Dissertation Completion Fellowships

Dissertation completion fellowships provide advanced doctoral students in the humanities and social sciences with an academic year of support to write and complete their dissertation.

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Eligible students in the humanities and social sciences are guaranteed a dissertation completion fellowship (DCF) between the G4 and G7 years and must apply for the DCF in advance of the dissertation completion year.

Before applying, students should:

  • review DCF opportunities offered by Harvard research centers (see below) and search the CARAT database for DCFs offered by non-Harvard agencies
  • review dissertation completion fellowships policy
  • follow the instructions for dissertation completion fellowships and apply by February 14, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

Award description and confirmation typically occurs in early May.

While there is no guarantee of a DCF beyond the G7 year, requests will be considered upon recommendation of the faculty advisor.

Instructions for departments can be found on the instructions for dissertation completion fellowships page.

Harvard Research Centers

Other dissertation completion fellowships are available through the Harvard research centers.

  • Charles Warren Center for Studies in American History Dissertation Completion Grants
  • Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies Dissertation Completion Fellowships
  • Edmond J. Safra Graduate Fellowships in Ethics
  • Mahindra Humanities Center Mellon Interdisciplinary Dissertation Completion Fellowship
  • Center for European Study Dissertation Completion Fellowship
  • Radcliffe Dissertation Completion Fellowships
  • Weatherhead Center for International Affairs Canada Program Dissertation Research and Writing Fellowships
  • Weatherhead Center for International Affairs Dissertation-Writing Grants

External Dissertation Completion Fellowships 

Search the CARAT database for dissertation completion fellowships offered by non-Harvard agencies.​ Here are a couple of examples:

  • American Association of University Women Dissertation Fellowship
  • Charlotte W. Newcombe Fellowship

Please contact the Academic Programs office with any questions.

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