Harvard University Academy Scholars Program 2026: How to apply

Harvard Academy Scholars 2026: $80,000 annual research fellowship

The Harvard University Academy Scholars Program 2026 is now open, offering one of the most competitive postdoctoral fellowships in the USA. With an annual stipend of $80,000, the program supports outstanding early-career scholars whose work blends social science with deep regional or cultural expertise beyond the United States and Canada.

Applications close on September 19, 2025, and successful candidates will join a global network of innovative researchers.

About the Harvard Academy Scholars Program

The Academy Scholars Program, hosted by the Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies, seeks individuals whose scholarship spans traditional disciplinary lines. Selected scholars are expected to tackle comparative, transnational, or domestic issues with originality, offering insights into critical global challenges.

This fellowship is designed as a launchpad for careers in research universities and international institutions, providing recipients with both resources and mentorship.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet specific criteria to qualify:

Be a PhD recipient (within two years of the August 1, 2026 start date) or an advanced doctoral candidate in the social sciences.
Doctoral candidates must provide official documentation of degree conferral by June 30, 2026.
Scholars who have held any other Harvard postdoctoral fellowship are not eligible.

These requirements ensure the program supports emerging scholars at the beginning of their academic careers.

Benefits of the Academy Scholars Fellowship

The Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2026 offers a comprehensive set of benefits, including:

Two-year in-residence fellowship within a three-year window.
$80,000 annual stipend to fund living and research costs.
Full access to Harvard University’s research resources and mentorship.
Opportunity to apply for a one-time leave (up to 12 months) between Year 1 and Year 2 for a tenure-track teaching appointment.
Exclusive membership in a prestigious network of international scholars.

This financial and academic support allows recipients to dedicate themselves fully to their research without external obligations.

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded

Required Documents

Candidates must prepare the following documents for submission:

Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a list of publications.
Research proposal (max 2,000 words), including intellectual objectives and methodology.
One scholarly writing sample (PhD dissertation chapter or peer-reviewed article, max 50 pages).
PhD program transcript.
Three confidential letters of recommendation, submitted directly by referees.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

Follow these steps to apply for the Harvard University Academy Scholars Program 2026:

Visit the Academy Scholars Program webpage on the Harvard Academy site.
Upload all required documents in PDF format.
Ensure that recommenders upload their letters of recommendation by the deadline.
Submit your complete application before September 19, 2025.
Send questions to [email protected]

Note: Incomplete applications put candidates at a significant disadvantage. Results will be announced in December 2025.

Why Apply for the Harvard Academy Scholars Program?

This program is not just about funding, it’s about joining a global intellectual community. For early-career scholars, it represents a unique chance to:

Gain financial independence with an $80,000 stipend.
Work within Harvard’s world-class academic environment.
Build networks that can shape a lifelong academic or policy career.

A Prestigious Path for Future Scholars

The Harvard University Academy Scholars Program 2026 is more than a fellowship, it’s a career-defining opportunity. With generous funding, mentorship, and a global platform, it equips the next generation of scholars to make a lasting impact on international and area studies.

Don’t miss your chance. Submit your application before September 19, 2025, and take the first step toward joining Harvard’s distinguished community of Academy Scholars.