Qualifications
Q: Can non-Americans apply?
A: Yes! We encourage students from all nations to apply.
Q: Can individuals apply who are pursuing graduate study outside the United States?
A: Yes! Applicants can study anywhere in the world but are only competitive if the university has an internationally-recognized reputation as a “top five” program in the specific discipline.
Q: What do you mean by “top five”? My school is the best in my state/country.
A: “Top five” means that your institution has an internationally recognized reputation as being one of the best in the world. Therefore, by definition, very few institutions qualify. The Harvey Fellows Program is looking for individuals who are attending premier institutions which will likely position them for a career in top companies, institutions and organizations worldwide. If you can provide evidence that your school or program will enable you to be in such a position, you are welcome to apply.
Q: I have applied for admission into a program. Do I need to be enrolled before applying for a Harvey Fellowship?
A: No. However, while we do not require that applicants be enrolled in their degree program before they apply, we have found that PhD students (or applicants with longer degree programs) who have begun their programs are generally more competitive. It is easier to evaluate applicants who have completed some coursework and whose advisor knows them well. If selected, the award will be contingent on acceptance to a specific school and degree program listed on your application and approval by the selection committee. Please keep in mind that the deadline is November 1, notifications are March 1, and stipends are released in September. Applicants must be in their program the Fall following the November deadline.
Q: How do I demonstrate that my academic program is ranked among the “top five” in my field? Does the Harvey Fellows Program use any specific ranking system?
A: It is the responsibility of the applicant to make a compelling case that their program is ranked in the top five in their field (Essay #5). Applicants are invited to include documentation regarding their intended program of study (from professional societies or journals, experts in the field, etc.). We use various sources to estimate a “top five” ranking including reports from the National Research Council and U.S. News and World Report, and the Worldwide University Rankings Guide, among others. While we favor degree programs ranked in the “top five” we do factor renowned scholars and researchers who have chosen to teach at schools ranked in the top ten and with whom the applicant plans to work.
Q: My field is not listed on your “strategic fields” list, but I think it is a strategic field. Should I apply?
A: It is the responsibility of the applicant to explain the strategic nature of your field (Essay #3). We are looking for individuals who are in fields that will have a significant impact on society, and yet appears to be underrepresented by Christians. If you can explain how your field fits this scenario, then we encourage you to apply.
Application Process
Q: When can I apply? Are there deadlines?
A: The application season opens August 1 and closes November 1 (11:59 pm EST).
Q: I just learned about the Harvey Fellowship but it is after the deadline. May I still apply?
A: No. Applications are only received during the three-month application season outlined above.
Q: What if I experience a delay? Do you grant extensions?
A: No extensions are granted.
Q: I have a specific question about the application. Do you have more detailed information?
A: Yes. Once you decide to apply and fill out the form here, you will be emailed detailed application information. For Frequently Asked Questions on the application, see the Application FAQ.
Selection Process
Q: Who reads my application?
A: Our readers are located around the globe, and their disciplines and expertise are as diverse as our applicants. Most, if not all of our readers are drawn from the pool of over 300 Harvey Fellows. The Selection Committee consists of the Harvey Fellows Advisory Board plus several Mustard Seed Foundation Board and staff. Applications are not circulated beyond those associated with the application review and selection process. Only applications from individuals who receive the Harvey Fellowship are retained by the Foundation.
Q: How are applications selected?
A: All applications completed by the deadline are reviewed, evaluated and ranked by at least one round of readers comprised of current and senior Fellows. Those applications that advance through two rounds of reading groups form the finalist pool.
Q: When will I be notified if I am selected?
A: All applicants are notified of award decisions by March 1.
If you have additional questions, please contact us.