The Harvard Radcliffe Institute stands as one of the world’s most prestigious academic centers, renowned for fostering cutting-edge research, creativity, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Located at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Institute is dedicated to supporting scholars, scientists, artists, and thinkers who aim to address some of the most complex challenges of our time.
Through an environment that nurtures independent thought and intellectual risk-taking, the Radcliffe Institute encourages bold, original work across a wide range of disciplines. Its vibrant community offers fellows the freedom, space, and support to deeply engage in transformative research and creative projects without everyday professional distractions.
Scholarship Description
- Host University: Harvard University
- Host Country: USA ;
- Study Level: Undergraduate, GraduateLevel;
- Scholarship Type: Partial Funding;
- Scholarship Worth: Check the details below ;
- Eligible Countries: International students;
- Subjects Available: Check the details below;
- Application Deadline: September 30th, 2025.
The Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship Program for the academic year 2026–2027 offers exceptional individuals the opportunity to pursue ambitious projects that challenge conventional thinking and push the boundaries of knowledge and creativity. This highly selective fellowship supports professionals from the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, and the arts.
Each year, the Radcliffe Fellowship welcomes a diverse cohort of 50 talented individuals, offering them an immersive, year-long experience. Fellows work independently on their projects while also engaging with a broader intellectual community that spans disciplines and professions. The program is not just about individual progress—fellows are encouraged to collaborate, share ideas, and explore intersections between their fields and the global issues that shape our world.
Radcliffe places special emphasis on supporting projects that are socially relevant and impact-driven. Areas of focus for 2026 include climate change and environmental justice, academic freedom and diversity, gender equality, and scientific innovation. The program supports engaged scholarship and creative practices that aim to address critical societal, cultural, or scientific questions.
Scholarship Benefits
The Radcliffe Fellowship offers a wide range of benefits that go far beyond financial support, helping scholars and creatives maximize their impact:
- Generous Stipend: Fellows receive a generous stipend (amount varies based on need and career stage), enabling them to focus entirely on their work.
- Research Support: Fellows gain full access to Harvard University’s extensive research resources, including libraries, archives, laboratories, and student collaborators.
- Residential Fellowship: All fellows are expected to be in residence in Cambridge, Massachusetts, during the academic year, allowing full participation in the program.
- Collaborative Network: Fellows join a unique, interdisciplinary community of experts and innovators, encouraging ongoing intellectual exchange and potential collaborations.
- Workshops and Public Engagement: Fellows can present their research and creative work through Radcliffe’s public events, seminars, exhibitions, and lectures, offering high visibility and community engagement.
- Personal Growth and Exploration: With time and space to step back from routine obligations, fellows often report transformative personal and professional development during their time at Radcliffe.
As one recent fellow described, “A year at Radcliffe gave me not only the intellectual freedom to pursue my work, but also the opportunity to reshape the way I think about its purpose and impact.”
Eligibility Requirements
The Radcliffe Fellowship is open to applicants from around the world. Candidates must demonstrate a high level of professional achievement, creativity, and the potential for future contributions in their respective fields.
General Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to individuals from all nationalities and career stages.
- Applicants must have a strong record of excellence in their discipline or profession.
- Projects must be original, ambitious, and feasible to complete or substantially advance during the fellowship year.
- Fellows must be available to reside in Cambridge, MA, full-time throughout the fellowship period.
Additional Criteria by Discipline:
- Humanities and Social Sciences: Applicants must hold a doctorate (or appropriate terminal degree) in their field at the time of application.
- Science, Engineering, and Mathematics: Applicants must have a doctorate in an applicable scientific field. Research proposals should emphasize innovation, potential for real-world impact, and relevance to ongoing societal challenges.
- Creative Arts: Writers, visual artists, musicians, and filmmakers must have a substantial body of published, performed, or exhibited work that demonstrates mastery and originality.
Please note that Radcliffe values diversity and seeks to build a fellowship class that reflects a broad range of perspectives and experiences. Applications from individuals whose work addresses underrepresented topics or communities are especially encouraged.
Application Process
Applying to the Radcliffe Fellowship Program requires thoughtful preparation and clear articulation of one’s proposed project. The application process is competitive, but designed to be accessible and fair.
Step-by-Step Application Guide:
- Online Application Submission:
- All applications must be submitted through the official Radcliffe Fellowship online portal, accessible via the Harvard Radcliffe Institute website.
- Required Materials:
- Project Proposal: A detailed proposal (typically 1,000–1,500 words) outlining the goals, significance, methodology, and expected outcomes of the project.
- Curriculum Vitae: An up-to-date academic or professional CV highlighting achievements, publications, awards, and experience.
- Work Samples: Depending on the field, applicants may need to submit writing samples, portfolios, or media files.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two to three references are required, attesting to the applicant’s qualifications, project feasibility, and contribution to their field.
- Deadlines:
- Humanities, Social Sciences, and Creative Arts: Applications must be submitted by September 11, 2025.
- Science, Engineering, and Mathematics: Deadline for these disciplines is September 30, 2025.
- Selection Process:
- Applications are reviewed by discipline-specific panels composed of experts in relevant fields.
- Final selection is based on the quality of the project, the applicant’s potential to contribute to and benefit from the Radcliffe community, and the alignment of the work with the program’s goals.
The Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship represents a remarkable opportunity for intellectual and creative renewal. It is ideal for those who wish to escape the pressures of their daily routines and dive deep into a project that could influence the way we understand the world. Whether your passion lies in climate justice, academic freedom, gender studies, scientific advancement, or artistic expression, Radcliffe offers a unique, interdisciplinary platform where your work can flourish.
For anyone seeking the time, support, and inspiration to make a significant contribution to their field, the 2026–2027 Radcliffe Fellowship is a transformative experience worth pursuing.
Official website:
For more information, please visit the university’s official website : https://www.radcliffe.harvard.edu/radcliffe-fellowship/become-a-radcliffe-fellow
