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Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship 2026-27 in USA

Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship 2026-27 in USA

Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship is one of the largest and best fellowships in the world, offered by the very famous Harvard University in the USA. This fellowship is for outstanding people who are scientists, scholars, artists, writers, or great public leaders. In this fellowship, you get the opportunity to stay at Harvard University for a year (about 9 months, i.e. from September 2026 to May 2027) so that you can work on one of your very big projects in peace. Its aim is for intelligent people from different fields to work together, bring new and good ideas, and benefit the world. About 50 excellent people are selected for this fellowship every year.

Also Check: University of Bonn International Fellowship Program 2026

Why is This Fellowship Special?

This fellowship gives you the opportunity to get away from your daily routine and use the best facilities at Harvard University (such as a large library, research labs, great experts). In addition, you get the opportunity to work with other brilliant people and focus on your project. This helps you to improve your work and make an impact on the world.

1. Who Can Apply? (Requirements)

This fellowship is open to people from all over the world, regardless of where they are from. However, there are some specific requirements:

Eligibility

You must have done great work in your field or have great potential to advance. This is not a post-PhD (post-doctoral) fellowship.

Academic Qualifications

  • Humanities and Social Sciences: You must have obtained your PhD or equivalent at least 4 years before the start of this fellowship (i.e. for the 2026/27 fellowship, your PhD must have been obtained on or before December 2022). You must have published at least one book or at least two research papers.
  • Science, Engineering, and Mathematics: You must have obtained your PhD or equivalent at least 2 years before the start of this fellowship. You must have published at least five research papers. Most of the scientists selected have several dozen papers published.
  • Artists and Writers: You should have a strong track record in your field (e.g. published books for writers, critical articles for journalists, exhibitions for artists). Each field (story, essays, poetry, journalism, theatre, painting, music, film) has its own specific requirements, which you can find in detail on their website.
  • Public Intellectuals and Experienced People: You should have worked in a senior position in an NGO, government or private sector and have at least 10 years of experience in your field, and you are a recognized leader in your field.

Also Check: DAAD Scholarship Program 2026

Project Quality

Your project should be new, bold, and have a positive impact on society. Projects that:

  • Bring together new thinking and different ideas.
  • Relate to climate change and environmental justice.
  • Bring new ideas to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
  • Focus on women, gender, and society, especially if they use materials from a special Harvard library (Schlesinger Library).

Previous Fellows

Those who have previously been Harvard Radcliffe Fellows since 1999 are not eligible to reapply.

Residency Requirements

If you are selected, you will be required to live in the Boston area for the full duration of your fellowship (9 months).

Also Check: Fully Funded Scholarships for USA and UK 2025-2026

2. What Will You Get from the Fellowship? (Benefits)

This is a fully funded fellowship, meaning that Harvard will cover most of your expenses:

  • Stipend: You will receive $78,000 (seventy-eight thousand US dollars) for the year of your fellowship. This is for your living expenses.
  • Project Grant: You will receive an additional $5,000 (five thousand US dollars) for your project-related expenses.
  • Space and Facilities: You will have your own office or studio at Harvard and will be allowed to use all Harvard University facilities (such as libraries, research labs, housing facilities, sports centers).
  • Support:
    • Housing and Relocation: If you have to live near Harvard, you may receive additional financial assistance for commuting and living.
    • Childcare: If you have children with you, you may also receive assistance with their care costs.
    • Health Insurance: You will be provided with health care insurance.
    • Visa Assistance: Harvard University will help you obtain a J-1 visa to the United States.
    • Work with Harvard Students: You may have the opportunity to assist Harvard students with research.
    • A Great Community: You will have the opportunity to work with smart and talented people from around the world, share new ideas, and be part of a special environment.

3. How to Apply and Deadlines

The entire application process is done online:

Create an Account

Go to the online website: Create an account by visiting the official Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship website.

Select Your Field of Application

Select the field of application according to your field of study (humanities, social sciences, arts, sciences, etc.).

Prepare the Necessary Documents

You will need to prepare these documents (remember that they will all be in English and should mostly be in PDF):

  • Online Form: To be filled out on the website.
  • CV (Your Biodata): Your complete CV, including your studies, work experience, and major achievements. It should not exceed six pages.
  • Project Proposal: A description of the project you want to work on. This should be a maximum of 1400 words, including a short 150-word summary that can be understood by people from all disciplines.
  • Work Sample: A sample of your previous work that is relevant to your new project. This can vary depending on your field (such as published papers for scientists, part of a book for writers, photos or videos for artists).
  • Reference Letters: You will need to provide information about two to three letters of recommendation (who have taught you or worked with you), which the university will email so that they can write letters about you. These should be people who know your work and skills well.

Also Check: DAAD Scholarship Program 2026

Submit Application

Upload all documents online and submit them before the deadline.

Important Deadlines (for 2026/27 Fellowships)

  • Humanities, Social Sciences, and Creative Arts: September 11, 2025 (11:59 p.m. ET)
  • Science, Engineering, and Mathematics: September 30, 2025 (11:59 p.m. ET)
  • Announcement of Results: Successful applicants are typically notified in early 2026.

4. Some Important Tips for Success

  • Start Early: The application process is long and arduous, so start preparing well in advance.
  • The Project Should Be Great: Your project should be new, interesting, and relevant to current world issues. Write a well-written project proposal.
  • Work Sample: Your work sample should be of excellent quality.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Get letters from people who can best describe your work and skills. Give them all the information ahead of time and remind them.
  • Read Carefully: Read the qualifications and paper details for each field on the official Radcliffe Institute website very carefully. Don’t leave anything out.
  • Double-check: Check your entire application again and again to make sure there are no mistakes. Have someone else read it too.

The Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship is a great opportunity, but the competition is fierce. If you have excellent qualifications and a unique project, then definitely try it. To apply for this fellowship program you can visit the official link here.