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Harvard Kennedy School Resources

Harvard Kennedy School Fellowships and Scholarships

HKS offers a number of full and partial fellowships and scholarships for students from specific geographic regions. The selection processes for these fellowships are highly competitive. Please note: These fellowships are meant to supplement primary funding and unless otherwise noted, will not cover all costs of attendance.

Abu Dhabi Leadership Graduate Public Service Fellowship

Established by the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court to support Mason Program students who are citizens of the United Arab Emirates and are employed by the Abu Dhabi government. Recipients must commit to pursue a career in public service with the Abu Dhabi Government for a minimum of two years after completion of their degree program.

Aida Kayali International Public Service Fellowship

Established to support students (women preferred) committed to public service in the Middle East, Africa or South America.

African Student Scholarship

Established to support students from Africa.

Albert Carnesale Fellowship

The Carnelsale Fellowship was established to honor Dean Albert Carnesale's 18 years of service to the Kennedy School. This fellowship is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and professional distinction, as defined by the Admissions Committee and the Financial Aid Committee.

Amanter Graduate Fellowship

Awarded to students with demonstrated financial need as determined by the Student Financial Services Office.

Ancora Foundation Graduate Fellowship

Established to support an Edward S. Mason Program student from Indonesia.

Andronico Luksic Craig Fellowship—Chile

The Andronico Luksic Craig Fellowship Program was established to support talented and committed individuals from Chile studying at the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS). The fellowships are intended to strengthen governance and policy-making in Chile by preparing existing and emerging leaders through participation in the rigorous HKS degree programs. These programs advance the public interest by educating skilled, exceptional leaders and solve public problems through world-class scholarship and active engagement with practitioners and decision makers. Qualified candidates for the fellowship will be residents of Chile with a demonstrated commitment to using their Harvard studies to serve the nation’s public good. Preference will be given to students with a demonstrated commitment to working in positions of leadership related to governance and public policy. The charitable initiatives of Mr. Luksic and his family support a range of causes, including the provision of educational scholarships in Chile and Croatia.

Annette Kade Fellowship

Established to support students from France.

Bashir Al-Haffar Public Service Fellowship

Established to support students (women preferred) from the Arab League.

David M. Rubenstein Fellowship

Established to support students in the joint program offered through the Harvard Business School (HBS) and Harvard Kennedy School (HKS).

Derwin Pereira Graduate Fellowship

Established to support an Edward S. Mason Program student from Indonesia.

DS Foundation Public Service Fellowship 

Fellowship to support outstanding students who: a) currently serve in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or Indian Foreign Service (IFS); b) have received admission to both Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School; and c) have track records of demonstrated excellence in prior public service work and clear aspirations for returning to India upon graduation.

Edith M. Stokey Fellowship

The Edith M. Stokey Fellowship was established in January 2012 in honor of Edith M. Stokey, the Kennedy School’s “founding mother” and long-time Associate Academic Dean. In recognition of Mrs. Stokey’s strong interest in Sri Lanka, dating back to her family’s friendship with an exchange student in 1958, preference in awarding the fellowship would be for a student from Sri Lanka.

Empedocle Maffia Fellowship

The Italian Ministry of Environment, Land and Sea in conjunction with the HKS Center for International Development (CID) have established this fellowship to provide tuition support and stipend, for incoming students from Italy who have practical experience working on international environment and development policy issues and who intend to pursue careers in environment and development after graduation. This fellowship was established to honor the legacy of Empedocle Maffia, a distinguished Italian, who held positions in academia, the public sector, and journalism.

Ferenc A. Vali Memorial Scholarship

Establshed to honor the life, career and legacy of Professor Vali to support students from Hungary.

Gundle South African Public Service Fellowship

Established to support a Mason Program student from South Africa whose career focus is on law enforcement, criminal justice, policing, and public safety.

Henry Hubschman Fellowship

Established in honor of Henry A. Hubschman to support students in the HKS/HLS Joint Degree Program. For a detailed bio of Mr. Hubschman please click here.

John and Marilyn Keane Graduate Fellowship

Established to honor the involvement, dedication and leadership of John and Marilyn Keane in supporting Harvard Kennedy School students.

John Kenneth Galbraith Fellowship

Established in honor of Professor Galbraith's 90th birthday to support Mason Program students from India.

