If you’re an early-career scholar looking for a prestigious fellowship, the Harvard Academy Scholars Program is one of the top choices. It’s offered through the Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies, part of the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs. Below is what is known as of now — eligibility, benefits, process, and tips.
What is the Harvard Academy Scholars Program?
A two-year, in-residence post-doctoral fellowship for scholars who have recently completed their PhD, or are in the final stages.
Focused on social sciences and law, especially research that involves deep expertise in regions outside the United States or Canada.
Designed to help scholars conduct research, collaborate with distinguished faculty, and benefit from Harvard’s academic environment.
Eligibility Criteria (2025 / 2026)
To apply, you generally need to meet several of the following:
Be a recent PhD recipient, or a doctoral candidate very close to finishing. (You must be able to provide proof of degree conferral if required.)
Your field must be in the social sciences or law.
Your work should show strong regional specialization outside the U.S./Canada, or otherwise comparative/transnational outreach.
Applicants who have already held a Harvard post-doctoral fellowship may not be eligible.
Timing matters: for the cohort starting around August 1, 2026, those with PhD awarded within the two years prior are eligible. Doctoral candidates must often have completed required coursework and dissertation work, so that they can finish soon.
What Does the Fellowship Provide?
Selected Academy Scholars receive:
An annual stipend of USD 80,000.
A separate research support fund of about USD 5,000 per year to cover research-related expenses.
A two-year appointment in residence at Harvard (generally in the Cambridge, Massachusetts area).
Mentorship from senior faculty.
Opportunities for seminars, collaborative work, and being part of an interdisciplinary scholar community.
Application Timeline & Key Dates
The deadline for applications for the 2025-2026 cohort is around 19 September 2025.
Awards/notifications are usually made later in the year (often by December).
The fellowship must generally begin in the fall following selection, unless there is a granted leave or exceptional circumstances.
The two years must be completed within a three-year window.
What Application Materials are Required
In order to apply, you will typically need to prepare:
A CV showing academic credentials and publications.
A research proposal (often with a word limit, e.g. about 2,000 words) that outlines what you plan to study, methodology, and significance.
A writing sample (e.g. a dissertation chapter or peer-reviewed article).
PhD transcript or other verification of your doctoral status.
Three letters of recommendation.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Make sure your research proposal clearly shows originality and a strong plan, with relevance to regions outside the U.S./Canada if required.
Highlight any publications or scholarly work you have completed.
Choose referees who know your work thoroughly and can speak to both academic excellence and potential for future scholarship.
Demonstrate that your doctoral degree (or nearing completion) is in good standing and that you can fulfill degree requirements by necessary dates.
Ensure all materials are submitted on time, and leave buffer time for recommendation letters.
What It’s Not
This is not an undergraduate scholarship. It is explicitly for post-doctoral level or nearly completed PhD scholars.
It does not cover full tuition for new students, because it is not for degree-seeking undergraduate or master’s study.
It does not accept applicants who have already held certain Harvard post-doctoral fellowships.
Conclusion
The Harvard Academy Scholars Program is an excellent opportunity for those at the start of their research careers in the social sciences or law, particularly with an international or regional focus. With a generous stipend, research support, and the chance to work within Harvard’s scholarly community, it can be transformative for academic careers.
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September 11, 2025
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