Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2026 | Fully Funded Postdoctoral Fellowship at Harvard University

Begin your academic journey with one of the most prestigious postdoctoral opportunities in the world, the Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2026.

Hosted by The Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies, this fellowship supports exceptional early-career scholars whose research blends social science excellence with deep knowledge of regions and countries beyond the United States and Canada.

About the Harvard Academy Scholars Program

The Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies is committed to advancing innovative social science research while deepening global understanding of diverse regions and cultures.
Through the Academy Scholars Program, Harvard identifies and supports brilliant researchers at the start of their academic careers whose work bridges disciplinary boundaries and explores comparative, transnational, or domestic issues in global contexts.

Academy Scholars form an elite intellectual community characterized by originality, initiative, and academic excellence. Their research lays the groundwork for impactful careers in leading universities and international institutions.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected scholars are appointed for a two-year, in-residence postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. The fellowship offers generous financial and academic support, enabling recipients to pursue robust, interdisciplinary research projects.

Key Benefits:

• Annual Stipend: $80,000 per year
• Research Support: $5,000 annually
• Duration: Two years (to be completed within three years)
• Mentorship: Guidance from senior Harvard faculty members
• Networking: Regular seminars, dinners, and collaborative meetings

Scholars also benefit from a stimulating academic environment that encourages innovation and global perspectives.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a PhD or equivalent degree granted within two years of the fellowship start date (August 1, 2026), or
• Be advanced doctoral candidates in the social sciences nearing dissertation completion
• Submit proof of PhD completion (degree conferral documentation) by June 30, 2026

Applicants who have already held another postdoctoral fellowship are not eligible

Fellowship Terms and Conditions

Each year, five to six scholars are selected for this prestigious appointment.

• Duration: Two-year in-residence fellowship (must begin by Fall 2026)
• Leave Option: Scholars may request a one-time leave (up to 12 months) to pursue a tenure-track teaching appointment
• Funding Restrictions: Recipients may not hold other funding or awards during the fellowship term
• Deferrals: Delays in starting the fellowship are not permitted

Application Process

All applications must be submitted online by September 19, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Required Application Materials:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) – including a list of publications
2. Research Proposal (max 2000 words) – outlining research goals, methodologies, and disciplinary focus
3. Writing Sample – a single-authored journal article or dissertation chapter (max 50 pages, in English)
4. PhD Transcript
5. Three Letters of Recommendation – submitted confidentially through the online portal

All materials (except recommendation letters) must be received by September 19, 2025, while recommendation letters are due no later than September 29, 2025.

Access the application through the official Harvard Academy website by clicking the “APPLY ONLINE” button.

Fellowship Timeline

Application Deadline: September 19, 2025
Recommendation Letter Deadline: September 29, 2025
Award Announcement: December 2025
Program Start Date: August 1, 2026

For inquiries, contact: applicationinquiries@wcfia.harvard.edu

Official Website

https://academy.wcfia.harvard.edu/programs/academy/