Harvard University, an apex of academic excellence, offers multiple programs for international students. This might seem like a tough dream for many international PhD students. The Harvard University Academy Scholars Program offers a unique opportunity to budding researchers, scholars from around the globe. But what if there’s a program specifically designed to support outstanding scholars?
This two-year, in-residence program at Harvard University specifically targets PhD graduates and doctoral candidates in the social sciences and law. Let’s discuss Harvard University scholarship details of this prestigious program, exploring eligibility criteria, the application process, and the incredible benefits that await successful candidates.
Harvard University Academy Scholars Program
The Academy Scholars Program, offered by the Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies, is a prestigious fellowship designed to empower exceptional early-career scholars. This program specifically targets international PhD graduates with a focus on nurturing future leaders in research and international institutions. It specifically targets PhD graduates and doctoral candidates who are not from the US or Canada.
The program focuses on individuals whose research combines excellence in their discipline with in-depth knowledge of a region or country outside of North America. They value interdisciplinary approaches that explore transnational, comparative, or domestic issues. Ideal candidates demonstrate not only strong academic achievement but also initiative, resourcefulness, and intellectual curiosity.
Harvard University Scholars Cost
The Harvard University Academy Scholars Program understands the financial burden that PhD students and recent graduates face. To address this concern, the program offers a comprehensive funding package that allows scholars to fully dedicate themselves to their research pursuits. Here’s a breakdown of the financial support provided:
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Annual Stipend: Academy Scholars receive a generous annual stipend of $75,000. This provides a comfortable living allowance while you reside in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for the duration of the two-year program.
Types of Scholarship at Harvard University
There are many different scholarship opportunities available, each with its own criteria and goals. Here’s a breakdown of some common scholarship types:
Scholarship By Award
- Merit-Based Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students with exceptional academic achievement, strong standardized test scores, impressive talents in a particular area (like music or athletics), or a compelling record of extracurricular activities.
- Need-Based Scholarships: Financial aid is the primary focus of these scholarships. They target students who demonstrate financial hardship and require assistance to cover educational expenses.
Scholarship By Source
- Government Scholarships: Funded by federal, state, or local governments, these scholarships aim to make higher education more accessible and support students in specific fields or demographics.
- University Scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships directly to incoming or continuing students. These scholarships can be merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both.
- Private Scholarships: A wide range of organizations, foundations, and corporations offer scholarships to students who meet their specific criteria. These scholarships can be based on academic achievement, community service, ethnicity, intended field of study, or other factors.
What are the Program Benefits?
The Harvard University Academy Scholars Program offers a compelling package of benefits designed to support and empower early-career researchers. Here’s a breakdown of the key advantages:
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Financial Support: This is a major highlight. Academy Scholars receive a generous annual stipend of $75,000, providing a comfortable living allowance in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Additionally, the program offers funding for various research-related expenses, including:
- Conference Travel: Present your research findings at academic conferences and engage with a wider audience.
- Research Travel: Conduct fieldwork or gather data essential for your project, especially if it requires travel to your region of expertise.
- Research Assistantships: Funding to hire assistants who can help manage your workload and expedite research progress.
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Mentorship: Academy Scholars benefit from the guidance and support of distinguished Harvard faculty members who act as mentors. This invaluable mentorship helps scholars reach their full intellectual potential and navigate the academic world.
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Research Support: The program provides resources and guidance to help scholars pursue their research goals. This could involve access to research facilities and libraries at Harvard University, or even funding for specialized equipment or software needed for your research.
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Community: The program fosters a dynamic community of fellow Academy Scholars. This creates a stimulating environment for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and professional networking with like-minded researchers.
Eligibility Criteria
Education eligibility criteria can vary greatly depending on the specific program or institution you’re applying to. However, here’s a breakdown of some common factors that are often considered:
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Academic Background: Most programs require applicants to have a certain level of education, such as a high school diploma, bachelor’s degree, or even a master’s degree. Some might specify minimum GPA requirements.
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Standardized Tests: Scores from standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE, or LSAT might be required for certain programs, especially at the undergraduate or graduate level.
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Specific Coursework: Some programs might require applicants to have completed specific courses relevant to the field of study. For example, a medical school might require applicants to have completed courses in biology, chemistry, and physics.
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Language Skills: For programs offered in a language other than your native tongue, proof of language proficiency might be required. This could involve achieving a minimum score on tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
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Previous Degrees: For graduate programs, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is usually mandatory. Some programs might have specific requirements about the type of bachelor’s degree needed.
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Experience: For certain programs, especially those related to professional fields like business or education, relevant work experience might be a factor in determining eligibility.
Application Process
The application process for the Harvard University Academy Scholars Program is competitive and requires careful preparation. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps involved:
1. Eligibility Check:
- Ensure you meet the program’s eligibility criteria. The program is open to doctoral candidates and recent PhD graduates (within three years of completion) in the social sciences and law. Your research focus should combine excellence in your discipline with a strong understanding of a region or country outside the US and Canada.
2. Application Materials:
- Prepare the required application materials, which are typically submitted online through the program’s website. These materials usually include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume: A comprehensive document outlining your academic background, research experience, publications (if any), and professional skills.
- Research Proposal: A detailed proposal (maximum 2500 words) outlining your research project. This should include your intellectual objectives, planned methodology, and how your research contributes to your field.
- Official PhD Program Transcript: An official transcript from your PhD program institution demonstrating your academic performance.
- Three Letters of Recommendation: Solicit letters of recommendation from professors or advisors who are familiar with your research and can speak to your potential as a scholar.
- Cover Letter (Optional): While not always mandatory, a well-crafted cover letter can be an opportunity to highlight your motivations for applying and what you hope to gain from the program.
3. Application Deadline:
- The application deadline for the program is typically around September 22nd. Make sure to submit your complete application well before the deadline to ensure it’s considered.
4. Selection Process:
- A rigorous selection committee evaluates applications based on academic merit, research potential, and the fit between your research focus and the program’s goals.
5. Announcement of Awards:
- Selected scholars are typically notified of the committee’s decision in December