Harvard Kennedy School Arctic Initiative Fellowship 2026–2027 | Fully & Partially Funded
The Harvard Kennedy School Arctic Initiative Fellowship 2026–2027 at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs is one of the most prestigious Harvard University fellowships for researchers worldwide. This opportunity is open to predoctoral, postdoctoral, and early-career scholars who aim to conduct policy-relevant Arctic research at Harvard University.
Through this program, fellows engage in groundbreaking studies on:
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Sustainable ocean management
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Climate change impacts on the Arctic
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Permafrost thaw and resilience in Arctic communities
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Emerging challenges in Arctic governance
This Harvard Kennedy School fellowship equips participants with the resources, mentorship, and academic environment needed to address the most pressing issues in the Arctic region.
About Harvard Kennedy School
The Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a global leader in public policy and governance education. Known for its distinguished faculty and innovative research centers like the Belfer Center, HKS offers transformative master’s, doctoral, and executive education programs.
Graduates and fellows from HKS go on to lead in government, nonprofit, and private sectors worldwide, making the school a hub for international fellowships in the USA.
Degree Levels
The Harvard Kennedy School Arctic Initiative Fellowship 2026–2027 is open to:
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Predoctoral Fellows – Doctoral candidates or master’s degree holders with research experience.
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Postdoctoral Fellows – PhD holders or equivalent degree holders in relevant disciplines.
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Junior Faculty & Practitioners – Academics, policymakers, NGO staff, and private-sector experts with Arctic or policy expertise.
This makes it one of the most inclusive Harvard University fellowships available for both domestic and international students in the USA.
Available Subjects
Applicants from all academic disciplines are welcome to apply, especially if their research focuses on Arctic policy, climate change, sustainability, or governance.
Fellowship Benefits
The Harvard Kennedy School Fellowship 2026–2027 provides fellows with:
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Stipend to cover living expenses.
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Office space at the Belfer Center.
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Travel funding for selected conferences and workshops.
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Access to Harvard’s world-class research facilities.
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Networking opportunities with Arctic experts, policymakers, and Harvard faculty.
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Publication support for peer-reviewed journals, policy briefs, and academic research.
This opportunity is highly competitive among postdoctoral fellowships in the USA and fully funded fellowships at Harvard University.
Note: A limited number of funded fellowships are available, and applicants are encouraged to secure external funding as well.
Eligible Nationalities
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Harvard Kennedy School Arctic Initiative Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Predoctoral applicants must be enrolled in a PhD program or hold a master’s degree with relevant experience.
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Postdoctoral applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent degree.
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Open to university faculty, policymakers, NGO professionals, government officials, and private-sector experts.
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Research proposals must focus on policy-relevant Arctic governance or climate change issues.
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Fellows must commit to residency at Harvard University for most of the fellowship period.
Application Timeline
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Applications Open: October 1, 2025
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Deadline for Submission: December 1, 2025
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Letters of Recommendation Due: December 15, 2025
Application Requirements
Applicants for this Harvard Belfer Center Fellowship 2026 must submit:
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Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé
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Unofficial transcript (for predoctoral applicants)
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Research statement (3–5 pages) highlighting policy relevance
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Writing sample (up to 50 pages, English, single-authored)
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Contact details for three recommenders
Fellowship Duration
Conclusion
The Harvard Kennedy School Arctic Initiative Fellowship 2026–2027 is a rare chance for emerging and established researchers to engage in policy-relevant Arctic research at Harvard University.
As one of the most prestigious Harvard fellowships for international students, this program fosters collaboration, leadership, and innovation in shaping a sustainable and resilient Arctic future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for the Harvard Kennedy School Arctic Initiative Fellowship 2026?
Predoctoral, postdoctoral, junior faculty, and professionals with Arctic or policy expertise are eligible.
2. Is the fellowship open to international students?
Yes, the program is open to all nationalities, making it one of the top Harvard fellowships for international students in the USA.
3. Is the fellowship fully funded?
Only a limited number of fully funded fellowships at Harvard University are available. Applicants are advised to seek additional funding if needed.
4. Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
No, this is an international fellowship in the USA, open to candidates from all over the world.
5. What are the main research areas supported?
The fellowship supports climate change, Arctic governance, permafrost thaw, community resilience, and sustainable ocean management.
6. What is the application deadline?
The final application deadline is December 1, 2025.
7. How long is the fellowship?
The fellowship runs for 10 months during the academic year 2026–2027.
8. What makes this fellowship unique?
It combines research opportunities, Harvard faculty mentorship, policy engagement, and global networking, setting it apart from other postdoctoral fellowships in the USA.
9. What benefits do fellows receive?
A stipend, office space, travel funding, and access to Harvard’s academic and research resources.
10. Where is the fellowship hosted?
The fellowship is hosted at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School.
