The goal of the Ernest May Fellowship in History and Politics at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at the Harvard Kennedy School is to help build the next generation of men and women who will bring a professional history to strategic studies and major issues of international affairs.
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Summary of Ernest May Fellowship in History and Policy
Host Institute | Harvard Kennedy School |
Host Country | USA |
Programs and Projects | International Security Applied History Project |
Level | Predoctoral Candidates and Postdoctoral Fellows |
Duration | 1 Academic Year |
Application Deadline | December 1, 2022 |
Stipend: | 48,000 USD for postdoctoral or advanced research fellows |
—— | 38,000 USD for predoctoral fellows |
Ernest May Fellowship in History
Ernest May Fellows are housed with members of the International Security Program and participate in the Center’s activities within the framework of the International Security Program. They will have access to most of Harvard University’s libraries and facilities.

Benefits
Fellowships include annual stipends of $48,000 (for postdoctoral or advanced research fellows) or $38,000 (for predoctoral fellows). Postdoctoral fellows who received their Ph.D. have been entitled to benefits for the past five years; doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows who have obtained the Ph.D. more than five years ago will receive full or partial reimbursement of health insurance premiums.
Application Requirements
- CV/Resume
- Unofficial transcript (pre-doctoral co-applicants only)
- Research Statement (3-5 pages)
- Writing sample (less than 50 pages)
- This should be one published or unpublished article written by the applicant (co-authored papers are not accepted) in English, demonstrating his/her ability to write in the English language
- This could be a journal article, book chapter, dissertation chapter, white paper, etc. that you have produced in your field
- Contact information for 3 referrers who are sending letters on your behalf.
Eligibility Criteria
Preference will be given to a history Ph.D. Students or postdocs, but scholars from other disciplines whose research projects have a strong historical focus will be considered.
Application Deadline
The scholarship application period for the 2023-2024 academic year is now open and will close on December 1, 2022. Letters of recommendation are due December 15, 2022. Applicants will be notified by February 15, 2023.
Application Process
The Belfer Center Scholarship application period for the 2023-2024 academic year is now open. Click the link below to apply for Ernest May Fellowship in History and Policy. On the new form, click “New account” if you are a new candidate, otherwise “log in” to proceed.
Apply Now
If you have further queries, please contact Susan M. Lynch at susan_lynch@harvard.edu.