The Middle East Initiative at Harvard Kennedy School funds junior and mid-career policy researchers, faculty, public servants and analysts for an academic year at Harvard. All nationalities may apply, with priority for scholars from and returning to the UAE, the Gulf and the Arab world. Ten-month stipends are 55,000 to 75,000 dollars. Applications close on 1 December 2026; letters are due on 15 December.
Who can apply
Nationality
All nationalities are eligible. Priority goes to scholars from and returning to the UAE, the Gulf and the Arab world, so Tunisian applicants who plan to return to the region fall in the priority group.
Profile
Junior and mid-career policy-oriented scholars and faculty. Policy analysts, public servants and social scientists are welcome; a PhD is not required, but the stipend depends on it.
Presence
Fellows must be physically present at Harvard for the whole fellowship and produce a deliverable such as a manuscript, an article, a working paper or a policy brief.
Funding and what it does not cover
The ten-month stipend is 55,000 dollars without a PhD, 65,000 dollars with a PhD under five years old and 75,000 dollars with an older PhD. Fellows without a doctorate obtained within five years of the start do not get Harvard health benefits. Non-stipendiary appointments are also offered.
Covered
55,000 dollars for predoctoral fellows and practitioners without a PhD
65,000 dollars for postdoctoral fellows with a PhD under five years old
75,000 dollars for fellows with a PhD over five years old
You pay
Harvard health benefits for fellows without a doctorate obtained within five years of the start
