How to Apply for Harvard Academy Scholars Program in USA | Step-by-Step Application

Harvard University was founded in 1636, making it the oldest university in the country. Among the best universities in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is Harvard University. The QS World University Rankings 2025 place it at number four. The list of Best Global Universities places Harvard University at the top. Scholars at Harvard University can conduct innovative studies due to this program, which emphasizes multidisciplinary research and different global points of view. The university offers a scholarly program that is open to all nationals. It is open to scholars who have shown excellence in social sciences and law and have extraordinary command of another foreign language, history, or culture. 

Please check the eligibility criteria for the scholarship. If you are a perfect candidate according to the eligibility criteria, please follow the step-by-step process to apply for this scholarship.

Eligibility

• Researchers from all nations are encouraged to apply.
• Must be close to completing or just completed a PhD in the social sciences or an equivalent doctorate program (such as an SJD or DPhil).
• Applicants should have an excellent academic background.
• Priority for people who are educated in foreign languages, international history, and diverse cultures
• Fields of Law and social sciences are acceptable.
• The PhD must be completed after July 31, 2023.
• In December 2024, finalists will required to appear in their presence for an interview (hotel and travel expenses will be covered by Harvard Academy).

Benefits

• A stipend of $80,000/Year (for postdoctoral Academy Scholars)
• Two-year residence (at Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies)
• Financial assistance (for research and travel expenses)
• Research Assistance
• Medical insurance coverage

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step - 1: First, you will need to visit the official website of Harvard University.

Step - 2: Now, click on the "Apply Online" button.

Step - 3: Next, click on the "APPLY HERE" button.

Step - 4: If you are a new applicant, then you will need to click on the "Create New Account" button.

Step - 5: Here, you will need to provide your first name, last name, date of birth, cell phone number, email ID, and set a password. Then, you will need to verify that you are not a robot by ticking the box. Then, you will need to click on the "Submit" button.

Step - 6: You will get an email verification code at your given email ID. You will need to copy that code and paste it into the designated box. Then click on the "Submit" button. 

Step - 7: Next, input your email ID and password. Then, click on the "Login" button. 

Step - 8: Next, you will need to answer three pre-qualification questions shown in the image below. Only then can you proceed if you meet the qualifications. 

Step - 9: Next, you will need to read the description carefully. Then, click on the "Applicant Information" button.

Step - 10: Here, you will need to provide details of your name, email address, gender, preferred pronouns, racial identity, citizenship, and native language. 

If you are bilingual, then you will need to provide your second language name. Then, provide a short description of the addition of language proficiencies and level of experience (fluency).

Step - 11: Here, you will need to provide the date of your PhD completion, dissertation title, regional focus of the study, and field of study. You can also comment regarding your research project. After providing all the details, you will need to click on the "Save & Return to Dashboard" button. 

Step - 12: Next, you will need to click on the "Required Documents" section.

Here, you need to read the description carefully. It describes what documents you will need to upload and the criteria (size, format, words) you should maintain in order to upload those documents

You will need to upload four documents. These are Curriculum Vitae (CV), Research Proposal, Scholarly Writing Sample, and PhD Program Transcript. You will need to click on the "Browse" button to upload the specific file. After uploading all the details, you will need to click on the "Save & Return to Dashboard" button. 

Step - 13: Next, you will need to click on the "Request" section. 

Here, you will need to request three letters of recommendation. Please read the following instructions carefully before requesting your letter of recommendation.

Here, you will need to provide the name and email ID of your recommenders.

Step - 14: You will be able to submit your application before getting the letter of recommendation. However, your application review will only start after they receive your recommendation letters. 

Conclusion

Harvard University offers a prestigious scholars program for recent PhD graduates in social sciences and law from all nationalities. Candidates should have an excellent academic record and proficiency in foreign languages, international history, or diverse cultures. Benefits include an $80,000 annual stipend, research and travel funding, medical insurance, and a two-year residency at Harvard. Finalists will be interviewed in December 2024, with expenses covered. This program supports innovative, multidisciplinary research in a globally-focused environment. Successful applicants will be notified via email.