Looking for one of the world’s most prestigious research fellowships? The Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship 2027–2028 offers outstanding scholars, scientists, writers, journalists, and artists US$78,000 in stipend plus a US$5,000 project allowance to pursue an ambitious project during a full academic year at Harvard University. Hosted by the Harvard Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study in the United States, this highly competitive fellowship brings together accomplished professionals from the humanities, social sciences, creative arts, science, engineering, mathematics, nonfiction, and journalism. If you want dedicated research time, access to Harvard’s world-class resources, and a vibrant interdisciplinary community, this fellowship is an exceptional opportunity.

Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship 2027–2028- Overview

CategoryDetails
Host CountryUnited States
Host InstitutionHarvard Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard University
ProgramHarvard Radcliffe Fellowship 2027–2028
Fellowship PeriodSeptember 2027 – May 2028
FundingUS$78,000 stipend + US$5,000 project expenses
Additional SupportRelocation assistance (eligible fellows), office/studio space, Harvard appointment, research support, childcare support (eligible fellows), undergraduate research partners
Eligible FieldsHumanities, Social Sciences, Creative Arts, Science, Engineering & Mathematics, Nonfiction, Journalism
Application MethodOnline
Humanities/Social Sciences/Creative Arts/Nonfiction/Journalism Deadline10 September 2026, 5:00 PM ET
Science, Engineering & Mathematics Deadline1 October 2026, 5:00 PM ET

About the Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship

The Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship Program provides outstanding professionals with dedicated time to pursue innovative research, scholarship, and creative work within Harvard University’s interdisciplinary environment. The Institute welcomes projects addressing significant social, scientific, artistic, and policy challenges. While proposals related to women, gender, society, or the Schlesinger Library collections are encouraged, applicants from all eligible disciplines may apply. For the Institute’s current 2024–2029 focus area, proposals connected to academic freedom and connecting across difference are also welcomed. Topics include:

  • Intellectual virtues
  • Free and open inquiry
  • Diversity of thought
  • Political polarization
  • Peace and conflict
  • Inequality
  • Religious pluralism
  • Higher education policy
  • Transformative interdisciplinary perspectives

Entity Snapshot

  • Harvard Radcliffe Institute hosts the Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship Program.
  • Harvard University appoints selected fellows as Visiting Fellows.
  • Harvard Radcliffe Institute provides a US$78,000 fellowship stipend.
  • Harvard Radcliffe Institute supports interdisciplinary collaboration across the sciences, humanities, arts, and social sciences.

Available Disciplines for Harvard Research Fellowship in USA 2027

Applicants may apply within one of five major program areas.

Social Sciences

  • Anthropology
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Environmental Studies
  • Geography
  • History
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Political Science
  • Population Studies
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration
  • Public Health
  • Public Policy
  • Sociology
  • Urban and Regional Planning
  • Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
  • Business
  • Multidisciplinary fields

Humanities

  • African-American Studies
  • American Studies
  • Architecture
  • Art History
  • Classics
  • Cultural Studies
  • Literature
  • Musicology
  • Philosophy
  • Religion
  • Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
  • Multidisciplinary Humanities

Creative Arts

  • Fiction
  • Poetry
  • Film and Video
  • Music Composition
  • Playwriting
  • Visual Arts

Science, Engineering and Mathematics

  • Biology
  • Medical Sciences
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Earth and Planetary Sciences
  • Engineering Sciences
  • Materials Science
  • Mathematics
  • Physics and Astronomy
  • Statistics
  • Applied Sciences

Nonfiction and Journalism

  • Biography
  • Memoir
  • Current Issues
  • Journalism
  • Other nonfiction topics

Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship Eligibility

The Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship targets established professionals with significant achievements rather than current students or early-stage postdoctoral researchers. Applicants must satisfy the eligibility requirements for their specific discipline and demonstrate a strong record of professional accomplishment.

General Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Meet discipline-specific eligibility requirements.
  • Apply within one eligible program area.
  • Not be currently enrolled in a degree program.
  • Not be a Harvard Radcliffe Fellow from 1999 onward.

Humanities and Social Sciences

Applicants must:

  • Hold a doctorate (or equivalent) earned at least four years before the fellowship appointment (December 2023 for the 2027–2028 cohort).
  • Have published a monograph or at least two refereed publications.

Science, Engineering and Mathematics

Applicants must:

  • Hold a doctorate earned at least four years before appointment.
  • Have published at least five refereed journal articles.

Journalism

Applicants must have worked professionally as a journalist for at least five years.

Nonfiction

Applicants must have:

  • One or more published books, or
  • A contract for a book-length manuscript, or
  • At least three substantial published works longer than newspaper articles.

Creative Arts

Eligibility varies by discipline. Examples include:

  • Published books for fiction.
  • At least 20 published poems or a poetry book within the last five years.
  • Significant independent work for film, playwriting, or music composition.
  • At least five years of professional artistic practice for visual arts.

How to Apply for Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship?

Step 1: Visit the Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship application information, review the research fellowship eligibility criteria and select your appropriate application area.

Review the Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship Program 2027 Application Information

Step 2: Start your application process for Harvard Research Fellowship for Intenational Researchers and Prepare your project proposal and supporting documents.

Step 3: Submit your application before the deadline via US Harvard Radcliffe Institute online application portal.

Apply Now for Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship 2027

Careers Help Desk Expert Tips

  • Start preparing your proposal several months before the deadline because the fellowship expects ambitious, original projects rather than preliminary ideas.
  • Secure referees early to avoid delays with recommendation letters.
  • Tailor your proposal to demonstrate both disciplinary excellence and interdisciplinary relevance.
  • Clearly explain the broader societal significance of your project, as the Institute values work that reaches audiences beyond academia.
  • Scientists should highlight publication quality as well as research impact since successful STEM fellows often have extensive publication records.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying while enrolled in a degree program.
  • Missing the discipline-specific publication requirements.
  • Waiting until the final days to request recommendation letters.
  • Uploading work samples that exceed page or time limits.
  • Choosing the wrong application area.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows receive substantial financial and institutional support.

Financial Support

  • US$78,000 fellowship stipend
  • US$5,000 project expense allowance

Additional Benefits

Eligible fellows may also receive:

  • Relocation funding
  • Office or studio space in Byerly Hall
  • Full-time Harvard Visiting Fellow appointment
  • Access to Harvard libraries
  • Access to Harvard athletic facilities
  • Opportunity to hire Harvard undergraduate research partners (funded by the Institute)
  • Professional development activities
  • Public lectures and interdisciplinary seminars
  • Childcare support for eligible fellows
  • Family engagement opportunities

Apply Now- Research in the United States

The Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship 2027–2028 ranks among the world’s premier residential fellowships for accomplished scholars, researchers, scientists, writers, journalists, and artists. With US$83,000 in direct financial support, full access to Harvard University resources, and an interdisciplinary academic community, it provides an exceptional environment to complete transformative work. Interested applicants should begin preparing their proposals early and submit complete applications before the appropriate September or October 2026 deadline through the official Harvard Radcliffe application portal.

Official Source: Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship 2027-2028 Call for Applications

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship fully funded?

Yes. Fellows receive a US$78,000 stipend, a US$5,000 project allowance, and additional institutional benefits, with eligible fellows also receiving relocation and childcare support.

Can international applicants apply?

Yes. The official application information welcomes applications from eligible individuals who satisfy the discipline-specific requirements. The source does not restrict eligibility by nationality.

Can current PhD students apply?

No. Applicants who are currently enrolled in a degree program are not eligible.

Is this a postdoctoral fellowship?

No. The program explicitly states that it is not intended to serve as a postdoctoral fellowship.

When will applicants receive results?

Applicants will be notified by email in March 2027.

How long does the fellowship last?

The fellowship runs from September 2027 through May 2028.

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