The Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship 2026–2027 is a prestigious opportunity that invites exceptional scholars, scientists, artists, and public intellectuals from around the world to spend a full academic year at Harvard University. This fully funded program gives fellows the chance to focus deeply on a project that matters to them and society at large. Fellows join a diverse, interdisciplinary community in a vibrant environment at the Harvard Radcliffe Institute.
Radcliffe supports innovative work across the humanities, sciences, social sciences, engineering, mathematics, and creative arts. Applicants may apply individually or as a pair working on a joint project. The Institute seeks groundbreaking ideas, particularly those that address social and policy challenges, foster intellectual diversity, or promote public engagement. Fellows are encouraged to explore topics connected to gender and society or aligned with Radcliffe’s multi-year focus areas like academic freedom, climate change, and equity.
Each year, Radcliffe selects 50 fellows who present a clear record of accomplishment and promise for future impact. Fellows benefit from Harvard resources, including libraries, archives, and collaboration with undergraduate researchers. Throughout the year, fellows share progress, attend group lunches and seminars, and participate in events that enhance professional and personal growth.
The fellowship offers a $78,000 stipend, a $5,000 project allowance, and additional support for relocation, housing, childcare, and healthcare. Fellows also receive an office or studio at Byerly Hall and hold full-time visiting fellow appointments at Harvard. This is not a postdoctoral program and requires a strong body of independent work.
Quick Overview of Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship 2026–2027
- Host Country: United States
- Host Institution: Harvard University – Radcliffe Institute
- Deadline: September 11, 2025 (Humanities, Social Sciences, Creative Arts); September 30, 2025 (Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Programs Covered: Independent research and creative projects in arts, humanities, social sciences, sciences, engineering, mathematics
- Value: $78,000 stipend, $5,000 project funds, relocation, housing, and childcare support
- Age Limit: None specified
- Eligibility: Open to global applicants with a strong record of independent achievement and publication/performance
Perks of Harvard Fellowships in the US 2026
- $78,000 USD stipend for the academic year
- $5,000 for project-related expenses
- Full-time visiting fellow status at Harvard University
- Access to Harvard libraries, archives, and athletic facilities
- Office or studio in Byerly Hall, Radcliffe Yard
- Support for housing, relocation, childcare, and healthcare
- Research assistance through the Radcliffe Research Partnership Program
- Participation in professional development workshops and public events
- Opportunities for public presentations, seminars, and interdisciplinary exchange
Benefits of Radcliffe Fellowships at Harvard University
- Conduct research at one of the world’s top universities with access to vast academic resources
- Gain visibility, network with global experts, and deepen your portfolio through public lectures and workshops
- Dedicate uninterrupted time to a meaningful project in a supportive environment
- Connect with other outstanding fellows from various disciplines and backgrounds
- Enhance your professional profile through affiliation with Harvard
Exclusions of Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship 2026
- Not intended for current doctoral/master’s students unless degree is forthcoming and dissertation is approved
- Former fellows (1999–present) are ineligible to reapply
- Fellowship cannot be deferred
- Projects requiring extensive lab infrastructure are less suitable unless in collaboration with a local Boston-based lab
Eligibility Criteria of Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship 2026
- Open to global applicants from all backgrounds
- Strong record of independent achievement required
- Humanities & Social Sciences: Doctorate by December 2022 and two peer-reviewed publications
- Science, Engineering, Mathematics: Doctorate by December 2022 and five peer-reviewed articles
- Creative Arts:
- Visual Arts: 5+ years of work with at least 2 solo exhibitions
- Film/Video: Work shown at galleries, festivals, or broadcast
- Fiction/Nonfiction: Published book or 3 long published works
- Poetry: 20+ poems or a published collection in the past 5 years
- Journalism: 5+ years professional experience
- Playwriting/Music: Record of professional work or performances
- Group applications (2 people) are allowed with a joint project
- J-1 visa sponsorship for international applicants is available
Important Dates of Harvard Fellowship for International Students
- Applications Open: Ongoing
- Deadline (Humanities/Social Sciences/Creative Arts): September 11, 2025 (11:59 PM ET)
- Deadline (Sciences/Engineering/Mathematics): September 30, 2025 (11:59 PM ET)
- Results Notification: March 2026
- Fellowship Duration: September 2026 – May 2027
How to Apply to the Fully Funded Fellowships in the USA 2026
- Visit the official page: https://www.radcliffe.harvard.edu/radcliffe-fellowship/become-a-radcliffe-fellow
- Register and apply online via: https://radcliffe.onlineapplicationportal.com/
- Choose your application track (Humanities/Social Sciences, Creative Arts, or Sciences)
- Complete the application form
- Upload required documents (CV, project proposal, work sample)
- List three recommenders and ensure the timely submission of their letters
- Apply before the relevant deadline
Required Documents for Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship 2026–2027
- Application form
- Curriculum Vitae (max 6 pages)
- Project Proposal (up to 1,400 words including abstract)
- Optional Bibliography (1–3 pages for applicable fields)
- Work/Writing Sample (discipline-specific)
- Three letters of recommendation
