The Graduate Student Associates (GSA) program currently supports twenty-four doctoral candidates from advanced degree programs that include African and African American studies, anthropology, architecture and urban planning, political economy, government, history, history of science, law, public policy, religion, and sociology. The goal of the GSA program is to provide a supportive and stimulating interdisciplinary environment in which promising graduate students can interact with one another, as well as with faculty, visiting scholars, and Fellows of the Center, as they complete their dissertations and begin their transition to professional careers. Graduate Student Associates are members of the Center's residential scholarly community. GSAs are provided with shared office space equipped with computers and printers, and receive research grants of up to $3,000 for conference and short-term research travel or for other expenses related to dissertation research and professional development. Involvement with the program offers students the opportunity to present and receive feedback on their work in weekly seminars, held on Fridays. Because the members of this eclectic community come from many scholarly backgrounds, participants have an opportunity to learn about analytical approaches and research methodologies across disciplines and how to communicate with scholars outside of their own field, resulting in a significant broadening of their intellectual horizons. GSA positions are awarded to doctoral students whose research interests relate the core research interests of the Center. These interests are broadly defined to encompass research on international, transnational, global, and comparative national issues and may address contemporary or historical topics, including rigorous policy analysis, as well as the study of specific countries and regions outside the United States. Most of the Center's research falls primarily within the social sciences though it may bridge aspects of the natural sciences, health sciences, and the humanities.

Students in doctoral or similarly advanced degree programs at any of Harvard's academic departments or professional schools may apply. Accepted students will have finished their course work, completed general exams, and have a focus relating to the core interests of the Weatherhead Center. Most of the Center's research falls primarily within the social sciences though it may bridge aspects of the natural sciences, health sciences, and the humanities.These interests are broadly defined to encompass research on international, transnational, global, and comparative national issues and may address contemporary or historical topics, including rigorous policy analysis, as well as the study of specific countries and regions outside the United States. Preference is given to those applicants whose work is related to current research projects at the Center. Most Graduate Student Associates are G4 and above, though some G3s are accepted if they have a fairly well-defined dissertation topic. Applicants should state in their proposals why they are interested in joining the GSA program. Graduate Student Associates must be in residence at Harvard (except for short-term travel) and are expected to participate regularly in the program's Friday seminars and other activities, including support of the Undergraduate Associates of the Center. They may apply to renew their affiliation for up to three years.

Current and Former Weatherhead Graduate Student Associates include:
Stefan Beljean (2014-16; 2018-19)
Nina Gheihman
Charlotte Lloyd (2014-15; 2017-19)
Margot Moinester (2014-17)
Cresa Pugh (2018-19)
Amy Tsang (2016-17)