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Study in USA | Harvard University PIL Research Fellowship 2026

January 12, 2026 8:50 am

Study in USA | Harvard University PIL Research Fellowship 2026

For pioneering early-career scholars focused on Islamic legal studies, an exceptional opportunity to conduct in-depth research at a world-leading institution is now available. Harvard Law School is accepting applications for its prestigious PIL Research Fellowship for the 2026-2027 academic year. This full-time, residential fellowship offers dedicated scholars a nine-month period to pursue independent research with unparalleled access to Harvard’s academic resources and intellectual community.

A Fully Supported, Immersive Research Experience

This fellowship is designed to provide both financial security and deep academic immersion. Selected fellows receive:

A Comprehensive Stipend: Financial support for the full nine-month duration of the fellowship.
Unmatched Research Access: Extensive use of Harvard’s vast library system, including specialized collections in Islamic law.
Full Academic Integration: Active participation in the university’s scholarly life, including workshops, seminars, and exchanges with leading faculty and researchers.

Who Is the Ideal Fellow?

This highly selective program seeks scholars with a clear and compelling research vision. You are an excellent candidate if you:

Hold a completed advanced degree (such as a JD, PhD, or SJD) before the fellowship begins in fall 2026.
Propose an original research project in Islamic law that engages with legal history, law and society, or comparative law.
Can demonstrate a strong alignment between your academic background and your proposed project.
Can clearly articulate why Harvard Law School’s specific resources and environment are essential for the success of your research.

Application Process

A successful application requires meticulous preparation. You must submit a complete dossier through Harvard’s online portal, including:

A detailed academic Curriculum Vitae (CV).
A comprehensive research proposal with an abstract, a research statement (up to 1,500 words), and a relevant bibliography.
A concise explanation of why Harvard is the necessary venue for your work.
One writing sample in English (maximum 25 pages).
Three confidential letters of reference, which your referees must submit directly by the deadline.

Click Here to Apply

Application Timeline

The final deadline to submit your complete application is 13 February 2026. A scholarly committee will review all submissions, and applicants will be notified of the final decision by 1 March 2026.

Crafting a Standout Application

Given the fellowship’s focus on impact and originality, your research proposal is the cornerstone of your application. It must go beyond a topic description to present a feasible, well-structured plan for the nine-month period. Furthermore, you must convincingly argue why your project requires the unique collections and scholarly ecosystem at Harvard Law School. Your writing sample should powerfully demonstrate your analytical rigor and ability to contribute meaningfully to academic discourse in Islamic law.

Why This Fellowship is a Career-Defining Opportunity

The PIL Research Fellowship is more than funding; it is an invitation to join one of the world’s most influential legal research communities. The opportunity to develop your work with the support of Harvard’s resources and alongside its faculty can significantly accelerate your academic trajectory and open doors to future collaborations and career advancements.

The Harvard Law School PIL Research Fellowship represents a premier pathway to advance Islamic legal scholarship. By submitting a sophisticated and compelling application that highlights a novel research agenda and a clear need for Harvard’s environment, you can compete for this transformative award. For the official application portal and detailed guidelines, visit the Harvard Law School research fellowships page.