Kistefos Public Service Fellowship

Established to support students from Norway who demonstrate a capacity to lead, commitment to improving governance, academic proficiency, professional experience, leadership potential, demonstrated financial need and the potential to make a significant, positive difference upon returning to Norway. Graduates of the Oslo Handelsgymnasium are especially encouraged to apply.

Lamont Graduate Fellowship

Established to support students from the Middle East, India and South Asia.

Latifa Kosta Graduate Fellowship

Established to support students from the Middle East with a preference for students from Lebanon.

Margaret Traub and Phyllis Dicker LGBT Graduate Fellowship

Established to recognize the involvement, dedication and leadership of Margaret Traub, AB '80, and Phyllis Dicker in supporting Harvard Kennedy School students. Eligible candidates for this fellowship must have demonstrated an interest in and commitment to issues related to the LGBT community.

Mark Schwartz Graduate Fellowship

Established to honor the involvement, dedication and leadership of Mark Schwartz AB '76, MBA '78, MPP '79 in supporting Harvard Kennedy School students. This fellowship is awarded to Harvard College graduates with demonstrated financial need as determined by the Student Financial Services Office.

Mary and David Boies Fellowship

Established to support students from Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel, Palestinian Territories, and former Soviet Union countries in Central Asia who demonstrate a capacity to lead, with a vision for their countries or region, and potential to make a significant, positive difference when they return to their home country.

Minnie Osmena Scholarship Scholarship

Established to support students from the Philippines for study and training in public policy.

Mona Hammami Graduate Fellowship

Established to support students of the MPA/ID Program from Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Morocco, Oman, occupied Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Palestine Monetary Authority Graduate Public Service Fellowship

Established to support students from the Palestinian territories. As a demonstration of commitment to public service, the successful applicant must be professionally employed in the public sector, broadly defined, in the Palestinian territories for three years upon graduation. If the three-year commitment is not met, recipients must repay the fellowship.

Pforzheimer Foundation Nonprofit Fellowship

The Pforzheimer Foundation Nonprofit Fellowship is awarded to a degree program student who has experience working in nonprofit organizations or who has selected to concentrate in nonprofit management while studying at the Harvard Kennedy School.

Princess Banderi Al-Faisal Fellowship

Established by Princess Banderi Al-Faisal MPP 1998 to support students from the Arab League (women preferred).

Rausing Public Service Fellowship for Barbados

Established to support a Mason Program student from Barbados. A two year commitment to public service in Barbados after completion of studies is required.

Robert Woods Memorial Scholarship

Established to support Mason Program students from Africa.

Schlosstein-Hartley Graduate Fellowship

Established to honor the involvement, dedication and leadership of Ralph L. Schlosstein and Jane Hartley in supporting Harvard Kennedy School students. This fellowship is awarded to students with demonstrated financial need as determined by the Student Financial Services Office.

Scott and Isabelle Black Fellowship

Established for students who show a strong commitment to address important public service issues with a preference for social policy, through a career in government or nongovernmental organizations (NGO). Awarded to students with demonstrated financial need as determined by Student Financial Services Office.

Sheikh Abdulaziz A. Al-Tuwaijiri Public Service Fellowship

Established to honor Sheikh Abulaziz Al-Tuwaijri and to advance his commitment to world peace. Preference given to Middle Eastern students committed to the cause of world peace and conflict resolution. As a demonstration of commitment to public service, the successful applicant must be professionally employed in the public sector in their home country, broadly defined, for three years upon graduation. If the three-year commitment is not met, recipients must repay the fellowship.

Sheikh Suhaim bin Hamad Al Thani Fellowship

This fellowship commemorates H.E. Sheikh Suhaim bin Hamad Al Thani, one of the founders and visionaries who shaped modern day Qatar. It supports Mason Program students from Yemen, Egypt, Sudan, Palestinian Territories, Iraq, Liberia, Rwanda, Senegal, and Vietnam.

Tamer Fellowship

Established to support students from Lebanon, Jordan, Morocco, Egypt, Yemen, Congo, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Somalia and Tanzania.

Thomas Barry Fellowship

Established to honor the involvement, dedication and leadership of Thomas Barry in supporting Harvard Kennedy School students. This fellowship is awarded to students with demonstrated financial need as determined by the Student Financial Services Office.

Thomas J. Healey Fellowship

Supports joint Harvard Business School (HBS) and Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) students with experience and commitment to government service who seek to bring enlightened management, leadership and analytical rigor to solving complex societal problems.

