The Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship is a prestigious, fully funded program hosted by Harvard University’s Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. The Radcliffe Fellowship Program at Harvard supports 50 outstanding scholars, artists, and public intellectuals each year who have shown significant achievement and strong potential for future contributions. Fellows engage in an interdisciplinary, collaborative community, sharing their work, building professional relationships, and accessing Harvard’s extensive resources.
Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship program values diversity across disciplines, backgrounds, and perspectives. Through the Radcliffe Research Partnership Program, fellows also mentor Harvard students, fostering intellectual exchange. The fellowship supports innovative projects that address significant social and policy issues and engage audiences beyond academia. Application Deadline: September 12, 2025 (for humanities, social sciences, and creative arts)
October 3, 2025 (for science, engineering, and mathematics)
University/Institution Details
- Host University: Harvard University – Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Ranking: Harvard ranks #1 globally (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- Programs Offered: Research-based fellowships (not degree programs)
- Duration: 9 months (The fellowship runs from September 2026–May 2027)
Study Areas
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- African-American Studies
- American Studies
- Anthropology
- Architecture
- Art History
- Business
- Classics/Ancient Languages
- Cultural Studies
- Economics
- Education
- Environmental Studies
- Film Studies
- Folklore / Oral History / Mythology
- Geography
- History
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Multidisciplinary
- Musicology
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Population Studies
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Public Policy
- Religion
- Sociology
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
- Creative Arts
- Creative Writing
- Fiction
- Poetry
- Nonfiction: Biography / Autobiography / Memoir
- Nonfiction: Current Issues and other topics
- Film and Video
- Journalism
- Music – Composition
- Playwriting
- Visual Arts
- Science, Engineering, and Mathematics
- Biology and Medical Sciences
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Earth and Planetary Sciences
- Engineering Sciences
- Mathematics and Applied Sciences
- Materials Science
- Physics and Astronomy/Astrophysics
- Statistics
Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship Benefits
- Stipend: $78,000 for the fellowship year
- Project allowance: Additional $5,000 for research/project expenses
- Payment options: U.S. citizens or permanent residents from U.S. institutions can choose to receive the stipend directly or through their home institution
- Research support: Covers wages for hiring Harvard undergraduate research assistants
- Facilities and appointments:
- Office or studio space in Byerly Hall
- Full-time visiting fellow status at Harvard
- Access to Harvard libraries, athletic facilities, and campus resources
- Professional development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and campus engagement throughout the fellowship year
- Opportunity to collaborate with Harvard scholars and fellow fellows
- Additional funding available:
- Relocation support
- Housing assistance
- Childcare funds
- Healthcare support as needed
Benefits Not Included
- Family relocation support beyond immediate dependents
- Health insurance (not fully covered for dependents)
Eligibilities for Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship
General Eligibility:
- Applicants must demonstrate an extraordinary level of accomplishment and a strong body of independent work.
- The fellowship is not intended as a postdoctoral program.
- Former Harvard Radcliffe Fellows (1999–present) are ineligible.
- International applicants are welcome and may receive J-1 visa sponsorship.
- Independent scholars and artists not affiliated with institutions are eligible.
- Group applications (max. 2 individuals) are accepted under specific conditions.
Students in Graduate Programs:
- Applicants cannot be enrolled in a doctoral or master’s program at the time of application unless:
- The dissertation has been accepted, and
- The degree is forthcoming.
Humanities and Social Sciences:
- Must have received a doctorate (or terminal degree such as PhD, MD, or JD) by December 2022.
- Must have published either:
- A monograph, or
- At least two articles in refereed journals or edited collections.
Science, Engineering, and Mathematics:
- Must have received a doctorate in the proposed project area by December 2022.
- Must have published at least five articles in refereed journals (most have many more).
Creative Arts (Discipline-Specific):
- Film and Video: Independent work exhibited in galleries, festivals, or broadcast.
- Visual Arts: At least five years as a professional artist with:
- Several curated group shows and
- At least two professional solo exhibitions.
- Fiction and Nonfiction: Must have:
- One or more published books, or
- A book contract, or
- At least three published long-form works.
- Poetry: At least 20 published poems or a book of poetry within the last five years and must be working on a manuscript.
- Journalism: Minimum five years of professional experience.
- Playwriting: Significant body of produced or optioned plays.
- Music Composition: Strong professional achievement and recent performances; PhD or DMA is optional but desirable.
Group Projects:
- Up to two applicants may apply as a group.
- Each must meet all eligibility criteria individually.
- Both must submit separate applications and identical project proposals.
- Each must include individual CVs and work samples.
Required Documents
- Application form (via online portal)
- Curriculum vitae (maximum 6 pages)
- Project proposal (up to 1,400 words, including 150-word abstract)
- Bibliography (optional, 1–3 pages, if relevant)
- Work or writing sample (varies by discipline, within specified page/time limits)
- Contact information for three references (who will upload letters of recommendation via portal)
Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship Application Process
- Visit the official fellowship portal
- Create an account and complete the online application
- Upload documents and submit recommendation requests
- Ensure all materials are submitted before the deadline
- Wait for the selection outcome (typically in March)
Tips for a Successful Application
- Craft a clear, innovative, and feasible project proposal
- Highlight interdisciplinary impact
- Use active language and storytelling techniques
- Tailor your CV to emphasize relevant experience
- Choose recommenders familiar with your work
- Proofread and revise all documents carefully
- Submit early to avoid technical issues
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (Estimated)
- Rent (1-bedroom apartment): $2,000–$3,000
- Food: $300–$500
- Transport: $100
- Health Insurance: $200–$400
- Miscellaneous: $300
Total: ~$3,000–$4,500/month
Why Choose This Opportunity?
The Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship is more than a funding opportunity—it’s a transformative intellectual experience. Fellows gain access to Harvard’s unmatched resources, network with leading scholars and artists, and get time and space to focus entirely on their work. The fellowship cultivates interdisciplinary thinking, promotes public engagement, and accelerates personal and professional growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is the fellowship open to international applicants?
Yes, the program welcomes global applicants from all disciplines.
Q2: Do I need a PhD to apply?
No. A strong track record of work or publications suffices.
Q3: Can I bring my family?
Yes, but financial support is limited to primary applicants and minor dependents.
Q4: Is this a degree-granting program?
No, it’s a non-degree research fellowship.
Q5: Can artists and creatives apply?
Absolutely. Writers, filmmakers, visual artists, and composers are encouraged to apply.
Official link for more details and application:
Visit Official Fellowship Page
