The Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship Program is one of the world’s most prestigious residential fellowship opportunities for accomplished scholars, scientists, writers, artists, journalists, and public intellectuals. Every year, the Harvard Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study welcomes outstanding individuals from around the world to pursue ambitious projects while becoming part of Harvard University’s vibrant intellectual community.
The Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship 2027/28 offers selected fellows the opportunity to spend an academic year in Cambridge, Massachusetts, conducting independent research or creative work with access to Harvard’s exceptional academic resources. In addition to generous financial support, fellows collaborate across disciplines, attend seminars, and engage with experts from diverse fields.
Whether your work focuses on science, engineering, humanities, social sciences, journalism, or the creative arts, this fellowship provides an exceptional environment to advance innovative ideas with global impact.
Fellowship Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Harvard Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study |
| Host Country | United States |
| Fellowship Year | 2027–2028 |
| Program Type | Residential Fellowship |
| Duration | September 2027 – May 2028 |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Stipend | USD 78,000 |
| Project Support | USD 5,000 |
| Eligible Applicants | International Scholars, Scientists, Writers, Journalists, Artists & Public Intellectuals |
| Application Mode | Online |
About the Harvard Radcliffe Institute
The Harvard Radcliffe Institute is one of Harvard University’s leading interdisciplinary research centers. Each year, it selects approximately 50 fellows from diverse disciplines and countries to pursue independent projects while participating in an active community of scholars and creators.
The fellowship encourages innovative work that addresses significant scientific, cultural, social, and policy issues. Fellows benefit from Harvard’s libraries, research facilities, seminars, and collaborative environment throughout the academic year.
Why This Fellowship Is Highly Competitive
The Radcliffe Fellowship is recognized internationally because it provides fellows with:
- A full academic year dedicated to independent work.
- Access to Harvard University’s world-class resources.
- Collaboration with experts from multiple disciplines.
- A diverse international fellowship community.
- Professional networking opportunities.
- Time and financial support to complete significant projects.
- Long-term membership in the Radcliffe alumni network.
Many former fellows have become influential researchers, award-winning authors, policymakers, innovators, and artists.
Eligible Fields
Applications are welcomed from a broad range of disciplines, including:
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Science
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Creative Arts
- Journalism
- Public Policy
- Literature
- History
- Law
- Architecture
- Music
- Film
- Visual Arts
Applicants should propose an original project that can benefit from an interdisciplinary academic environment.
Fellowship Responsibilities
Selected fellows are expected to:
- Work full-time on their proposed project.
- Participate actively in the Radcliffe fellowship community.
- Attend weekly seminars, lectures, and discussions.
- Share their research or creative work with other fellows.
- Collaborate across disciplines where appropriate.
- Engage respectfully with Harvard faculty, researchers, and visiting scholars.
The fellowship emphasizes intellectual exchange as much as individual project development.
Financial Benefits
The Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship provides generous financial support.
Successful applicants receive:
- USD 78,000 fellowship stipend.
- USD 5,000 project expense allowance.
- Eligibility for relocation assistance.
- Housing support for eligible fellows.
- Childcare assistance for eligible participants.
- Health insurance support where applicable.
- Office or studio space at the Radcliffe Institute.
- Full access to Harvard University’s libraries and academic facilities.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility requirements vary slightly by discipline.
Generally, applicants should:
- Have a distinguished record of professional achievement.
- Meet the discipline-specific academic or professional qualifications.
- Propose an original project suitable for one academic year.
- Demonstrate the ability to contribute to an interdisciplinary community.
For many academic fields, applicants are expected to have earned a doctoral degree at least four years before the fellowship year and have a strong publication record. Creative professionals and journalists follow separate eligibility pathways based on their professional accomplishments. Individuals currently enrolled in degree programmes are generally not eligible.
Required Documents
Applicants typically prepare:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Detailed project proposal.
- Writing sample or portfolio, depending on the discipline.
- Bibliography where appropriate.
- Contact information for three referees.
- Additional discipline-specific materials requested during the application.
Each application is evaluated according to the standards of its respective field.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Review Eligibility
Carefully read the discipline-specific eligibility requirements before beginning your application.
Step 2: Prepare Your Project Proposal
Clearly explain:
- Your research or creative project.
- Why it matters.
- Expected outcomes.
- How Harvard’s resources will support your work.
A focused and well-structured proposal is essential.
Step 3: Update Your CV
Highlight:
- Academic achievements.
- Publications.
- Awards.
- Professional experience.
- Leadership roles.
- Major projects.
Step 4: Arrange References
Select referees who know your work well and can provide detailed recommendations regarding your achievements and future potential.
Step 5: Submit Your Online Application
Complete the online application and upload all required materials before the deadline for your discipline.
Tips for a Strong Application
To strengthen your application:
- Present a clear and original project idea.
- Demonstrate significant professional achievement.
- Explain the broader impact of your work.
- Tailor every document specifically to the fellowship.
- Follow all formatting instructions carefully.
- Submit your application well before the deadline.
Common Mistakes Applicants Make
Avoid these common errors:
- Writing an overly broad project proposal.
- Ignoring discipline-specific eligibility requirements.
- Providing incomplete supporting documents.
- Selecting referees unfamiliar with your work.
- Missing the submission deadline.
- Failing to explain why the project benefits from Harvard’s interdisciplinary environment.
Related Fellowship Opportunities
If you are interested in prestigious international research fellowships, you may also explore:
- Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship.
- WIPO Fellowship in Switzerland.
- EC Blue Book Traineeship.
- Max Planck Research Fellowships.
- Government AI Research Fellowships.
These programmes provide excellent opportunities for international research, policy development, and professional growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship fully funded?
Yes. Fellows receive a USD 78,000 stipend, an additional USD 5,000 project allowance, and may also qualify for relocation, housing, childcare, and other support depending on their circumstances.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. The fellowship welcomes applications from qualified candidates around the world across a wide range of academic, professional, and creative disciplines.
How long does the fellowship last?
The fellowship runs for one academic year, from September 2027 through May 2028.
Are there different application deadlines?
Yes. For the 2027–2028 cycle, applications in the humanities, social sciences, creative arts, nonfiction, and journalism are due 10 September 2026, while science, engineering, and mathematics applications are due 1 October 2026.
Who should apply?
The fellowship is designed for established scholars, scientists, writers, journalists, artists, and public intellectuals with a strong record of achievement and an innovative project proposal suitable for a year of focused work.
Final Thoughts
The Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship 2027/28 offers an extraordinary opportunity for accomplished professionals to dedicate an academic year to meaningful research or creative work within one of the world’s leading universities. With substantial financial support, access to Harvard’s exceptional academic resources, and collaboration with an international community of distinguished fellows, the programme provides an ideal environment for advancing projects that can make a lasting impact.
If your work demonstrates originality, excellence, and the potential to contribute to important conversations across disciplines, start preparing your application early. A compelling project proposal, strong professional record, and carefully prepared supporting documents can significantly enhance your chances of joining this highly competitive fellowship.