Turkish Secretariat General for European Union Affairs Graduate Fellowship

Through the establishment of this fellowship, Harvard University honors the involvement, dedication, and leadership of the Secretariat General in furthering the education and training of Turkish government officials. The program has the goal of improving the leadership capacity of the experts of the Secretariat General who assume a significant role in Turkey’s European Union accession process. The fellowship will support one Mason Program student each year with at least five years of service at Secretariat General at the time of application, by providing tuition, required fees and a stipend for living expenses.

William A. Starr Innovations Fellowship

Supports students who are working to promote innovative solutions and imaginative thinking as leaders in journalism and public service. It is awarded to a journalist who demonstrates original, non-traditional thinking in policy analysis, and public service.

HKS Research Center Funding Resources

Belfer IGA (BIGA) Student Fellowships 

The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs offers a fellowship program to support first and second year MPP students who choose the International and Global Affairs (IGA) policy area of concentration (PAC). This extra financial aid to a select number of IGA concentrators is intended to offset education expenses and permit students to choose initial employment that reflects their interests rather than the need to pay off education debts. Belfer IGA (BIGA) Student Fellows have the opportunity to participate in policy research in association with the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, HKS’s oldest and largest research center. After completing an information form over the summer, IGA then pairs students in the fall with a research project or program at the Belfer Center where they will observe and participate in policy research. These awards offer student the opportunity to spend five hours per week on research assistance to Belfer Center projects and programs, and provide a unique opportunity for mentorship by leading faculty and researchers.

Belfer Center for Science & International Affairs Middle East Initiative - Kuwait Program -- Kuwait Foundation Fellowship for Outstanding Emerging Leaders

Established by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences to support students from Kuwait, students from other Arab countries living in Kuwait, as well as students from the Gulf and other Arab countries.

Belfer Center for Science & International Affairs - Roy Family Fellowship

This fellowship is open to all two-year degree program candidates in the Master in Public Policy, Master in Public Administration, and Master in Public Administration/International development program. It provides full tuition for two years through the generous support of the Roy Family Student Support Fund. (If applicants are accepted to a joint degree program at Harvard Law School or Harvard Business School, the fellowship will cover the cost of their tuition and fees at the Kennedy School in pursuit of their MPP or MPA. The scholarship shall only be applied to their tuition for the Kennedy School and cannot be used as tuition payment for non-Harvard joint degree programs).

To be eligible, applicants must have demonstrated an interest in environmental and energy issues, either through public or private sector work experience or through related entrepreneurial experience as an undergraduate. Successful applicants will also make a strong case that they intend to focus their studies at the HKS on environment or energy issues. Preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated interest in public-private partnerships and market-oriented solutions to realize environmental or energy goals. The Roy Family Fellow will consult with Environment and Natural Resources Program faculty to assure that his or her curriculum choices will advance his or her understanding of and ability to contribute to environmental policy.

Fellows will be selected based on outstanding merit, from applicants who meet all relevant admissions criteria for the Harvard Kennedy School. Both domestic and international students are eligible to apply. Two-year HKS degree program students will receive funding for both academic years, so long as the recipients remain in good academic standing and enroll in a program of courses relevant to environment and energy issues.

Carr Center Human Rights Scholarship

The Carr Center for Human Rights Scholarship program supports second year HKS students who have demonstrated a strong engagement in and commitment to human rights policy. Fellows are encouraged to engage, as much as possible, in the activities of the Carr Center throughout the term of the fellowship. Fellows receive $5,500 in tuition reimbursement. Up to five Fellows are selected on merit with preference given to students with financial need. Carr’s human rights programs nominate candidates and students may self-nominate.

Center for Public Leadership — George Fellowship

The George Fellowship supports students in the concurrent program offered through the Harvard Business School (HBS) and Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) with a stipend. Students enrolled at either school during the fellowship year are eligible for consideration. Further details about applying for this fellowship may be found on the Center for Public Leadership website.

Center for Public Leadership — The Gleitsman Leadership Fellowship

This fellowship was funded through a gift from the estate of renowned philanthropist Alan L. Gleitsman and recognizes students for their background or potential as activists.

Fellowship applicants will be considered based on their demonstrated potential as emerging social activists and innovators and interest in pursuing a career with transformative impact on society. Successful applicants will demonstrate strong character, commitment to social activism and excellent academic credentials. Fellows will be selected based on outstanding merit and need. Both domestic and international students are eligible to apply. Funding will be for one academic year. Active participation in the co-curricular program is a requirement of all fellows for the duration of their award.

