Application and Program Timelines
The Commonwealth Bradford Fellowship application cycle will open in October 2026, and close in January 2027. Commonwealth Bradford Fellows will be engaged in their Kennedy School of Government MPA program from September 2027 - May 2028. The Fellowship includes a requisite summer program in July/August 2027 before the start of the academic year. Completion of the summer program is a requirement for entry to the full program.
In addition to full tuition and fees for the academic year, Fellowship recipients will receive their full salary while attending the MPA program, including the summer program. Fellowship recipients are personally responsible for the cost of books and supplies.
| Key Application Dates | |
|---|---|
| October 20th, 2026 10am - 11am | Program Application Information Session. Hosted by the Human Resources Division (HRD), and Harvard Kennedy School. |
| December 1st, 2026 12pm | Harvard Kennedy School Admission application closing date. All applicants must submit their completed applications to the Harvard Kennedy School as a condition of Bradford Fellowship eligibility. |
| January 21st, 2027 | The Commonwealth's Bradford Fellowship application due date. Applicant and Supervisor Recommendations must be complete; no deadline extensions will be granted. Incomplete applications or those submitted past deadline will result in disqualification. |
| January 28th, 2027 | The Commonwealth's Bradford Fellowship approval due date. HR Director and Agency Head submitted approvals. |
| February 10th 2027 | Bradford Fellowship virtual interviews. Semi-finalist applicants who have been selected, in consultation with the Harvard Kennedy School, to proceed to the next round of the Fellowship application process, must also interview with a Commonwealth selection committee. Applicants will be notified only if they are selected to be interviewed and will be scheduled for a specific interview date and time. Please note that re-scheduling options are not available. |
| March 2027 TBD | Applicants notified of Harvard Kennedy School’s admission and Bradford Fellowship Program decisions. |
| April 2027 TBD | Selected Fellows and their managers to attend an online Bradford Fellowship orientation with the Human Resources Division, (HRD). |
| 2027-28 Key Harvard Kennedy School Program Dates | |
|---|---|
| July 6 - August 5, 2027 | Mid-Career MPA Summer Program |
| September 1, 2027 | Fall semester begins |
| December 17, 2027 | Fall semester ends |
| January 3 - 14, 2028 | January session (Optional) |
| January 24, 2028 | Spring semester begins |
| March 13 - 17, 2028 | Spring break |
| May 12, 2028 | Spring semester ends |
| May 25, 2028 | Commencement Day |
Source: Multi-Year Academic Calendar | Harvard Kennedy School