The Harvard Berenson Fellowship 2027-28 is a residential research fellowship for scholars studying the Renaissance and the historical connections between Italy and other cultures. The fellowship is offered by Villa I Tatti, the Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies in Florence, Italy.
Selected fellows will receive a US$5,200 monthly grant and a one-time relocation supplement of up to US$1,800. Housing support may also be available, including a rent-free apartment when possible. The fellowship lasts for four or six months and welcomes scholars from all countries.
The Berenson Fellowship focuses on research exploring “Italy in the World”, including transnational relationships between Italy and regions such as the Mediterranean, Africa, Asia and Latin America during the Renaissance, broadly covering the 14th through 17th centuries.
Applicants must already hold a PhD, have familiarity with Italian and be able to conduct most of their research in Florence. Priority is given to early- and mid-career scholars. The fellowship is intended for researchers who have not previously held an appointment at I Tatti, except Graduate Fellows.
WhatsApp ChannelHarvard Berenson Fellowship 2027-28 Details
| Host Country | Italy |
| Host Institution | Harvard University, Villa I Tatti |
| Location | Florence |
| Eligible Fields | Architecture, arts, history, philosophy, literature, music and history of science |
| Eligible Countries | All countries |
| Degree Required | PhD |
| Duration | 4 or 6 months |
| Application Deadline | November 16, 2026 |
| Recommendation Deadline | November 21, 2026 |
Also Check: Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship 2026 in USA
Benefits of the Berenson Fellowship
The Harvard Berenson Fellowship provides:
- US$5,200 per month
- One-time relocation support of up to US$1,800
- Possible rent-free accommodation, with utilities charged
- Housing subsidy if an I Tatti apartment is unavailable
- Access to the Harvard Center’s scholarly resources
- Access to the Biblioteca Berenson seven days a week
- A dedicated desk or carrel in the library
- Participation in selected I Tatti activities, conferences, lectures and concerts
- A residential research environment in Florence
The fellowship is designed to give scholars substantial time for research with limited additional obligations.
Also Check: Harvard Lewis Fellowship 2027-28 in USA
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD at the time of application
- Upload a scan of their doctoral certificate
- Not be pursuing a second PhD
- Have familiarity with Italian
- Be conversant in English
- Be able to conduct most of their research in Florence
- Work exclusively on the proposed fellowship project
- Have a research project connected to the fellowship’s focus on Italy and the wider world
I Tatti welcomes applications from scholars of all nationalities and gives special consideration to candidates who do not have regular access to research resources and facilities in Italy.
Fellowship Duration
The Berenson Fellowship can be held for either four or six months. Applicants can indicate their preference for the fall term, from September through December, or the winter-spring term, from January through June.
Fellows must live in the Florence area and spend at least three days each week at the center. They cannot take teaching positions or other professional obligations during the fellowship.
Required Documents
Applicants should be prepared to provide:
- PhD certificate
- Curriculum vitae
- Research project proposal
- Details of the proposed research
- Information about relevant academic work
- Two letters of recommendation
Recommendation letters must be submitted online by November 21, 2026. Applications and recommendations can be written in English or Italian.
How to Apply for the Harvard Berenson Fellowship
- Review the fellowship requirements and confirm that your research fits the “Italy in the World” theme.
- Prepare your research proposal and explain the project’s significance and expected results.
- Prepare your academic documents, including your PhD certificate and CV.
- Register two referees through the application system and give them enough time to submit their recommendations.
- Submit the online application by November 16, 2026, midnight Cambridge, Massachusetts time.
- Make sure your recommendations are submitted by November 21, 2026.
Applicants can apply for only one type of I Tatti fellowship per academic year. The fellowship cannot be held at the same time as another fellowship or award.