Center for Public Leadership —  The Dubin Fellows Program for Emerging Leaders

Dubin Emerging Leader Fellows will be awarded a scholarship up to full tuition and health fees, and will participate in a rich cocurricular program offered by the Center for Public Leadership. Made possible by a generous donation from Glenn Dubin, CEO and co-founder of Highbridge Capital Management and founding board member of the Robin Hood Foundation, this fellowship is open to students studying in any of the Harvard Kennedy School’s masters’ degree programs.

Successful applicants will demonstrate potential as emerging leaders, strong character, excellent academic credentials, a commitment to pursue a career with transformative impact on society, and the ability to thrive and lead in the face of adversity. Fellows will be selected based on outstanding merit, but awards will not exceed demonstrated financial need. Both domestic and international students are eligible to apply. Eligible two-year degree program students will receive funding for both academic years as well as support for unpaid summer internships, contingent upon the successful completion of year one. Active participation in the cocurricular program is a requirement of all fellows for the duration of their award.

Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations — Fellowships

The Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations fellowships provide an opportunity for Harvard Kennedy School students to join the Hauser community of faculty, researchers, and staff, and contribute directly to one of the Center’s domains of practice or other programmatic areas. One fellow may be chosen in each of the following areas: Humanitarian and Development NGOs; Justice and Human Rights; Nonprofits in China; Philanthropy; Arts, Culture and Media; New Media; and, Faith-Based Organizations. The fellowship includes a $15,000 stipend. The application process for upcoming academic year fellows will take place in August/September. For further information about the fellowships visit: Hauser Fellowships for additional information.

Institute of Politics Alumni Scholarship

A living testament to the life and work of President John F. Kennedy, the Institute of Politics' mission is to inspire students to lead lives that are engaged in public service, politics and civic leadership. The IOP Alumni Scholarship furthers this mission by providing tuition to a Harvard College graduate who was actively engaged at the Institute of Politics during his/her undergraduate years and who has been accepted to the Kennedy School.

Students may apply for the full-two year tuition and mandatory fees scholarship to the Kennedy School or if they have been accepted to a joint degree program at Harvard Law School or Harvard Business School, students may apply for a one-year scholarship to cover the cost of tuition and fees at the Kennedy School in pursuit of their MPP or MPA. The scholarship shall only be applied to uition and fees for the Kennedy School and cannot be used as payment for non-Harvard joint degree programs.

Selection for an Institute of Politics Alumni Scholarship to the Kennedy School is based upon the candidate's strong record of academic achievement, demonstrated commitment to politics and public service and proven leadership ability. Special consideration will be given to the candidate's undergraduate participation in the work and mission of the IOP including the Student Advisory Committee and its programs.

Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government Fellowships

Established to support those students who demonstrate a strong background and interest in public policy at the nexus of business and government, including regulation, corporate social responsibility, public-private partnerships and other areas highlighted on the center’s website.

Program for Criminal Justice Policy and Management Fellowship

The Program for Criminal Justice Policy and Management fellows work closely with the Program’s senior leadership and researchers to improve interaction and participation across the University among students, practitioners, and scholars in the criminal justice field. Fellows receive $15,000 in tuition reimbursement. Candidates must demonstrate interest and/or experience in the field of criminal justice policy and management. Up to three Fellows are selected on merit with preference given to students with financial need. See PCJ Academic Year Fellowships for more information.

Roy and Lila Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation – Fellowship in Democracy

Established to support a student with financial need, who also demonstrates a strong interest in the questions of democratic governance, a capacity for leadership; commitment to research and inquiry on effective and innovative governance; and a dedication to work for improvements that advance social justice and serve citizens of all countries and nationalities.

Roy and Lila Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation – Ford Foundation Mason Fellowship

On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Edward S. Mason Program at Harvard Kennedy School, the Ford Foundation announced the allocation of a $10 million endowment to this innovative program that trains emerging leaders from developing nations. The Ford Foundation Mason Fellowship will be awarded every year to meritorious Mason Fellows with financial need. Eligible Mason Fellows will have: 1) financial need; 2) a strong commitment to the principles of democratic governance and public service; 3) a capacity to innovate and implement non-traditional approaches to social and economic development; 4) a commitment to advance public policies and improve the lives of the most vulnerable citizens of the poorest countries. Fellowship recipients will be invited to join the Ash Center in its student activities.

