Harvard-Cambridge Summer Fellowship
Application Deadline: January 22, 2026 | Summer Funding Round A
The Harvard-Cambridge Scholarship Committee offers summer scholarships to undergraduates for supervised research or study at Cambridge University.
The specific research of study proposed by the applicant must be conducted under the supervision of an advisor who is an instructor, fellow or researcher associated with Cambridge University or one of its colleges, or a research facility associated with the University. Applicants are responsible for identifying, contacting and securing the agreement in writing of the advisor to supervise the proposed research or study. (Trinity College customarily sends URAF a list of associated faculty members that have projects for which they are seeking research assistance. This list is made available each cycle to applicants through URAF.) The Committee also awards one summer scholarship on the recommendation of the A.R.T. for an internship in the theater arts at the Gate Theatre in London.
Applicants must be Harvard College sophomores or juniors.
- 8 weeks of Trinity Fellow-supervised research and cultural immersion at the University of Cambridge
- Meals and accommodation within Trinity College
- Approximately $4,000 USD stipend to cover travel and other expenses
Applications for this opportunity are assessed on the following metrics:
- Proposed project: well-defined and logical methods, timeline and goals
- Promise of further learning and growth: Meaning and impact of the experience; potential benefits to applicant
- Background and preparation: requisite skills for success (research, academic preparation)
- Supervisor support: Genuine interest in supervising, confirmation of proposed project details
- Recommendation letter: confirmation of impact/benefit to applicant and applicant ability to carry out project
Applications Materials
- 1-page resume: Indicate significant activities, achievements, and experiences in college that demonstrate your interests and potential achievements.
- Unofficial transcript: Download your unofficial transcript from my.harvard.edu, it should include your fall course grades and spring course listing.
- Proposal (750 words maximum): Briefly outline your research question and activities, including your timeline, goals, and needed resources. Explain how this research question impacts your development as a scholar and/or your professional goals.
- Confirmation letter: Ask your research mentor to provide you with a brief letter (1-2 paragraphs) confirming the details of your proposed research project and their involvement, support, mentorship, and availability over the summer.
- One letter of recommendation
Applications are read by a staff and alumni selection committee. In February, approximately eight finalists may be selected to interview asynchronously. Awards are announced shortly thereafter.
Finding a research mentor at the University of Cambridge
Each cycle, Trinity College will share a list of potential research mentors in various areas. Candidates should reach out to Trinity Scholars from this list to discuss mutual research interests. If a candidate and scholar feel they make a good mentor-mentee match and the Scholar agrees to work with the candidate over the summer, the candidate is responsible for acquiring a confirmation letter from the Trinity Scholar and uploading the letter with their application.
2026 Trinity Scholars list (updated 12/9/2025)
The Fellowship will consider candidates with projects and hosts not included on this list! However, hosts must have permanent status with Trinity College. Email fellowships@fas.harvard.edu to check if your potential host has permanent status with Trinity College before applying.
Candidates should be mindful that research mentoring in the U.K. is often pursued differently than in the U.S. It may be useful to describe the Harvard-Cambridge Fellowship in some detail so that potential mentors can become acquainted with the program and with the American mentoring style.