Harvard University South Africa Fellowship Program 2025

The Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program (HSAFP) was established in 1979 by Harvard President Derek Bok to address the needs of South Africans denied access to advanced education under Apartheid. The program was a direct response to the strong movement by Harvard students and faculty during the transnational divestment campaigns of the 1970s. The Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program (HSAFP) continues to serve as a powerful bridge-builder and intellectual opportunity for talented South Africans, with the goal of providing a “transformational experience” at Harvard University during recipients’ fellowship year and beyond. 

Fellowships are 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 Harvard Business School executive education programs (i) Program for Leadership Development (PLD), ii) General Management Program (GMP), iii) Advanced Management Program (AMP)).  The recruitment and selection process for the HSAFP take place annually, with interviews facilitated by the Africa Office in Johannesburg. 

• Table of Content
• About Harvard University
• Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program
• Aim and Benefits of Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program
• Requirements for Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program

Aim and Benefits of Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program

• The fellowship provides for payment of all tuition for the full period of enrollment at Harvard.
• The fellowship also funds round-trip airfare between the fellow’s city of residence and Boston.
• A monthly stipend is provided to fellows, with the exception of those enrolled in the Executive Education Programs, to cover the cost of housing and other living expenses. Housing is usually in university graduate dormitories. Please note that housing costs in the Boston/Cambridge area are extremely high, and the stipend only covers bare necessities.
•  The monthly stipend must also be used to pay other expenses such as medical and dental insurance, medicine, taxes, food, winter clothing, books, and supplies.
• Fellows are held personally responsible for the payment of all bills other than tuition fees and airfare.
• Fellows should also be aware that their stipends will have a significant amount of taxes taken out before they receive the funds.

Requirements for Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program Qualification

• Applicants must hold a bachelors degree or four-year equivalent. 
• Applicants must be able to conduct spoken and written academic work of the highest standard in Harvard’s language of instruction (English). 
• Applicants must be South African citizens (or legal permanent residents of South Africa); priority will be given to those currently working in Africa.  
• Applicants must have at least five years of postgraduate work experience; priority will be given to those with a demonstrated commitment to the public good.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit Harvard University fellowship website