The International Security Program Fellowship (ISP) provides one-year predoctoral, postdoctoral, and advanced research fellowships, which may be renewed. Applications are welcome from political scientists, lawyers, economists, natural scientists, and individuals from various disciplines, with a particular encouragement for women, minorities, and applicants from all nations.
When is the Application Deadline:
📅 Applications open October 1, 2025, and close December 1, 2025.
📅 Recommendation letters due: December 15, 2025.
📅 Notification of results: February 15, 2026.
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Tell Me About The Award:
The International Security Program (ISP) Fellowship, hosted at Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, supports outstanding predoctoral and postdoctoral scholars conducting research in international security and related fields. Fellows join a vibrant intellectual community, engage with leading scholars, and produce significant publications that contribute to global policy and security debates.
Which Fields are Eligible?
- International Security
- Political Science
- Economics
- Law
- Natural Sciences (related to security)
- International Affairs & related disciplines
Type:
Predoctoral, Postdoctoral, and Advanced Research Fellowship.
Who Can Apply?
- Predoctoral Fellows: Must be enrolled in a Ph.D. program, passed general exams, and made significant dissertation progress.
- Postdoctoral Fellows: Recent Ph.D. recipients (within 5 years), faculty members, or professionals from government, military, humanitarian, or research institutions.
- Encouraged applicants: Women, minorities, and citizens of all countries.
How are Applicants Selected?
Selection is based on:
- Academic and research excellence.
- Contribution to international security and policy debates.
- Strength of research statement and writing sample.
- Recommendations from referees.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
All nationalities are eligible.
Where will the Award be Taken?
Harvard University, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Cambridge, USA.
How Many Awards?
Limited funded fellowships; non-stipendiary positions are also available.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
- 💰 Annual stipend: $46,000 (predoctoral), $56,000 (postdoctoral).
- 🏥 Health insurance benefits (for eligible fellows).
- 📚 Office space, Harvard library access, and research facilities.
- 👥 Mentorship from top scholars like Stephen M. Walt and Steven E. Miller.
- 🌍 Networking with a global community of security experts.
How Long Will the Award Last?
One academic year (with possible renewal).
How to Apply:
Applicants must submit via the ISP Fellowship portal:
- CV/Resume
- Research statement (3–5 pages)
- Writing sample (under 50 pages, single-authored, in English)
- Unofficial transcript (predoctoral applicants only)
- Contact details of 3 recommenders
Visit the Award Webpage for Details
🔗 Harvard ISP Fellowship – Belfer Center
