About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
Benefits
The fellowship provides substantial financial and academic support to selected participants. Fellows receive funding that allows them to fully concentrate on their projects without financial pressure.
Financial Benefits
Selected fellows for the 2026–2027 academic year will receive:
A stipend of $78,000
An additional $5,000 for project expenses
Relocation assistance
Childcare support opportunities
Health insurance support
Housing assistance in some cases
Access to Harvard University facilities and resources
The fellowship also offers visa sponsorship opportunities for international participants.
Fellowship Duration
The Radcliffe Fellowship is a residential program that runs for one academic year. Fellows are expected to actively participate in the institute’s intellectual community during their residency at Harvard University.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is open to applicants from all nationalities. However, applicants must meet discipline-specific requirements.
General eligibility requirements include:
Applicants must demonstrate significant professional achievement
Candidates currently enrolled in degree programs are not eligible
Former Radcliffe fellows are ineligible to apply
Applicants must submit an independent project proposal
Scholars and researchers should possess a strong publication record
Artists and writers must show a substantial portfolio of creative work
For applicants in humanities and social sciences, published books or refereed journal articles are usually required. Scientists, engineers, and mathematicians are generally expected to have several peer-reviewed publications. Creative professionals should demonstrate recognized accomplishments within their field.
Areas of Interest
The Radcliffe Institute encourages applications addressing critical contemporary issues. Some highlighted themes include:
Climate change and sustainability
Academic freedom
Political polarization
Social inequality
Public policy
Diversity of thought
Religion and society
Science and technology innovation
The institute particularly welcomes interdisciplinary projects that challenge traditional approaches and contribute fresh perspectives to important debates.
Required Application Documents
Applicants are generally required to submit the following materials:
Completed online application form
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Project proposal
Abstract of the proposed work
Writing sample or portfolio
Letters of recommendation
The project proposal is especially important because it outlines the significance, goals, and expected impact of the applicant’s work. Strong proposals clearly explain how the fellowship year at Harvard will contribute to the project’s success.
Application Deadline
The deadline for application is 10 September 2026
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their materials early because the selection process is highly competitive.
Selection Process
Applications undergo a rigorous two-stage review process. Experts in the applicant’s field first evaluate submissions before a multidisciplinary committee makes the final selections. The committee considers:
Originality of the proposed project
Applicant’s professional achievements
Potential future impact
Interdisciplinary engagement
Ability to contribute to the fellowship community
Successful candidates are usually notified by March following the application deadline.
Why You Should Apply
The Radcliffe Institute Fellowship is more than just a funded research opportunity. It is an intellectual community designed to foster creativity, innovation, and meaningful collaboration. Fellows gain uninterrupted time to focus on transformative work while connecting with scholars and professionals from across the globe.
The fellowship’s combination of generous funding, prestigious institutional support, and interdisciplinary collaboration makes it one of the best fully funded opportunities available in the United States today.
Applicants who are passionate about advancing knowledge, challenging conventions, and contributing to global conversations should strongly consider applying for this prestigious Harvard fellowship.
How to apply