The Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2025 is now open for global applicants with a special opportunity for Pakistani researchers in the social sciences and international studies. The program administered by the Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies offers a fully funded two-year fellowship at Harvard University.

Selected scholars will receive an annual stipend of $80,000 along with \$5,000 in research support, mentorship from senior Harvard faculty and access to global academic networks.

Eligibility Criteria for Pakistani Applicants

The program is designed for outstanding early-career academics whose work focuses on regions outside the United States and Canada. Pakistani applicants must meet one of the following conditions:

  • Hold a PhD (or equivalent: DPhil, SJD, etc.) awarded on or after August 1, 2024
  • Be an advanced doctoral candidate expected to complete their PhD by June 30, 2026
Harvard University

Eligible Fields of Study

  • Anthropology, Economics, Sociology, Political Science, Law, History
  • International Relations, Public Policy, Psychology, and related fields
  • Regional & Area Studies (Africa, Asia, Middle East, Latin America excluding US/Canada)

Candidates who have already completed another postdoctoral fellowship are not eligible.

Fellowship Benefits

Each year, five to six Harvard Academy Scholars are selected for two-year, in-residence appointments in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Key benefits include:

  • $80,000 annual stipend for living expenses
  • $5,000 annual research allowance
  • Two years of structured mentorship by Harvard faculty
  • Opportunities to publish, collaborate and attend international conferences
  • Dedicated academic career development support

The fellowship is designed to nurture promising researchers for careers in leading universities and international institutions.

Application Process and Deadlines

Applications must be submitted online through the Harvard Academy website by September 19, 2025. No application fee is required.

Harvard University

Required Documents:

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) with publication record
  • Research proposal (maximum 2,000 words) outlining objectives and methodology
  • One academic writing sample (PhD dissertation chapter or peer-reviewed article)
  • PhD program transcript(s)
  • Three letters of recommendation (uploaded directly by referees)

Important Dates

  • Application Deadline: September 19, 2025
  • Recommendation Letters Deadline: September 29, 2025
  • Final Results Announcement: December 2025

Incomplete applications will not be considered and delays in submission will disqualify candidates.

Why It Matters for Pakistani Scholars

For Pakistani researchers, the Harvard Academy Scholars Program provides a rare chance to gain international recognition while working on topics relevant to Pakistan, South Asia, and other developing regions. The program emphasises comparative, transnational, and interdisciplinary work, encouraging fresh perspectives on pressing global issues.

According to the Harvard Academy, the fellowship is aimed at individuals with “resourcefulness, initiative, and originality whose work shows promise as a foundation for careers in research universities or international institutions.”

How to Apply

Interested Pakistani candidates can apply directly via the Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies website. All documents must be submitted in .pdf format.

For queries, applicants may contact applicationinquiries@wcfia.harvard.edu.