Harvard University is inviting applications for the 2027–2028 Harvard Academy Scholars Program, a prestigious two-year, in-residence postdoctoral fellowship hosted by the Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies. According to the supplied information, the programme supports exceptional early-career scholars whose research combines excellence in the social sciences with deep expertise in regions or countries outside the United States or Canada.
The fellowship provides generous financial support, research funding, mentorship from Harvard faculty, and opportunities to engage with an interdisciplinary community of scholars.
About the Harvard Academy Scholars Program
According to the supplied information, the Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies promotes innovative social science research while deepening knowledge of the world’s regions and countries.
The programme identifies outstanding researchers whose work demonstrates:
- Excellence in a social science discipline.
- Strong language skills and regional expertise outside the United States or Canada.
- Originality, initiative, and resourcefulness.
- Potential for careers in research universities or international institutions.
Academy Scholars participate in seminars, dinners, informal discussions, and receive mentorship from Harvard Academy Senior Scholars.
Fellowship Summary
| Organization | Harvard University – Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies |
|---|---|
| Programme | Academy Scholars Program 2027–2028 |
| Fellowship Type | Postdoctoral Fellowship |
| Fellowship Duration | Two Years (In Residence) |
| Fellowship Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA |
| Number of Awards | 5–6 Scholars Annually |
| Annual Stipend | US$80,000 |
| Annual Research Support | US$6,000 |
| Application Deadline | 18 September 2026 (11:59 PM EDT) |
| Fellowship Start Date | 1 August 2027 |
Fellowship Benefits
According to the supplied information, Academy Scholars receive:
- Annual stipend of US$80,000.
- US$6,000 annual research support.
- Two-year in-residence appointment at Harvard University.
- Mentorship from Harvard Academy Senior Scholars.
- Opportunities to participate in seminars, interdisciplinary discussions, and networking events.
- Access to Harvard’s academic environment and research resources.
- Potential invitation to teach a Harvard course during the fellowship.
Eligibility Requirements
According to the supplied information, applicants must be:
- Recipients of a PhD or equivalent degree awarded within two years of the 1 August 2027 fellowship start date; or
- Advanced doctoral candidates in the social sciences who will complete all degree requirements and provide official degree conferral documentation by 30 June 2027.
Applicants are not eligible if they:
- Hold or have already completed another postdoctoral fellowship.
Fellowship Terms
According to the supplied information:
- Each year five to six Academy Scholars are selected.
- The appointment lasts two years and must be completed within a three-year window.
- Year 1 must begin no later than the fall immediately following the fellowship offer.
- Deferrals or delays to the start of Year 1 are not permitted.
- Scholars may request a one-time leave of up to 12 months between Years 1 and 2 only to accept or continue a tenure-track teaching appointment.
- Scholars may not accept outside funding, awards, or professional obligations during the fellowship.
Required Application Documents
According to the supplied information, applicants must submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV), including publications.
- Research proposal (maximum 2,000 words).
- One scholarly writing sample (maximum 50 pages in English).
- Copy of PhD programme transcript.
- Three confidential letters of recommendation submitted directly by referees.
All application materials must be submitted online as PDF documents.
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 18 September 2026 (11:59 PM EDT) |
| Recommendation Letters Deadline | 28 September 2026 (11:59 PM EDT) |
| Fellowship Start Date | 1 August 2027 |
| Expected Award Announcement | December 2026 |
How to Apply
According to the supplied information, applicants should:
Step 1
Prepare all required application documents.
Step 2
Complete the online application through the Harvard Academy website.
Step 3
Submit the application by 18 September 2026 (11:59 PM EDT).
Step 4
Ensure recommendation letters are submitted no later than 28 September 2026.
Incomplete applications may be disadvantaged during the selection process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
According to the supplied information, the programme is open to recent PhD recipients and advanced doctoral candidates in the social sciences who meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
How much funding do Academy Scholars receive?
Selected scholars receive an annual stipend of US$80,000 plus US$6,000 in annual research support.
How many scholars are selected each year?
According to the supplied information, five to six Academy Scholars are appointed annually.
Can applicants defer the fellowship?
No. According to the supplied information, delays or deferrals of the first fellowship year are not permitted.
When are fellowship awards announced?
According to the supplied information, successful applicants are expected to be notified in December 2026.
Conclusion
The Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2027–2028 is one of Harvard University’s premier postdoctoral opportunities for exceptional early-career researchers in the social sciences. According to the supplied information, the programme offers generous financial support, extensive mentorship, and access to Harvard’s world-class academic community, enabling scholars to pursue ambitious research while preparing for careers in academia and international institutions.
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