USA Harvard Kennedy School Belfer Center ISP Fellowship 2026 – Benefits, Eligibility And How To Apply For The USA Harvard Kennedy School 2026
Applications are being accepted for the 2026–2027 International Security Program (ISP) Fellowship at the Harvard Kennedy School Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.
Predoctoral and postdoctoral scholars have a unique chance to undertake advanced research in the domains of international security, political science, diplomacy, military, and global affairs through this esteemed fellowship.
Fellows work under the direction of eminent specialists like Dr. Steven E. Miller and Professor Stephen M. Walt and become part of Cambridge, Massachusetts’s thriving academic community.
Degree Level
- Predoctoral Fellowship: For doctoral candidates doing their dissertations after passing their general exams.
- Postdoctoral Fellowship: For professionals with a comparable degree or research experience, or recent Ph.D. grads.
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
Applicants must prepare some 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.
How To Apply
- Applications must be submitted via the official Harvard Kennedy School – Belfer Center portal.
Application Timeline
- Application Opens: October 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
- Recommendation Letters Due: December 15, 2025
- Notification of Results: February 15, 2026
Fellowship Period
- Duration: One academic year (2026–2027)
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA