Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship 2028-29
Between Cycles
Overview
The Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship gives established scholars, artists and journalists a full academic year at Harvard University to pursue a project of their own. Fellows receive a stipend of $78,000 plus $5,000 for project expenses, office or studio space and a Harvard appointment. Housing, childcare and healthcare support are available as needed. For the full list of benefits, see what the scholarship covers.The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships fund full-time Master’s study at a participating UK university for students from eligible Commonwealth countries. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK and the university share the cost, which covers full tuition fees, a monthly stipend of £1,712 (£2,000 at London universities) and an approved return flight. The award normally lasts 12 months. For the full list of benefits, see what the scholarship covers.
What to know before applying
This is a fellowship for established professionals rather than new graduates. In the sciences, humanities and social sciences you need a doctorate or equivalent received at least four years before your appointment. Humanities and social sciences applicants need a published monograph or at least two refereed articles, and science, engineering and mathematics applicants need at least five refereed articles. Journalists need five years of professional work and visual artists need five years as a professional artist. Current degree students and former Radcliffe fellows are not eligible.
The application has a 1,400-word project proposal, a CV, a work sample and three referees. Review is in two stages, first by experts in your field and then by a multidisciplinary committee that looks at the significance of the project and your record or promise. Fellows must live in the Cambridge and Boston area from September through May. The page does not state a nationality rule. To compare other research fellowships, see the Royal Society Newton Fellowship, the Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship, the ICTP Postdoctoral Fellowship and the Wellcome Early-Career Awards.
Timeline notes
The deadline for the 2027-2028 fellowship year has passed, and applicants for that year are notified by the end of March 2027. Radcliffe expects to publish the 2028-2029 information in spring 2027, so watch the official page then. See the application deadline section for the current status
About the Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship
The Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship is a fully funded scholarship offered by Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University for study in United States. The scholarship supports students pursuing Post-doctoral studies in Humanities, social sciences, science, engineering and mathematics, journalism and visual arts. Recipients receive A stipend of USD 78,000 plus USD 5,000 for project expenses for a duration of A full academic year, September through May.
Eligible applicants: Nationality is not stated on the page. Fellows must live in the Cambridge/Boston area during the fellowship. Academic standing: Not communicated.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and align with the Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship selection criteria, this represents a life-changing opportunity to study with full financial support. Read the sections below carefully to understand the benefits, eligibility, application process, and deadline before applying.
Scholarship Benefits & What's Covered
Selected recipients of the Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship receive a comprehensive funding package. Here's what the scholarship covers:
- Stipend and allowances: A stipend of USD 78,000 plus USD 5,000 for project expenses
- Tuition fees: Not applicable. This is a fellowship with a stipend and not a degree programme
- Accommodation: Housing funds may be available. Fellows also receive office or studio space in Byerly Hall
- Airfare / travel: Relocation funds may be available
- Health insurance: Healthcare support is available as needed
- Family / dependants: Childcare funds may be available
- Program duration: A full academic year, September through May
- Number of awards per year: Not communicated
The scholarship is classified as Fully Funded. This means recipients receive complete financial coverage throughout their study period, allowing them to focus entirely on their academic and research goals without financial burden.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements. Applications from ineligible candidates are automatically rejected, so review these carefully before applying.
Academic requirements
- Minimum degree level: A doctorate or equivalent received at least four years before the appointment, which means December 2023 for 2027-2028. Journalists and visual artists qualify through professional experience instead
- Academic standing: Not communicated
- Academic background: Humanities and social sciences applicants need a published monograph or at least two refereed articles. Science, engineering and mathematics applicants need at least five refereed articles. Journalists need five years of professional work and visual artists five years as a professional artist. Current degree students and former Radcliffe fellows (1999 to present) are not eligible
- Fields of study: Humanities, social sciences, science, engineering and mathematics, journalism and visual arts
Nationality & residency
- Eligible countries: Nationality is not stated on the page. Fellows must live in the Cambridge/Boston area during the fellowship
- Residency: You must live in the Cambridge/Boston area from September through May
Language requirements
- Language of instruction: Not communicated
- Language test: Not communicated
- Minimum score: Not communicated
Other requirements
- Age: Not communicated
- Gender: Not communicated
How to Apply for the Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship
Applications for the Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship are submitted through the official channels of Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University. Follow these steps to submit a strong application:
Step 1: Verify eligibility. Confirm you meet every requirement listed above, particularly nationality, academic level, and language proficiency. Applications from ineligible candidates are automatically rejected without review.
Step 2: Prepare required documents. You will need to submit: Application form, CV, a 1,400-word project proposal with a bibliography when appropriate, a writing or work sample (40 pages maximum for humanities and social sciences) and contact details for three references. Prepare each document carefully, reviewers typically shortlist based on document quality and completeness.
Step 3: Secure reference letters. Yes, three references who upload their letters through an emailed prompt. Contact your referees early. References take time to prepare.
Step 4: Submit the application. Complete the application on the official portal before the deadline. The application deadline for this scholarship is To be announced. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
Step 5: Await response. Shortlisting typically takes 4–8 weeks after the deadline. Successful candidates are invited to interview or additional assessment. Final decisions are announced 3–6 months after the application deadline.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship is To be announced. Application window: To be announced.
We strongly recommend starting your application at least 6–8 weeks before the deadline to allow sufficient time for document preparation, reference letter requests, and revisions to your personal statement. Rushed applications are visibly weaker and reduce your chance of shortlisting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship fully funded?
The scholarship is classified as Fully Funded. This means it covers all or most major costs — see the Benefits section above for a full breakdown.
Who can apply for the Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship?
Applicants must be from Nationality is not stated on the page. Fellows must live in the Cambridge/Boston area during the fellowship. Additionally, applicants must hold A doctorate or equivalent received at least four years before the appointment, which means December 2023 for 2027-2028. Journalists and visual artists qualify through professional experience instead. Full eligibility criteria including language, age, and academic requirements are detailed in the Eligibility section above.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship is To be announced. Late applications are not accepted, so aim to submit at least 2 weeks in advance.
Is there a bond or return obligation?
Not communicated.
Where do I apply?
Apply directly on the official portal: Application Link. ScholarshipSpace does not process applications on their behalf.