Overview
Predoctoral Fellowship: For Ph.D. candidates who have passed their general examinations and are working on their dissertations.
Postdoctoral Fellowship: For recent Ph.D. graduates or professionals with an equivalent degree or research experience.
Description
Predoctoral Fellowship: For Ph.D. candidates who have passed their general examinations and are working on their dissertations.
Postdoctoral Fellowship: For recent Ph.D. graduates or professionals with an equivalent degree or research experience.
Eligibility
To qualify for the International Security Program Fellowship 2026–2027, applicants must meet the following criteria:
For Predoctoral Applicants:
Must be enrolled in a Ph.D. program.
Have passed comprehensive or general examinations before the appointment.
Must have made significant progress on the doctoral dissertation.
For Postdoctoral Applicants:
Must have received a Ph.D. or equivalent degree.
Applications are welcome from early-career scholars, university faculty, and professionals from government, military, or international research institutions.
Must demonstrate expertise or experience in international security or related fields.
Additional Information
Degree Level
Predoctoral Fellowship: For Ph.D. candidates who have passed their general examinations and are working on their dissertations.
Postdoctoral Fellowship: For recent Ph.D. graduates or professionals with an equivalent degree or research experience.
Available Subjects
The fellowship encourages research in a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to:
International Security
Political Science and International Relations
Law and Policy
Economics
Defense and Strategic Studies
Global Governance and Diplomacy
Natural Sciences related to global security and policy
Benefits
Annual Stipend:
USD 56,000 for postdoctoral fellows
USD 46,000 for predoctoral fellows
Health Insurance:
Postdoctoral fellows (Ph.D. within 5 years) are eligible for benefits.
Predoctoral fellows and senior postdocs receive partial reimbursement for health insurance premiums.
Facilities:
Access to Harvard University libraries and resources.
Office space provided (subject to availability).
Opportunities for academic collaboration and research support.
Duration:
One academic year (renewable) depending on research progress and funding.
Eligible Nationalities
The fellowship is open to applicants from all nationalities. The Belfer Center strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, and scholars from underrepresented backgrounds.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the International Security Program Fellowship 2026–2027, applicants must meet the following criteria:
For Predoctoral Applicants:
Must be enrolled in a Ph.D. program.
Have passed comprehensive or general examinations before the appointment.
Must have made significant progress on the doctoral dissertation.
For Postdoctoral Applicants:
Must have received a Ph.D. or equivalent degree.
Applications are welcome from early-career scholars, university faculty, and professionals from government, military, or international research institutions.
Must demonstrate expertise or experience in international security or related fields.
Application Procedure
1. Prepare Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following materials:
Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
Unofficial Transcript (for predoctoral applicants only)
Research Statement (3–5 pages) outlining goals, methodology, and relevance to ISP’s mission.
Writing Sample (under 50 pages) — a sole-authored piece demonstrating English writing proficiency.
Contact details for three referees who will provide recommendation letters.
2. Submit Application Online
Applications must be submitted via the official Harvard Kennedy School – Belfer Center portal.
3. Application Timeline
Application Opens: October 1, 2025
Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
Recommendation Letters Due: December 15, 2025
Notification of Results: February 15, 2026
4. Fellowship Period
Duration: One academic year (2026–2027)
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Final Thoughts
The Harvard Kennedy School Belfer Center International Security Program Fellowship 2026–2027 is an unparalleled opportunity for emerging and established scholars to contribute to cutting-edge research in global security and diplomacy. With competitive funding, access to Harvard’s academic network, and mentorship from world-renowned experts, this fellowship is ideal for anyone passionate about shaping the future of international affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions Faqs
Who can apply for the Harvard Belfer Center ISP Fellowship? Both predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers from any country with strong academic backgrounds in international security, political science, or related fields are eligible to apply.
Is the fellowship fully funded? Yes. Selected fellows receive an annual stipend (USD 46,000–56,000) along with health insurance benefits and access to Harvard facilities.
Can the fellowship be renewed? Yes. The ISP Fellowship is offered for one academic year but can be renewed depending on the fellow’s performance and project scope.
What is the main focus of the ISP Fellowship? The fellowship focuses on research in international and national security, promoting collaboration between scholars, policymakers, and experts addressing global peace and defense challenges.
When will applicants be notified about their selection? All applicants will receive notification of their selection status by February 15, 2026.
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Card
Funding
Partial Funding
Organization
Harvard Kennedy School
Degree
Fellowship
Subjects
Security
Nationality
International Students, Domestic Students
Country
USA
Source
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