Roy and Lila Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation – HKS Indonesia Program Fellowship

The Harvard Kennedy School Indonesia Program offers fellowships to support Indonesian students and scholars participating in degree courses and executive education programs at Harvard or conducting research on public policy in Indonesia

Shorenstein Center Scholarship in Media and Politics

This scholarship is awarded to an individual who has a proven interest in issues concerning digital media, journalism, politics and public policy. The scholarship will support a student who wishes to pursue graduate study in the field of media, politics and public policy. As a demonstration of their commitment, successful recipients should be professionally employed in the field (as a journalist or in the field of digital communication for a nonprofit, government agency or political entity) for three years after graduation.

Taubman Center Fellowship

The Kennedy School’s Taubman Center for State and Local Government is offering renewable fellowships to MPP students who have:

• A proven record of academic success
• Demonstrated potential for civic leadership
• A commitment to state and local issues in the United States or abroad.

Recipients are expected to write their Policy Analysis Exercise (PAE) for a public or non-profit entity focused on local, metropolitan, or state issues. Fellows are welcome to engage, as much as possible, in the activities of the Taubman Center throughout the term of the fellowship. In addition, after graduation, recipients are strongly encouraged to spend time working for a public or non-profit entity primarily focused on issues or services at the local, metropolitan, or state level.

Harvard Kennedy School Affiliated Fellowships

HKS works with a number of international institutions in order to offer our international students a wide range of funding resources. Selection processes are administered through the corresponding institutions.

For contact information for these fellowships please refer the information below.

Andronico Luksic Abaroa Fellowship—Croatia

Fellowship to support students born in and currently living in Croatia.

• Email Andronico Luksic Abaroa Fellowship - Croatia  
• View website

Crown Prince Frederik Fund of Denmark

Students from Denmark are eligible to apply.

• Telephone: 617-542-2300  
• View website

Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program

Harvard University established the Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program in 1979 to address the needs of South Africans who were denied access to advanced education because of apartheid. It is still intended for those South Africans who are educationally disadvantaged by past law and resource allocation. The fellowship includes payment of tuition, a living allowance, and a return air ticket to the United States. Deadline is typically set for early June.

• Email Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program
• View website

IIPP Fellowship

The Institute for International Public Policy (IIPP) Fellowship Program is a program that seeks to enhance U.S. national security and global competitiveness by promoting excellence, international service, and awareness among a representative cross-section of the American citizenry. The IIPP also seeks to broaden access to international education and training opportunities for underrepresented minority college students.

The IIPP Fellowship Program provides students from underrepresented minority groups with education and training experiences critical to entry and advancement in international affairs careers. IIPP is a comprehensive program of summer policy institutes, study abroad, intensive language training, internships, graduate study, and student services that include mentoring and career development. Additionally, IIPP provides students with the education and training necessary to successfully enter, advance, and provide leadership in international affairs careers.

• View website

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)— MPA/ID Partnership Program

Students of the MPA/ID program from World Bank member countries should submit a statement of eligibility to the MPA/ID Office be considered for this scholarship. Please visit the MPA/ID Partnership Program page for further information.

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)—Regular Program

Students of all degree programs, except MPA/ID, from World Bank member countries are eligible to apply for this scholarship through the World Bank; please contact:

• Email Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
• View website

Kennedy Memorial Trust

Students of the MPP, MPA2 or MPA/ID programs from the United Kingdom are eligible to apply.

• Telephone: 44 20 7222 1151
• View website

McCloy German Scholars Program

Students enrolled in all degree programs from Germany are eligible to apply.

• Email McCloy German Scholars Program   
• View website

The Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship Program (Muskie)

The Harvard Kennedy School is a participating educational institution in the Muskie Program. Students from the former Soviet Union and East Central Europe are eligible to apply.

• View website

Public Policy & International Affairs (PPIA) Fellowships

The PPIA Fellowship Program is designed to prepare college juniors or rising seniors from diverse backgrounds for graduate studies in public and/or international affairs and groom them for professional roles in public service. There is an array of opportunities under the Fellowship which span a period of development from the junior year of college to beyond the completion of a graduate degree.

• View website

Wexner Israel Fellowship

Students of the Mid-Career MPA program from the Israeli Civil Service are eligible to apply.

• View website