Fellowship and Prize Opportunities for Harvard Students

The Center for Jewish Studies at Harvard University has limited funds available to support qualified Harvard College students and Harvard GSAS students in Jewish studies with J-term (January) research fellowships, as well as summer study and research fellowships. We award prizes, such as the Selma and Lewis Weinstein Prize for the best undergraduate essay in Jewish studies. We also coordinate an exchange program for graduate students in Jewish studies with The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

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J-term and Spring Funding

Application Deadline: November 1, 2024

CJS J-term Research and Study Fellowships
for Undergraduate Students

Eligibility: Undergraduate full-time, registered Harvard student

Field of Interest: Jewish studies

Application includes:

• a project proposal (1 page) describing the nature of your research project and your reasons for wanting to conduct it
• an itemized budget which may include economy travel, basic research expenses, basic housing, and living expenses
• one letter of recommendation from the faculty overseeing your project

Apply via CARAT: CJS J-term Research Fellowships for Undergraduate Students

CJS J-term Research and Study Fellowships
for GSAS Graduate Students

Eligibility: registered Harvard GSAS Graduate student

Field of Interest: Jewish studies

Application includes:

• a project proposal (1 page) describing the nature of your research project and your reasons for wanting to conduct it
• an itemized budget which may include economy travel, basic research expenses, basic housing, and living expenses
• one letter of recommendation from the faculty overseeing your project

Apply via CARAT: CJS J-term Research Fellowships for GSAS Graduate Students

Summer Funding

Application Deadline: March 7, 2025

Eligibility: Undergraduate full-time, registered Harvard student

Field of Interest: Jewish studies

CJS Undergraduate Summer Research and Study Fellowships

Application includes:

• a project proposal (1 page) describing the nature of your research project and your reasons for wanting to conduct it
• an itemized budget which may include economy travel, basic research expenses, basic housing, and living expenses
• two letters of recommendation from the faculty overseeing your project

Apply via CARAT: CJS Undergrad Summer Research and Study Fellowships

CJS GSAS Graduate Summer Research and Study Fellowships

Eligibility: registered Harvard GSAS Graduate student

Field of Interest: Jewish studies

Application includes:

• a project proposal (1 page) describing the nature of your research project and your reasons for wanting to conduct it
• an itemized budget which may include economy travel, basic research expenses, basic housing and living expenses
• two letters of recommendation from the faculty overseeing your project

Apply via CARAT: CJS GSAS Grad Summer Research and Study Fellowships

CJS Graduate Student Conference Funding

The Center for Jewish Studies at Harvard University has limited available funds to support qualified, enrolled Harvard University graduate students in Jewish studies (primarily GSAS) to participate in up to 2 conferences per year. Eligible students will be reimbursed up to $750 per conference. Proof of conference participation is required: the letter of invitation or a copy of the conference program. Please submit your receipts after the conference.

Funding for conference participation in Jewish studies is for enrolled Harvard graduate students. 

Eligibility: Funding for conference participation in Jewish studies is for enrolled Harvard graduate students (primarily GSAS). Students applying for funding must submit the CARAT application together with a letter of invitation or a copy of the conference program and an itemized budget. Please submit receipts along with your budget within the application window (see below). Allowable expenses are conference fees, travel expenses including transport to and from the airport, and hotel accommodations at the student conference rate. Eligible students will be reimbursed up to $750 per conference for up to 2 conferences per year. 
*Expenses not eligible for reimbursement are membership/society fees and meals.

Opportunity for Harvard GSAS Students Only:
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem – Harvard University Exchange Program for Harvard GSAS Students

Application Deadline: March 21, 2025

The Center for Jewish Studies at Harvard University invites applications from Harvard University graduate students in Jewish studies in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences to apply for a new one-semester exchange fellowship at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The purpose of this opportunity is to support research and education of the highest academic quality in the areas of Jewish studies and Israel studies; to provide formative international experiences for doctoral students at both universities that will prepare them for their academic careers; and to broaden the experience of students of both institutions, providing them with opportunities for increased cultural understanding. The CJS will provide your Harvard tuition and a stipend for living and travel expenses for the selected student. 

Eligibility: registered Harvard GSAS Graduate student

Field of Interest: Jewish studies and Israel studies

Application includes:

• a research proposal (about one page) describing any classes you hope to take, scholars with whom you hope to work, and resources you hope to access at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
• letters of recommendation from two faculty members

Apply via CARAT: Harvard University-Hebrew University of Jerusalem Exchange Program for GSAS Students

Prizes

Opportunities for Harvard College Students Only:

Application Deadline: April 21, 2025

The Selma and Lewis Weinstein Prize in Jewish Studies is awarded to the Harvard College student with the best essay on a Jewish theme. Students are limited to one entry per prize. Entries must not exceed 25 pages and should be submitted with the online application.

Eligibility: Undergraduate full-time, registered Harvard student

Field of Interest: Jewish studies

Application includes:

• Entry no more than 25 pages in length

Apply via CARAT: Selma and Lewis Weinstein Prize

Opportunity by nomination only:

For an outstanding senior thesis or Ph.D. dissertation in Jewish and Hebrew studies by a Harvard student.

Eligibility: Harvard College graduating seniors and GSAS graduating Ph.D. candidates