Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2026 | Postdoctoral Fellowships in Social Sciences

Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2026 | Postdoctoral Fellowships in Social Sciences: Overview

The Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies is offering the Academy Scholars Program 2026, designed for exceptional early-career social scientists. The fellowship supports innovative research that bridges disciplinary boundaries while focusing on regions and countries outside the United States and Canada.

Academy Scholars are part of an elite intellectual community at Harvard, benefiting from mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and access to significant research resources.

• Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
• Start Date: August 1, 2026
• Application Deadline: September 19, 2025

Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2026 | Postdoctoral Fellowships in Social Sciences: Eligibility

• Open to:

  • PhD recipients (within two years of August 1, 2026).

  • Advanced doctoral candidates (must submit proof of PhD conferral by June 30, 2026).

• Field: Social Sciences.

• Not Eligible: Individuals who have held/are holding another postdoctoral fellowship.

Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2026 | Postdoctoral Fellowships in Social Sciences: Benefits

• Annual stipend of $80,000.

• Annual research support of $5,000.

• Two-year in-residence fellowship at Harvard.

• Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with peers and faculty.

• Mentorship from Harvard Academy Senior Scholars.

• Networking events (seminars, dinners, workshops).

Fellowship Components

• Duration: Two years (completed within a three-year window).

• Leave Option: One-time leave (up to 12 months) allowed only to accept/continue a tenure-track teaching appointment.

• Restrictions: Fellows cannot hold other funding, awards, or professional obligations during the fellowship.

• Community: Regular intellectual exchanges and mentorship from senior Harvard faculty.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following (in PDF format via the online application):

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) – including publications.

2. Research Proposal (max 2,000 words).

3. One scholarly writing sample (max 50 pages, in English).

4. PhD program transcript.

5. Three confidential letters of recommendation (submitted directly by referees).

Selection Criteria

• Originality, resourcefulness, and academic excellence.

• Strong command of a social science discipline.

• Depth of knowledge and/or language skills related to regions outside the U.S. & Canada.

• Potential for impactful contributions to international and area studies.

Application Process

1. Prepare application documents in PDF format.

2. Apply via the official Harvard Academy website (click APPLY ONLINE).

3. Submit application by September 19, 2025.

4. Ensure recommendation letters arrive no later than September 29, 2025.

5. Shortlisted candidates will be reviewed by the Selection Committee.

6. Awards announced in December 2025.

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2026 | Postdoctoral Fellowships in Social Sciences