Applications are now open for the 2027/2028 Harvard South Africa Fully Funded Fellowship Program

Application Deadline: March 31, 2026

About the Fellowship

The 2027/2028 Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program is now accepting applications. This prestigious fellowship was originally established in 1979 by Harvard President Derek Bok in response to the apartheid-era educational restrictions that denied many South Africans access to advanced study opportunities. The initiative emerged directly from the advocacy of Harvard students and faculty during the transnational divestment campaigns of the 1970s. Today, the program continues its mission as a meaningful connector and intellectual gateway for accomplished South Africans, offering what is intended to be a “transformational experience” at Harvard University during the fellowship year and throughout recipients’ subsequent careers.

Harvard South Africa Fellowships provide for up to one year of study at select Harvard schools, including: Harvard Law School, Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and specific Harvard Business School Executive Education programs—namely the Program for Leadership Development (PLD), General Management Program (GMP), and Advanced Management Program (AMP).

Tuition costs are covered by the participating schools, while the Office of the President supplies general administrative funds for program coordination, stipends, and airfare, with these resources administered through the Center for African Studies. Annual recruitment and selection of HSAFP fellows is conducted, with interviews coordinated by the Center for African Studies’ Africa Office based in Johannesburg.

Eligibility Criteria

• A bachelor’s degree or its four-year equivalent must be held by applicants.
• The capacity to produce spoken and written academic work at the highest standard in English Harvard’s language of instruction is required.
• South African citizenship or permanent residency in South Africa is mandatory; preference is extended to individuals currently employed within Africa.
• A minimum of five years of postgraduate work experience is expected, with priority given to those who have shown a sustained dedication to the public good.

Benefits

• Full tuition coverage is provided for the complete duration of enrollment at Harvard, alongside round-trip airfare between the fellow’s home city and Boston.
• A monthly stipend is allocated to fellows for housing and living costs, except for participants in Executive Education Programs, who receive comprehensive boarding at the Business School.
• Upon arrival at campus, a one-time transportation payment is issued. Accommodation is typically arranged in university graduate dormitories.

How to Apply

• Access the online application beginning January 31, 2026.
• Click the ‘Apply’ button.
• On the login page, choose the option ‘without Harvard Key’.
• First-time users should select ‘Create New Account’. After account creation, return to the provided link to reach the application.
• Subsequent access to your application can be gained using the login credentials you establish.

Application Components

The application comprises the following sections:

• General Information
• Contact Details
• Education
• Employment History
• File uploads: CV, transcripts, personal statement, and academic essay
• Recommendation Letters
• Attestation for use of Generative AI
• Consent & Electronic Signature

Click here to apply