Spend Two Years in the United States with Harvard
The United States remains one of the world's leading destinations for higher education, scientific research, and international academic careers. Among its most prestigious institutions, Harvard University offers outstanding opportunities for researchers from around the world.
The Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2027 provides recently graduated doctoral researchers with the opportunity to spend two years conducting research at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The program offers substantial financial support, including an announced annual salary of $92,000, health insurance under the applicable Harvard employee plan, relocation support, and an annual research and travel allowance.
Apply Directly
Access the official Harvard opportunity and apply
What Is the Harvard Environmental Fellows Program?
The Harvard Environmental Fellows Program is a professional development and research fellowship organized by the Harvard University Center for the Environment (HUCE).
It is designed for promising researchers who want to develop independent research connected to environmental challenges while working within Harvard's multidisciplinary academic environment.
The fellowship is scheduled to begin in September 2027 and lasts for two full years.
Program at a Glance
Category Details
Host institution : Harvard University Center for the Environment
Country : United States
Location : Cambridge, Massachusetts
Program type : Research / professional development fellowship
Duration : 2 years
Annual salary : $92,000
Expected start : September 2027
Main deadline : December 1, 2026
Recommendation deadline : December 11, 2026
Financial Benefits
One of the strongest features of this opportunity is its financial package.
$92,000 Annual Salary
Selected fellows are offered an announced annual salary of $92,000, providing financial support throughout the fellowship period.
Relocation Support
The program provides a relocation allowance of up to $2,500 to help with eligible costs associated with moving to the Harvard area.
Research & Travel Budget
Fellows receive an annual budget of $2,500 for professional and academic activities, including eligible research and travel expenses.
Health Coverage
Participants can benefit from the applicable Harvard employee health insurance arrangements, subject to the program's conditions.
Harvard Research Resources
Fellows can work within Harvard's academic and research environment and benefit from access to relevant libraries, databases, laboratories, and other university resources.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship primarily targets researchers who have recently completed a PhD or equivalent terminal degree.
Applicants should generally meet the following requirements:
- Hold a PhD or equivalent qualification.
- Have received the degree between May 2023 and August 2027.
- Complete the doctoral degree before September 2027.
- Propose a research project addressing an environmental issue.
- Obtain support from an appropriate Harvard faculty member.
- Demonstrate strong English-language skills suitable for academic research and communication.
- Be prepared to participate full-time in the fellowship for its two-year duration.
Researchers from universities around the world may be eligible to apply.
What Kind of Research Is Eligible?
The proposed research should have a clear connection to environmental issues.
Depending on the applicant's academic background, projects may address areas such as:
- Climate change
- Environmental sustainability
- Biodiversity
- Conservation
- Energy
- Natural resources
- Environmental sciences
- Sustainable development
- Environmental policy
- Interdisciplinary environmental research
The research proposal should clearly demonstrate the scientific value of the project and explain how the fellowship environment will contribute to its development.
Finding a Harvard Faculty Host
A particularly important part of the application is identifying a Harvard faculty member willing to support and host the proposed research.
Applicants should look for professors whose research interests closely match their proposed project.
A suitable faculty host can provide:
Academic guidance → Research environment → Institutional support → Professional networking
The faculty member's support is also important because a Letter of Support is required as part of the application.
For this reason, applicants should begin contacting potential Harvard faculty hosts well before the application deadline.
Application Documents
Applicants should prepare a strong academic application containing the required supporting materials.
Academic CV
An updated Curriculum Vitae highlighting academic qualifications, research experience, publications, and other relevant achievements.
Research Proposal
A detailed Research Proposal explaining the proposed project, research objectives, methodology, significance, and environmental relevance.
The proposal should not exceed five pages, according to the information provided for the call.
Academic Publications
Applicants may submit up to three examples of previous publications or academic work.
Three Recommendation Letters
The application requires three academic recommendation letters from professors or qualified academic experts.
Harvard Faculty Letter of Support
Applicants need a formal Letter of Support from a Harvard faculty member who agrees to host and support the proposed research.
🇺🇸 Visa and Relocation
International candidates selected for the fellowship will need to comply with the applicable U.S. immigration requirements.
Harvard can provide institutional documentation required for the relevant immigration process, depending on the participant's status and program arrangements.
The exact visa category and requirements should be confirmed through the official Harvard and U.S. authorities. Receiving a fellowship does not by itself guarantee visa approval.
Important Deadlines
December 1, 2026
This is the main application deadline, indicated as 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
December 11, 2026
The deadline indicated for recommendation letters and related supporting materials is December 11, 2026.
🇺🇸 September 2027
The fellowship is expected to begin in September 2027.
Why Consider This Harvard Opportunity?
The program combines several major advantages for early-career researchers:
Harvard University + United States + Environmental Research + Paid Fellowship + International Academic Experience
For researchers planning an international academic or scientific career, spending two years in Harvard's research environment can provide valuable professional development, academic networking, and research experience.
How to Apply
The application process is completed online.
STEP 01 — Check Eligibility
Review the official requirements and make sure your doctoral qualification and research background meet the criteria.
STEP 02 — Develop Your Research Idea
Prepare a focused and convincing environmental research proposal.
STEP 03 — Contact a Harvard Faculty Member
Identify an appropriate Harvard professor and seek support for your proposed research.
STEP 04 — Prepare Your Documents
Finalize your CV, research proposal, publications, recommendation letters, and faculty support letter.
STEP 05 — Submit Online
Complete the application and submit all required materials before the official deadline.
STEP 06 — Follow Up on Recommendations
Make sure your recommenders submit their letters by the separate recommendation deadline.
Apply for the Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2027
Apply through the official opportunity page
Applicants should carefully review the official announcement before applying because eligibility requirements, dates, funding conditions, and application instructions may be updated by the organizers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Harvard Environmental Fellows Program open to international applicants?
The program can accept eligible researchers from universities around the world. Applicants must meet all program requirements.
How long does the fellowship last?
The fellowship is planned for two years, beginning in September 2027.
How much is the salary?
The announced salary is $92,000 per year.
Does the program provide health insurance?
Health insurance is available under the applicable Harvard employee coverage arrangements, subject to the program's conditions.
Do I need a PhD?
The program is primarily intended for recent PhD graduates or researchers holding an equivalent terminal degree. Specific exceptions may apply in fields where a PhD is not normally the terminal degree.
Does my research have to focus on the environment?
Yes. The proposed research should have a clear connection to environmental challenges and fit the objectives of the Harvard Environmental Fellows Program.
Do I need a Harvard faculty host?
Yes. A Letter of Support from an appropriate Harvard faculty member is an important component of the application.
How many recommendation letters are required?
The application requires three academic recommendation letters.
What is the application deadline?
The main deadline is December 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Recommendation materials have a separate deadline of December 11, 2026.