5 Tips for Applying to Fellowships at Harvard Kennedy School

If you’re aiming for a fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School (HKS), let’s get one thing clear: the process isn’t just about checking boxes or stacking up credentials. It’s about alignment—between who you are, what you’ve done, and how you want to serve. I know this because I lived it.

I founded The Art of Applying® back in 2010 during my final year of earning my MPA from Harvard Kennedy School and MBA from Harvard Business School. I had just received a $10,000 entrepreneurship grant from HBS, and I used that seed funding to start what has now become a company that has helped thousands of nontraditional applicants gain admission to top graduate programs and win over $30 million in merit scholarships, including many prestigious HKS fellowships.

Now, I’m here to help you avoid the common traps, take the mystery out of the fellowship application process, and show up strong, strategic, and fully yourself.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

How to uncover fellowships that are a perfect fitWhat fellowship reviewers are really looking forWhy your storytelling and specificity can make or break your applicationHow to maximize your chances without overreaching

Let’s dive into six essential tips that can give you an edge when applying to fellowships at Harvard Kennedy School.

1: Start Your Fellowship Research Early: Give Yourself a Real Advantage

One of the biggest mistakes I see applicants make is treating the fellowship process as an afterthought. By the time they’ve submitted their degree program application, they’re exhausted. Then they rush their application materials, and that’s how strong candidates get overlooked.

Start researching Harvard Kennedy School fellowships as early as possible. You’ll discover hidden opportunities (like the Zuckerman Fellowship at Harvard), get clarity on eligibility requirements, and even have time to connect with past fellows for insight. Fellowships like the George Leadership Fellowship or those at the Mossavar-Rahmani Center often align with specific public policy issues or leadership development goals.

💡 Pro tip: One underused resource is the alphabetical list of fellowships at HKS. It’s not flashy, but it’s thorough.

Another great resource? ProFellow (Profe). Yes, you’ll need to create a free account and give them your email—but the fellowships they list are actually legit. And the content is solid. It’s one of the few search platforms that doesn’t feel like a total waste of time.

You should also check out opportunities through the Hauser Center, Ash Center, Shorenstein Center, Carr Center, and Belfer Center, all of which focus on various policy issues and areas like international development. Many applicants also overlook the Women and Public Policy Program and PEPG for those interested in education policy.

When you begin early, you’re not just more organized. You’re more strategic. You can tailor your personal and professional narrative to resonate with specific fellowship values and selection criteria. That’s how you move from “applying to HKS” to “positioning yourself as a future fellow.”

2: Understand What Fellowship Committees Actually Read: Customize Without Duplicating

Many applicants assume the fellowship selection committee reads their full HKS admissions filefellowship selection committee reads their full HKS admissions file. Most of the time, they don’t.

That means your fellowship essays and CV need to stand on their own. Yes, you can reuse parts of your HKS application, but don’t copy-paste. Lazy writing stands out for all the wrong reasons. Instead, revisit your core themes and reframe them with the fellowship’s mission in mind.

If you’re applying to both a degree program and a fellowship, think of the fellowship application as a focused extension of your story. Highlight specific aspects of your academic and professional path that align with the fellowship’s goals. Be sure to weave in examples of your professional work experience, leadership initiative, and the public policy program you’re applying to.

For example, if you’re mid-career and applying to a fellowship meant for folks just out of undergrad, it’s probably not the right fit. Don’t waste your energy trying to contort your story to match a fellowship that was never designed for someone like you. I tell my clients: filter first, then go deep.

You might also consider addressing your work experience in relation to specific public policy issues. For example, if your background includes careers in public health or with the Department of Defense, say so clearly. Make sure your letters of recommendation align with what the admissions committee and selection committee are likely looking forletters of recommendation align with what the admissions committee and selection committee are likely looking for.

3: Research the Fellowship and Its People: Find the Hidden Connections

Every fellowship has a history. Often, the people behind it—the founders, donors, and program managers—have a particular vision. Your job is to discover what that is and speak directly to it.

Before you write, ask:

Why was this policy fellowship created?What kind of leadership or service does it aim to foster?Who funds it, and what’s their professional history?

This is especially important with fellowships under the Center for Public Leadership (CPL) at Harvard Kennedy School. These fellowships often include leadership development, special programming, and opportunities for tight-knit community connections. The CPL publishes an annual fellows book that gives insight into what makes a strong candidate.

Many of these programs are aligned with leadership or research arms of Harvard University, including the Institute of Politics and various research centers across the greater Boston area.

