PhD Middle Eastern Studies at Harvard University

Programme overview

The Center for Middle Eastern Studies is a nexus for the interdisciplinary study of the Middle East and North Africa at Harvard University and a vibrant community that encourages your participation. Whether you choose to pursue an AM or a PhD, you will have the opportunity to attend and engage in nearly a hundred events a year, including workshops, seminars, and talks with academics, policy analysts, and journalists.

Faculty: Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Middle Eastern Studies | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall | Location: Cambridge, MA, United States

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Harvard Griffin GSAS admission (programme-specific) - Writing Sample: A writing sample is required for all applicants. It should be a standalone research essay or an excerpt from a longer piece of work and between 15 and 25 pages. Statement of Purpose: Required. Personal Statement: Required. Standardized Tests: GRE General: Optional.

USD 59,048 a year (2026-2027). Full tuition rate for the first two years of study (reduced in years 3-4); PhD students typically receive grants covering tuition. Source

Intake: Fall

Apply through the official page: https://gsas.harvard.edu/apply

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