Apply for the Harvard Radcliffe Institute Graduate Student Fellowships 2025–2026 to receive financial support, a workspace, and join a scholarly community while completing your dissertation.
Are you a graduate student looking for a chance to grow your academic career? The Harvard Radcliffe Institute Graduate Student Fellowships for the 2025–2026 academic year will soon be open.
This fellowship gives students a unique opportunity to join a top-level academic group and get financial support while completing their dissertation.
In this article, we will go through the benefits of this fellowship, the application process, and how to get ready for it. We will also provide key dates and details in a table to make it easier for you to follow.
Important Dates and Details
The application portal will open on November 4, 2024, and the deadline will be in early February 2025 (exact date to be confirmed).
Below is a table summarizing the key dates and details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | November 4, 2024 |
| Application Deadline | Early February 2025 (Exact date to be confirmed) |
| Fellowship Duration | 2025–2026 Academic Year |
| Stipend | Equal to or greater than GSAS stipend + $750 travel |
| Tuition and Health Fees Coverage | Full Coverage |
| Workspace Location | Byerly Hall, Harvard Radcliffe Institute |
| Letters of Recommendation | 2 (one from dissertation advisor) |
| Required Documents | Statement of Purpose, Resume, Dissertation Abstract, Letters of Recommendation, Faculty Evaluation Forms |
Fellowship Benefits
The Harvard Radcliffe Institute Graduate Student Fellowship offers several benefits. These benefits are designed to support students during the fellowship year, both financially and academically.
- Stipend: The fellowship will provide a stipend that is equal to or higher than the standard GSAS stipend for the academic year 2025–2026. In addition to this, students will receive an extra $750 for travel related to conferences or job interviews.
- Tuition and Health Fees: The fellowship covers the full cost of tuition and health fees for the academic year. This is a great benefit, as it ensures students do not have to worry about these expenses while focusing on their studies.
- Private Workspace: Fellows will have access to a personal workspace at Harvard Radcliffe Institute’s Byerly Hall. This private area will allow them to work in a quiet and academic environment, encouraging productivity and focus.
- Community Engagement: During the fellowship year, students are expected to live in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Fellows will take part in weekly talks, lunches, and other activities. These gatherings allow fellows to discuss their research and connect with other students and scholars. Fellows will also present their own research during these meetings.
Application Requirements
If you want to apply for this fellowship, there are several important documents you will need to prepare. The application portal will open in November 2024. It is important to get these documents ready before then, so you can apply as soon as possible.
Below are the required documents:
- Statement of Purpose: This is a written document where you explain how being part of the Radcliffe Institute will help you in your academic journey. You should also describe how this fellowship will improve your research and career.
- Two-Page Resume: In this resume, you need to highlight your academic achievements and experience. This could include details about your previous research, publications, awards, and any relevant work experience.
- Dissertation Abstract and Table of Contents: You will need to provide a short summary of your dissertation, explaining the key points of your research. You will also need to submit the table of contents of your dissertation, showing its structure.
- Letters of Recommendation: You need to provide two letters of recommendation. One of these letters must come from your dissertation advisor, who can speak about the quality and importance of your research.
- Faculty Evaluation Forms: You will need two forms completed by faculty members. These forms allow the faculty to provide their evaluation of your research and academic performance.
Selection Criteria
The selection process for this fellowship is very competitive.
Here are the key points the selection committee will consider when reviewing your application:
- Scholarly Excellence: Your academic achievements and the quality of your dissertation will be a major factor in the selection process. Make sure your application highlights your strengths in these areas.
- Dissertation Merits: The selection committee will look at the importance and impact of your dissertation research. They will consider how your research contributes to your field of study.
- Faculty References: Strong letters of recommendation from faculty, especially your dissertation advisor, will be important in helping the committee understand your academic potential.
- Research Alignment: Preference may be given to students whose research aligns with the current interests of Radcliffe Institute fellows. This alignment could create opportunities for mentorship and collaboration with other scholars.
Preparing for Your Application
To give yourself the best chance of being selected for this prestigious fellowship, it is important to start preparing early.
Here are some steps you should take:
- Secure Letters of Recommendation: Reach out to your professors early and ask them to write your letters of recommendation. Make sure they have enough time to write strong and thoughtful letters.
- Refine Your Dissertation Abstract: Your abstract is an important part of your application. Take the time to revise it so that it clearly explains the significance of your research.
- Explain the Benefits of Radcliffe Institute: In your statement of purpose, make sure to explain how being affiliated with the Radcliffe Institute will benefit your research. Be specific about the ways in which the fellowship will help you grow academically and professionally.
Conclusion
The Harvard Radcliffe Institute Graduate Student Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for graduate students to advance their academic careers.
With a stipend, full tuition coverage, and access to an engaged intellectual community, this fellowship can greatly support your dissertation work.
If you are interested in applying, make sure to prepare your application materials early and submit them before the deadline in February 2025.