Loeb Fellowship 2027–28 at Harvard: $57,500 Stipend for Mid-Career Practitioners Shaping Communities
Have you spent years shaping neighbourhoods, landscapes or communities and need time to step back and think bigger?
- Funding$57,500 stipend, housing support and a travel grant
- DurationOne academic year (mid-August 2027 to commencement 2028)
- Who can applyGlobal (international Fellows need a J-1 visa)
- Application feeFree
Overview
Applications for 2027–28 are due on 5 January 2027.
The Loeb Fellowship brings up to 10 accomplished practitioners each year to Harvard GSD. Fellows are people whose work shapes the built and natural environment and advances positive social outcomes, from urban, rural and environmental practice.
What Will You Do?
- Audit at least one GSD course each semester, plus courses across Harvard and MIT.
- Attend weekly seminars, forums and dinners with guest speakers.
- Join studio reviews and J-Term courses with GSD students.
- Follow an individual work plan for the year.
At a glance
About
- Opportunity type
- Mid-Career Fellowship
- Host organization
- Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD)
- Location
- Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Format / mode
- In person
- Duration
- One academic year (mid-August 2027 to commencement 2028)
- Start date
- Mid-August 2027
Funding
- Funding / financial support
- Paid-stipend supported: $57,500 stipend, housing support and a travel grant
- Stipend / salary
- $57,500 for the academic year (taxable)
- Application fee
- Free
Eligibility
- Nationality
- Global (international Fellows need a J-1 visa)
- Degree required
- None
- Age
- None
- Work experience
- Minimum 8 years in the field
- Fields / areas
- Built and natural environment, community development, design, planning, social impact
Who can apply
- Experience: Mid-career, with a minimum of 8 years in the field.
- Degree: A higher education degree is not required.
- Nationality: International candidates are encouraged; selected Fellows must be eligible for a J-1 visa.
- Background: Experience in diverse community settings is welcomed.
- Age and language: Not specified by the host.
What you get
- $57,500 stipend for the academic year.
- Housing support for Fellows (and families) coming from outside Boston/Cambridge.
- A travel grant covering roughly one economy round trip home per semester.
- Free auditing of classes at Harvard and MIT.
- Domestic and international study tours with your cohort.
- Not covered: health insurance and child care.
Fields & areas
- Urban, rural and environmental practice
- Design, planning and the built environment
- Community development and social impact
Looking for programs at a similar career stage? Explore our fellowships.
How to apply
- Read the program information and FAQs.
- Register on SlideRoom and complete the online application.
- Upload a resume with your work history dates (and any degrees).
- Add three professional references; they’ll get a request from SlideRoom, so let them know to look out for it.
- Optionally upload up to five documents that show your work.
See all details on the official Loeb Fellowship page. Recommendation letters are due 12 January 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Harvard Loeb Fellowship 2027–28 open?
Yes. Applications for the 2027–28 Fellowship year are currently open.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is January 5, 2027, at 11:59 PM ET.
Who can apply for the Loeb Fellowship?
The Fellowship is designed for mid-career practitioners whose work contributes to improving the built or natural environment and has broader social impact. Examples include urban designers, architects, journalists, civic leaders, policymakers, public artists and community development leaders.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. International candidates are encouraged to apply. Selected international Fellows must obtain a J-1 visa.
Is there a minimum work-experience requirement?
Yes. Applicants need at least 8 years of professional experience in their field.
Do I need a university degree?
No. A completed higher-education degree is not required.
Is there an age limit?
No specific age limit is stated. The programme describes its typical class as mid-career, with an average age of around 42.
What is the stipend?
The current Fellowship stipend is $57,500 for the academic year. It is considered taxable income.
Is the $57,500 stipend tax-free?
No. The stipend is taxable income. International Fellows may have U.S. income tax obligations and withholding.
Is housing provided?
The Fellowship strives to provide modest housing for Fellows and their families coming from outside the Boston/Cambridge area.
Is health insurance covered?
No. Health insurance is not covered by the Fellowship.
Is childcare covered?
No. Childcare costs are not covered by the programme.
Is there an application fee?
No. There is no fee to apply for the Loeb Fellowship.
Do Fellows pay tuition?
No. Fellows can audit regular Harvard and MIT classes without tuition costs.
What documents are required?
Applicants must submit an online application, resume and three letters of recommendation. A portfolio or other supplemental materials are optional but strongly encouraged.
Can students apply?
No. The Loeb Fellowship is for practitioners with at least 8 years of experience, not students.
Can academics apply?
Typically, no. The Fellowship is designed for practitioners rather than academic sabbaticals. Applicants who spend more than 50% of their time in professional practice may be eligible and are encouraged to contact the programme.
Do Fellows have to live in Cambridge?
Yes. Fellows are expected to remain in the Cambridge area while classes are in session and participate in Fellowship activities.
How many Fellows are selected?
The programme selects up to 10 Fellows each year.
If you could take a year to rethink your work, what question would you bring with you?
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