Harvard University has announced the next call for applications for its prestigious Academy Scholars Program. This highly competitive fellowship provides exceptional early-career scholars from across the globe the opportunity to advance their independent research at the Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies.
Designed for emerging academics in the social sciences, the program supports groundbreaking research while fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue and global engagement.
Funding Package
Selected Academy Scholars receive an annual stipend of $75,000 for postdoctoral appointments. This funding package is designed to fully support living and research expenses throughout the fellowship term. In addition to the stipend, scholars gain access to Harvard’s extensive academic resources, research networks, and intellectual community, offering a strong platform to advance their scholarly contributions on an international stage.
Eligibility Criteria
The Academy Scholars Program welcomes applications from candidates of all nationalities and citizenships, provided they meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must have recently completed or be nearing completion of a PhD (or equivalent degree such as DPhil or SJD) in the social sciences.
- Those who have already completed their PhD must have earned it on or after August 1, 2024, to be eligible for the August 1, 2026, start date.
- Doctoral candidates still completing their dissertations must be able to provide official degree conferral documentation by June 30, 2026.
- Applicants who have held or completed another postdoctoral fellowship are not eligible.
- Finalists must be available for a personal interview with the Selection Committee on December 4, 2025 (arranged by Harvard Academy).
- No postponements or deferrals of the August 1, 2026, start date will be allowed.
Apply: https://academy.wcfia.harvard.edu/programs/academy_scholar.
Application Timeline
The application deadline for the Academy Scholars Program is September 19, 2025, after which shortlisted candidates will be invited for a personal interview scheduled on December 4, 2025. Following the selection process, successful applicants will officially begin their fellowship on August 1, 2026.