The International Security Program Fellowship is an annual research appointment at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, part of Harvard Kennedy School. It supports predoctoral, postdoctoral, and advanced researchers working on international security and related policy questions.
Fellows are based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and must remain in residence while contributing to Center activities and pursuing a dissertation, book, monograph, or other substantial publication. The 2026–2027 competition is closed; the Center says applications for 2027–2028 will open on October 1, 2026.
Benefits & funding
- Postdoctoral research fellows may receive an annual stipend of USD 56,000; predoctoral research fellows may receive USD 46,000.
- Only a limited number of funded fellowships are available, and the program also offers nonstipendiary appointments.
- Postdoctoral fellows within five years of the Ph.D. are benefits-eligible; predoctoral fellows and postdoctoral fellows more than five years beyond the Ph.D. receive full or partial health-insurance premium reimbursement.
- Office space is normally provided, along with access to most Harvard libraries and facilities; housing is not included.
Eligibility
- Predoctoral applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program, have passed general examinations before appointment, and have made significant dissertation progress.
- Postdoctoral and advanced-research routes are open to recent Ph.D. or equivalent recipients, university faculty, and suitably experienced staff from government, military, international, humanitarian, or private research institutions.
- The program encourages applicants from every country and states no nationality or prior-residency restriction; visa sponsorship is available to recipients.
- Fellows must reside in Cambridge for the fellowship and devote at least four-fifths of their time to Center-related research and writing.
Can you apply?
Open to all applicants
No nationality, residency, education, or experience limits are listed.
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Application process
- 1Choose the International Security Program route and confirm that the proposed research fits its security-research remit.
- 2Prepare a CV or résumé, a 3–5-page research statement, and a single-authored English writing sample under 50 pages; predoctoral applicants also provide an unofficial transcript.
- 3Submit the complete application through the Belfer fellowship portal and enter contact details for three recommenders.
- 4Monitor the portal and ensure all three confidential recommendation letters are uploaded by the separate letter deadline.
Program timeline
Most recent application deadline
December 1, 2025
Most recent recommendation-letter deadline
December 15, 2025
Most recent applicant-notification date
February 15, 2026
October 1, 2026
Applications for 2027–2028 open
December 1, 2026
Applications for 2027–2028 close
December 15, 2026
Recommendation letters for 2027–2028 are due
Typical fellowship period
September–June