If your academic journey involves global inquiry, cultural expertise, and groundbreaking research, this scholarship can open doors to remarkable achievements.
The application process demands preparation, clarity, and a strong research vision, but the rewards are life-changing. With full funding, access to Harvard’s academic resources, and a platform that amplifies your scholarly voice, this fellowship can shape the future of your academic career in profound ways.
If you’re passionate about global research and ready to take your scholarship to the next level, begin preparing early and take this opportunity seriously. Your next academic chapter might just begin at Harvard.
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