The Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship is a fully funded research year at Harvard University in the United States. It is not a degree program. Instead, it supports accomplished scholars, writers, and artists. Many applicants also compare it with other fully funded routes. For example, some look at the Knight Hennessy Scholars program, another major option in the United States.
Overview
- Host country, United States
- Host school, Harvard Radcliffe Institute
- Program type, One year, in residence fellowship
- Fields, Humanities, social sciences, creative arts, journalism, science, and math
- Number of fellows, About 50 chosen yearly
- Nationality, Open to applicants from the United States and abroad

Benefits of the Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship
First, fellows get a large stipend. Also, they get project funds. Plus, some get extra help with moving and family needs. In short, the fellowship covers this.
- A stipend of 78,000 USD for the fellowship year
- An extra 5,000 USD for project costs
- Relocation and housing help, where needed
- Childcare help, where needed
- Health insurance options
- Full access to Harvard’s libraries and research community
Who Should Apply
This fellowship suits skilled professionals with a strong record, not new graduates. Meanwhile, students who want a full degree instead may prefer the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship. That program also targets experienced people, but through a set exchange program.
Eligibility Requirements
Overall, applicants must meet these points, based on their field.
- Hold a doctorate or equal degree, earned at least four years before the fellowship starts
- Show a strong record, such as a published book or several articles
- Journalists need at least five years of work experience
- Not be enrolled in a degree program right now
- Not have held this fellowship since 1999
Two Different Deadlines
Notably, humanities and social science applicants follow one deadline. Science and math applicants follow another. This split deadline system is close to the setup used for the Schwarzman Scholars program, which also runs separate tracks for different groups.
Required Documents
- Completed online form on the Radcliffe portal
- A clear project plan
- Writing samples from your work
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of past published or professional work
How to Apply
First, sign up on the official Radcliffe portal. Next, get your project plan and samples ready early. Then, ask your referees to send letters well before the deadline, since Radcliffe gives no extra time for late letters. This early referee step is close to the one used for the Marshall Scholarship.
Application Deadline
For humanities, social sciences, creative arts, and journalism, the date is September 10, 2026, at 5 pm Eastern Time. For science, engineering, and math, the date is October 1, 2026, at 5 pm Eastern Time. Both windows are still open now, so applicants still have time to prepare a strong submission.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship gives rich, full support for a focused research year at Harvard. However, if you want a longer degree instead, check other options too. For instance, the Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship funds full PhD study in Canada.





