Harvard’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs has opened applications for its 2027–2028 fellowships — 14 distinct programmes covering international security, energy, technology, and policy. Applications close on 1 December.
Recommendation letters are due by 15 December. Fellows get direct access to Harvard faculty, research resources, and a multidisciplinary cohort in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The key details at a glance
| Detail | What the Center says |
| Organisation | Belfer Center, Harvard Kennedy School |
| Programmes | 14 fellowship programmes |
| Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA |
| Deadline | 1 December (applications); 15 December (recommendation letters) |
| Who | Predoctoral, postdoctoral, junior faculty, mid-career, senior practitioners |
What the 14 programmes cover
The portfolio spans intelligence (Recanati-Kaplan), technology and geopolitics, nuclear policy (Managing the Atom), international security, energy and climate policy, the Arctic, history and policy (Ernest May), and emerging-tech governance (Nova Fellowship for senior technologists).
Several programmes are regionally focused — the Emirates Leadership Initiative and Kuwait Programmes for Gulf scholars, and the Israel Program — while others are globally open. Some carry ten-month stipends, such as the Emirates Leadership Initiative and Kuwait Programmes; funding varies by programme.
Who should apply — and who should not
The fellowships target different career stages: predoctoral and postdoctoral scholars, junior faculty, mid-career professionals, senior practitioners, and HKS MPP/MPA students. The right programme depends on your field and seniority — read each programme page carefully rather than applying blindly.
You should probably not apply if:
- You cannot relocate to Cambridge, Massachusetts for the fellowship year.
- Your research has no connection to science, technology, or international affairs.
- You miss the 1 December deadline — or leave your recommenders too little time before 15 December.
How to apply
Applications for the 2027–2028 academic year go through the Belfer Center’s fellowship portal. Choose the programme that fits your profile, prepare a research proposal, and line up your recommendation letters early — they are due 15 December.
More prestigious fellowships: the Yale World Fellows program and the Dalai Lama Fellows.
Questions applicants ask
How many fellowship programmes are there?
14 distinct programmes for 2027–2028, covering security, energy, technology, climate, the Arctic, and regional policy.
When is the deadline?
Applications close 1 December 2026; recommendation letters are due 15 December 2026.
Where are the fellowships based?
Cambridge, Massachusetts, at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Are the fellowships funded?
Funding varies by programme — several (e.g. Emirates Leadership Initiative, Kuwait Programmes) offer ten-month stipends. Check the individual programme page.
Who is eligible?
Predoctoral and postdoctoral scholars, junior faculty, mid-career professionals, senior practitioners, and HKS MPP/MPA students — depending on the programme.
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