Are you an academic, artist, journalist, scientist, or public intellectual looking for time, space, and funding to pursue an ambitious project? The Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship in the USA 2026 offers this and more.
Hosted by Harvard University, this one-year residential fellowship supports innovative thinkers whose work is pushing boundaries and creating new ways of understanding the world.
Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship 2026
The Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University is known for its commitment to academic exploration, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and social impact. Each year, the Radcliffe Fellowship brings together a community of approximately 50 fellows from around the globe. These scholars, artists, and practitioners work across the sciences, humanities, arts, and public policy fields.
This program provides fellows with the freedom and resources to focus on a singular project while engaging with Harvard’s extensive intellectual and creative environment. Whether you are writing a book, conducting scientific research, developing public policy, or crafting a new work of art, the Radcliffe Fellowship supports the bold pursuit of ideas.
Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship 2026 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | United States of America |
| Study Destination | Harvard University (Radcliffe Institute) |
| Fellowship Type | Residential Fellowship |
| Funded By | Harvard Radcliffe Institute |
| Eligible Applicants | Global Scholars, Artists, Scientists, and Practitioners |
| Number of Awards | 50 |
| Program Duration | One Academic Year |
| Application Deadline | Sept. 11, 2025 (Arts & Humanities) / Sept. 30, 2025 (Sciences) |
What Is the Radcliffe Fellowship All About?
The Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship is designed to give talented professionals the space and support to develop path-breaking ideas and projects. The fellowship encourages exploration beyond disciplinary boundaries, with fellows working across areas such as:
- Social Sciences and Humanities
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Engineering and Technology
- Creative Writing and Journalism
- Public Policy and Social Innovation
- Visual Arts and Media
Radcliffe Fellows participate in seminars, workshops, and collaborative sessions while pursuing independent work. What makes this program particularly unique is its commitment to interdisciplinary dialogue. Fellows are selected not only for their achievements but also for their potential to engage constructively with peers from entirely different backgrounds.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
The Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship 2026 is open to a wide range of applicants. Specific requirements vary by discipline, but general eligibility includes:
- Nationality: Open to candidates of all nationalities.
- Academic Qualifications:
- Humanities and Social Sciences: Ph.D. or equivalent completed at least two years before appointment. Applicants must have published either a monograph or two refereed journal articles.
- Scientists, Engineers, and Mathematicians: Ph.D. or equivalent required. Applicants must have published at least five refereed journal articles.
- Creative Artists (e.g., Journalists, Visual Artists, Nonfiction Writers): A substantial body of professional work is required.
- Practitioners and Public Intellectuals: Significant career accomplishments and demonstrated impact in the field.
- Collaborative Applications: Small groups of 2-3 people may apply jointly with a shared project.
Strong preference is given to those whose work is original, high-impact, and interdisciplinary.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive generous support, allowing them to fully focus on their proposed work:
- Stipend: $78,000 for the full academic year
- Project Support: $5,000 for project-related costs
- Relocation Allowance: Support for travel and moving expenses
- Housing Assistance: Available for fellows relocating to Cambridge
- Childcare Support and Healthcare Options
- Visa Sponsorship: J-1 visa support for international fellows
- Research Facilities: Full access to Harvard’s libraries, laboratories, archives, and campus resources
- Professional Development: Workshops, speaker series, and media training
- Interdisciplinary Community: Interaction with a diverse cohort of peers and Harvard affiliates
This support system ensures that fellows can pursue ambitious goals without distraction from financial or administrative concerns.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit a complete application package, including:
- Online Application Form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Project Proposal (Max 1,400 words including a 150-word abstract)
- Work Sample or Writing Sample
- Two to Three Letters of Recommendation (depending on field)
- Proof of Degree (if requested)
Documents must be uploaded in PDF format. Work samples are crucial, especially for applicants in the arts or writing disciplines.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Apply
Follow these steps to complete your Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship application:
Visit the Official Website
Go to https://radcliffe.onlineapplicationportal.com/ and review full application details.
Register and Create an Account
Create your profile using your name, email, and password.
Choose Your Application Category
Select the field of your proposal: Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences, Arts, etc.
Upload Documents
Prepare all documents ahead of time and upload them via the application portal.
Secure Recommendations
Request letters of recommendation well in advance to ensure timely submission.
Submit Before the Deadline
Deadlines are:
- September 11, 2025 (11:59 PM ET) for humanities, social sciences, and arts
- September 30, 2025 (11:59 PM ET) for science, engineering, and math applicants
Await Notification
Successful candidates will be contacted for further steps in the selection process.
Why Apply to the Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship?
- Harvard Access: Engage with top-tier research facilities and faculty across disciplines.
- Time to Focus: One full year of dedicated time for meaningful, uninterrupted work.
- Creative Collaboration: A community of thinkers and creators from different corners of the world.
- Global Visibility: Exposure through Harvard’s platforms and media support.
- Cross-Disciplinary Growth: Fellows often report long-lasting changes in how they think and work.
Whether you are a policy analyst rethinking international migration, a scientist exploring the future of climate systems, or a writer crafting a genre-defining novel, Radcliffe is the place to stretch your ideas into impactful outcomes.
For full details and to apply, visit: https://www.radcliffe.harvard.edu/radcliffe-fellowship/become-a-radcliffe-fellow
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship 2026 fully funded?
Yes. It provides a stipend, project funds, relocation support, and access to Harvard resources.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. The fellowship is open globally and includes visa sponsorship.
What disciplines are eligible?
All fields are welcome: arts, sciences, humanities, engineering, public policy, and more.
Is a Ph.D. required for all applicants?
No. While scholars need a Ph.D., artists and practitioners must show significant work experience or creative output.
Can I apply with a team?
Yes. Collaborative projects with 2–3 applicants are accepted.
Are current Harvard faculty eligible?
No. The fellowship is intended for external applicants who are not currently affiliated with Harvard.
How competitive is the program?
Extremely. Only around 50 fellows are selected annually from hundreds of applicants.
What kind of projects are accepted?
There’s no fixed type. As long as your project is original, well-articulated, and impactful, it will be considered.
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