I always recommend looking at past fellows’ profiles. You’ll notice patterns—shared industries, values, or even personality traits. What do you have in common with these leaders? And how can you articulate that in a way that feels real rather than rehearsed?

And don’t forget to dig into each HKS research center individually. Sometimes they offer separate fellowships and scholarships that aren’t well-advertised. One client told me, “It says you’ll be considered for the research center ones. Where did they say that?” Don’t assume—you’ve got to verify.

4: Apply Strategically to Multiple Financial Aid: Focus on Fit, Not Volume

It’s tempting to apply to every fellowship opportunity you come across—especially when you’re concerned about financial assistance. But more isn’t always better. Strategic is better.

For example, many fellowships are housed under CPL at HKS, such as the:

Black Family FellowshipEmirates Leadership Initiative FellowshipEquity FellowshipGeorge Leadership FellowshipGleitsman Leadership FellowshipDavid M. Rubenstein FellowshipZuckerman FellowshipDavid Gergen Summer Fellowship Program

Applying to multiple fellowships within the same center can confuse the admissions representatives. These fellowships may share reviewers, so your best bet is to make a focused case for the one where you’re the strongest fit.

Not every fellowship is a match. A lot of them are for very specific populations—like “mid-career women in government from rural Minnesota” or “graduates of a particular university in Norway.” I tell my clients to zero in on the 1–3 fellowships where you have a real shot and ignore the noise.

And yes, clients of ours have had the wild experience of being awarded a fellowship they didn’t even apply for. Why? Because they made such a strong case for themselves that the reviewers saw alignment with another program. That kind of magic happens when you lead with clarity and confidence.

Pro Tip: Don’t limit yourself to HKS fellowships—explore additional funding opportunities beyond Harvard. Programs like Fulbright or fellowships from independent foundations often provide generous support, including full tuition, as well as access to leadership training, workshops, and professional development. Many are open to HKS students and connect you with global alumni networks that continue to support your growth long after graduation.

5: Write Fellowship Essays That Are Specific, Bold, and Human

This is where it all comes together. The fellowship essay isn’t a resume recap. It’s your opportunity to show how your experiences, values, and ambitions converge—and how a specific Harvard Kennedy School fellowship would amplify your impact.

Tips for writing stronger essays:

Be specific: “I worked in public health” is fine. “I led a statewide vaccination campaign in rural Alabama” is better.Demonstrate: How the specific fellowship will shape your experience at HKS.Tell a story: What did you feel, say, or do that shaped your passion for public policy?Be honest: Don’t write what you think they want. Write what’s true.

Use language that reflects both your academic and professional credentials and your personal and professional growth. Whether you’re applying to the MPP, MPA, or a joint degree, your story should reflect depth and clarity.

And remember, your essay doesn’t have to sound like a press release. Say what you mean. Tell them what drives you—not just what you’ve done. If your “why” is powerful, your story will stick. It’s okay to be real, even a little raw, as long as it’s grounded in clarity and conviction.

From Applicant to Asset: Winning the Fellowship Game

Harvard Kennedy School’s fellowship programs are highly competitive—not just because of the funding they offer, but because they are designed to cultivate long-term impact. To stand out, you need to think like the selection committee.

Ask not what the fellowship can do for you, but what you can do for the fellowship.

They are looking for someone whose impact will extend far beyond the program: someone who will contribute to the community, to research, and to the reputation of the fellowship or research center itself. Your application should demonstrate not only that you deserve support, but that you will amplify it. Make it clear that investing in you isn’t a gamble—it’s a clear path to impact. Shifting your mindset to see yourself as a future asset, rather than just a present applicant, can make all the difference.

The Fellowship Is the Launchpad, Not the Prize

The most successful applicants I’ve worked with at The Art of Applying didn’t see the HKS fellowship as the end goal. They saw it as a launchpad, a way to deepen their leadership, expand their network, and serve in bigger, bolder ways.

Whether you’re applying to the MPP, MPA, or a joint degree with HBS, remember that you’re not just seeking admission. You’re seeking alignment. You’re applying not just to school, but to a community of public leaders ready to make a difference. These programs are highly competitive and showing them how their investment in you 

A $10,000 scholarship may not seem like a lot at first glance—but if you think of it like this: every $10,000 in fellowship money is $100 less on your student loan monthly payment. It adds up. It matters. And it’s worth it.

If that’s you, and you’re ready to position yourself for success, we’ve helped thousands do just that through our signature program, the Application Accelerator®. You don’t have to do this alone.

Now you know how to stand out. The next step? Take action and book a free Quick Call with our team.

Let this blog be your guide—and your push to apply with purpose, clarity, and heart.