The Harvard Berenson Fellowship 2027–2028 is a prestigious residential postdoctoral research fellowship offered by Villa I Tatti, the Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies, in Florence, Italy. The fellowship gives academics the opportunity to conduct advanced research on the Renaissance and Italy’s global connections.
With a focus on transnational discussions, cultural exchanges, and intellectual ties between Italy and other regions during the Renaissance, the fellowship’s theme is “Italy in the World.” Research projects may explore the movement of ideas, people, artistic traditions, knowledge, and cultural practices between Italy and other regions of the world.
Projects examining connections between Italy and regions including Latin America, the Mediterranean, Africa, and Asia are welcome. Applications are encouraged from academics working in fields such as history, philosophy, literature, music, architecture and the arts, and the history of science.
Selected fellows have access to Harvard’s scholarly and research resources, dedicated time for research in Florence, and the opportunity to join the intellectual community at I Tatti. The residential setting also provides opportunities for academic exchange and networking with researchers studying the Italian Renaissance.
Researchers who have developed a compelling and well-defined research project related to the fellowship’s theme are eligible to apply. The fellowship provides an important environment for advancing postdoctoral research, accessing specialized resources, and contributing to wider academic discussions about the Renaissance and Italy’s global connections.
Applications for the 2027–2028 academic year must be submitted by November 16, 2026. Recommendation letters must be submitted by November 21, 2026.
Scholarship Details
Host Country: Italy
University: Harvard University Centre for Italian Renaissance Studies
Opportunity Type: Fellowship, Postdoctoral Research
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Deadline: 16 Nov 2026
Degree Level
The Harvard Berenson Fellowship is a postdoctoral research fellowship for scholars who already hold a PhD and are conducting advanced research on the Italian Renaissance and its global connections.
The fellowship is available for:
- 4 months
- 6 months
Available Subjects
The fellowship focuses on “Italy in the World,” supporting research on cultural and intellectual exchanges between Italy and other regions during the Renaissance, broadly covering the 14th to 17th centuries.
Relevant fields include:
- Architecture and Art History
- History and Philosophy
- Literature and Music
- History of Science
- Renaissance Studies
- Mediterranean Studies
- Cross-Cultural Studies
- Early Modern Studies
Eligibility Criteria – The Harvard Berenson Fellowship 2027–2028
To be eligible for the Harvard Berenson Fellowship 2027–2028, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a PhD at the time of application and submit a copy of the PhD certificate.
- Applicants cannot be pursuing a second PhD.
- Fellows must work solely on the proposed research project during the fellowship.
- Applicants should be conversant in English and familiar with Italian.
- Priority is given to early- and mid-career scholars.
- Applicants must be able to conduct most of their research in Florence.
- Scholars of all nationalities can apply.
- Researchers with limited access to research resources in Italy may receive special consideration.
- The proposed project should demonstrate strong potential for original research.
- Applicants who have previously held an I Tatti Term Fellowship are generally not eligible, except Graduate Fellows.
- The fellowship can only be held once and cannot be deferred.
Research Project Requirements
Applicants must propose a focused research project related to “Italy in the World” and Renaissance connections between Italy and other cultures. Fellows are expected to work exclusively on the proposed project during the fellowship.
Language Requirements
Applicants should be conversant in English and have familiarity with Italian. No specific IELTS or TOEFL score is required.
Benefits of the Harvard Berenson Fellowship 2027–2028
The Harvard Berenson Fellowship provides the following benefits:
- USD 5,200 monthly grant
- Up to USD 1,800 relocation assistance
- Possible rent-free apartment with utilities
- Housing subsidy if an apartment is unavailable
- Access to Harvard’s academic and scholarly resources
- Seven-day access to the Biblioteca Berenson
- Weekday lunches with other fellows and appointees
- Dedicated library desk or carrel
- Participation in conferences, lectures, concerts, and other academic activities
- Opportunity to conduct research in Florence and build an international academic network
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the required application materials, including:
- Completed online application
- PhD certificate
- Detailed research project proposal
- Academic CV
- Relevant academic and research information
- Recommendation letters
- Any additional documents requested through the official application system
Applicants should carefully check the official fellowship requirements before submitting their application.
Application Process
To apply for the Harvard Berenson Fellowship 2027–2028 in Italy:
- Review the official fellowship eligibility and research requirements.
- Prepare a focused research proposal related to “Italy in the World.”
- Prepare the required academic documents, including your PhD certificate and CV.
- Complete the online fellowship application.
- Arrange for recommendation letters to be submitted before the recommendation deadline.
- Submit the complete application by November 16, 2026.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: November 16, 2026
- Recommendation Letter Deadline: November 21, 2026
Apply Now
FAQs – Harvard Berenson Fellowship 2027–2028
Is the Harvard Berenson Fellowship fully funded?
The fellowship provides a USD 5,200 monthly grant, relocation assistance of up to USD 1,800, and housing-related support, along with research and academic resources.
Who can apply for the Harvard Berenson Fellowship?
The fellowship is intended for PhD holders and postdoctoral scholars conducting advanced research related to the Italian Renaissance and its global connections. Scholars from all nationalities can apply.
What is the theme of the Harvard Berenson Fellowship?
The theme is “Italy in the World,” focusing on transnational cultural and intellectual connections between Italy and other parts of the world during the Renaissance.
What fields are eligible for the fellowship?
Relevant fields include history, philosophy, literature, music, architecture, art history, history of science, Renaissance studies, Mediterranean studies, cross-cultural studies, and early modern studies.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL for the Harvard Berenson Fellowship?
No specific IELTS or TOEFL score is required according to the stated fellowship information. Applicants should be conversant in English and familiar with Italian.
What is the Harvard Berenson Fellowship deadline?
The application deadline for the 2027–2028 fellowship is November 16, 2026. Recommendation letters are due by November 21, 2026.
Where is the Harvard Berenson Fellowship held?
The fellowship is hosted at Villa I Tatti, the Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies, in Florence, Italy.
