Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship 2027/28 applications are now open for scholars, scientists, writers, journalists, and artists from around the world. Hosted by the Harvard Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University, this fully funded fellowship in the USA offers a full academic year of dedicated research time, away from teaching loads and institutional pressures. As a result, it remains one of the most sought-after interdisciplinary fellowships for international scholars 2027.
What sets the Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship apart from other comparable residencies is its genuinely interdisciplinary cohort. Roughly 50 fellows are selected each year across the humanities, social sciences, creative arts, and the sciences, and they work alongside one another rather than within siloed departments. Furthermore, selected fellows receive full access to Harvard University’s library systems, archives, and research facilities, in addition to a private office or studio space in Radcliffe Yard. Therefore, this is widely regarded as one of the most generous fully funded research fellowships for writers and scientists available anywhere.
Deadlines vary by discipline this cycle, so applicants should confirm which track they fall under before they begin preparing materials. Additionally, the program does not accept applicants who have previously held a Radcliffe Fellowship since 1999, which is an unusual restriction worth noting early. The comprehensive guide below covers every financial benefit, eligibility condition, required document, and step-by-step application route for the Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship 2027/28.
Details About the Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship 2027/28
- Host Country: USA
- Host University/Organization: Harvard Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard University
- Funded By: Harvard University
- Study/Program Level: Postdoctoral Fellowship / Research Residency
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Value/Stipend: $78,000 stipend plus $5,000 project expense allowance
- Open To: Scholars, scientists, writers, journalists, and artists of all nationalities
- Duration/Program Period: One academic year (approximately nine months in residence)
- Application Deadline: September 10, 2026 (Humanities, Social Sciences, Creative Arts, Nonfiction, and Journalism) / October 1, 2026 (Science, Engineering, and Mathematics)
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Fellowship Benefits
Fellows receive a comprehensive support package designed to remove financial and logistical barriers during their residency year.
- Living Stipend: $78,000 to cover living costs for the academic year.
- Project Expenses: An additional $5,000 fund for research materials, equipment, or creative production costs.
- Relocation Support: Funds to assist with the move to Cambridge, Massachusetts.
- Housing and Childcare Assistance: Support available to fellows relocating with family.
- Healthcare Support: Health coverage assistance made available as needed.
- Radcliffe Workspace: A private office or studio in Byerly Hall, Radcliffe Yard.
- Harvard Visiting Fellow Appointment: Full access to Harvard’s library system, archives (including the Schlesinger Library), and university athletic facilities.
- Research Partner Funding: Support to engage an undergraduate research partner during the fellowship year.
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Available Programs / Research Areas
The Institute accepts proposals across a wide range of disciplines, broadly grouped as follows:
- Humanities and Social Sciences (History, Anthropology, Law, Economics, Political Science, Public Policy, and related fields)
- Creative Arts (Creative Writing, Visual Arts, Film and Video, Music Composition, Playwriting)
- Nonfiction and Journalism
- Science, Engineering, and Mathematics
The Institute particularly welcomes proposals connected to its current multiyear focus area on academic freedom and connecting across difference, as well as work drawing on the Schlesinger Library’s collections related to women, gender, and society.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility requirements differ depending on the applicant’s discipline, so it is important to review the specific track carefully.
- Doctoral Track (Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering, Mathematics): Applicants must hold a doctorate or equivalent terminal degree in their field, completed at least four years prior to the fellowship appointment.
- Journalism Track: Applicants must have at least five years of professional journalism experience.
- Nonfiction Track: Applicants must have at least one published book, a book contract, or several substantial published works.
- Creative Arts Track: Requirements vary by discipline but generally require a strong independent body of produced, performed, or exhibited work.
- Group Applications: Permitted for up to two collaborators, with each person submitting a separate application and meeting their own discipline’s eligibility criteria.
Who Is NOT Eligible
Before investing time in your application, confirm you do not fall into any of the following categories.
- Applicants who have previously held a Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship at any point since 1999.
- Candidates who do not meet the discipline-specific publication, exhibition, or professional experience thresholds for their track.
- Individuals seeking funding for a degree program rather than an independent research or creative project.
- Applicants who cannot commit to full-time residency in Cambridge, Massachusetts for the fellowship period.
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Required Documents
- Application Form: Completed through the official online portal with full applicant details.
- Curriculum Vitae: A detailed CV listing publications, exhibitions, awards, and professional history.
- Project Proposal: A 1,400-word proposal describing the planned research or creative project, with a bibliography where applicable.
- Writing or Work Sample: A representative sample of the applicant’s prior work.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three references who will be contacted directly by the portal to submit letters on the applicant’s behalf.
Why Apply for the Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship?
A Radcliffe year offers more than funding — it offers uninterrupted time and access to one of the world’s most resourced academic environments.
- A full year free from teaching duties and grant-cycle pressure to complete a major project.
- Direct access to Harvard’s libraries, archives, and laboratories.
- Daily contact with an interdisciplinary cohort of roughly 50 accomplished fellows.
- A platform to engage audiences beyond academia through public-facing work.
- Long-term affiliation with the Harvard and Radcliffe research community.
How to Apply for the Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship 2027/28
Applications are submitted entirely through Radcliffe’s online application portal.
- Register an Account: Create a profile on the application portal using your legal name and a valid email address.
- Select Your Discipline: Choose the track that matches your field, since eligibility and deadlines differ by discipline.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill in your personal and professional details in full.
- Upload Required Materials: Submit your CV, 1,400-word project proposal, and work sample.
- Add Your References: Enter the contact information of three referees, who will be prompted by email to upload their letters.
- Submit Before the Deadline: Review your full application and submit it ahead of your track’s closing date.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Humanities, Social Sciences, Creative Arts, Nonfiction & Journalism Deadline | September 10, 2026, 5:00 PM ET |
| Science, Engineering & Mathematics Deadline | October 1, 2026, 5:00 PM ET |
| Notification of Results | By end of March 2027 |
| Fellowship Residency Period | Fall 2026 – Spring 2027 |
Found this guide useful? Share it with a fellow scholar, writer, or artist in your network who is looking for a fully funded research residency. For them, Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship 2027/28 could mean everything.
Have questions about the project proposal requirements, discipline-specific eligibility, or the application timeline? Drop them in the comments section below — we review and answer every serious query!




