Harvard South Africa Fellowship 2027/2028: How to Apply for Fully Funded Study at Harvard University

Harvard South Africa Fellowship

Applications are now open for the prestigious Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program (HSAFP) 2027/2028, offering mid-career South African professionals a fully funded opportunity to study at in the United States.

With an application deadline of March 31, 2026, the fellowship covers full tuition, round-trip airfare to Boston, and a monthly living stipend, making it one of the most competitive and transformative international fellowships available to South Africans.

Established in 1979, the program was created to address educational inequalities during Apartheid and continues to serve as a bridge-builder for leadership development, academic excellence, and public service impact.

A Historic Fellowship With Transformational Impact

The Harvard South Africa Fellowship was founded by former Harvard President Derek Bok in response to calls from students and faculty advocating for greater inclusion during the divestment campaigns of the 1970s.

Since its inception, the program has provided South African leaders with access to world-class academic training and intellectual engagement at Harvard. Its mission remains clear: to deliver a “transformational experience” that empowers fellows to contribute meaningfully to society upon their return.

The program is administered by Harvard’s Center for African Studies, with recruitment and interviews conducted annually in Johannesburg.

Participating Harvard Schools and Programs

Selected fellows will undertake up to one year of study in one of the following Harvard schools:

Harvard Law School
Harvard Kennedy School
Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health
Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Science
Select Executive Education programs at Harvard Business School including:
- Program for Leadership Development (PLD)
- General Management Program (GMP)
- Advanced Management Program (AMP)

This broad academic scope allows fellows to align their studies with leadership goals in law, governance, public health, research, or business management.

What the Fellowship Covers: Full Financial Support

The Harvard South Africa Fellowship is fully funded and includes:

Full tuition fees for the duration of study
Round-trip airfare between South Africa and Boston
Monthly stipend for housing and living expenses
One-time transportation allowance upon arrival
University housing (typically graduate dormitories)

Participants enrolled in Harvard Business School Executive Education programs receive full boarding at the Business School.

This comprehensive funding package ensures that financial barriers do not hinder access to one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions.

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Eligibility Criteria for Harvard South Africa Fellowship 2027/2028

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent four-year qualification
Demonstrate fluency in English for advanced academic work
Be South African citizens or permanent residents
Have at least five years of postgraduate work experience
Show a strong commitment to public service and societal impact

Priority is given to applicants currently working in Africa and those dedicated to advancing the public good.

Application Process and Deadline

Applications open on January 31, 2026, and must be submitted online through the official fellowship portal.

The application requires:

General personal information
Education and employment history
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Academic transcripts
Personal statement
Academic essay
Recommendation letters
Attestation regarding generative AI usage
Electronic consent and signature

The application deadline is March 31, 2026.

Prospective fellows are encouraged to begin preparations early to compile required documentation and secure strong recommendation letters.

Why This Fellowship Matters for South African Leaders

In a globalized and rapidly evolving world, leadership grounded in international academic excellence is increasingly critical. The Harvard South Africa Fellowship not only offers advanced study at Harvard but also builds lasting networks, intellectual exposure, and cross-sector collaboration opportunities.

Graduates of the program often return to South Africa with enhanced leadership capacity, global connections, and renewed commitment to national and continental development.

For mid-career professionals seeking to elevate their influence and expand their impact, the fellowship represents a rare and highly competitive opportunity.

FAQ

1. What is the Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program?

It is a fully funded fellowship that allows mid-career South African professionals to study for up to one year at Harvard University.

2. Is the Harvard South Africa Fellowship fully funded?

Yes. The fellowship covers full tuition, round-trip airfare, monthly living stipend, and additional arrival support.

3. Who is eligible for the Harvard South Africa Fellowship 2027/2028?

South African citizens or permanent residents with at least five years of postgraduate work experience and a bachelor’s degree are eligible.

4. What is the deadline for Harvard South Africa Fellowship 2027/2028?

The application deadline is March 31, 2026.

5. Which Harvard schools participate in the fellowship?

Participating schools include Harvard Law School, Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and select Harvard Business School Executive Education programs.

6. Do applicants need to take IELTS?

No specific IELTS requirement is mentioned, but applicants must demonstrate high-level English proficiency.

7. How long is the Harvard South Africa Fellowship?

The fellowship provides up to one year of study.

8. Where are interviews conducted?

Interviews are facilitated by the Center for African Studies’ Africa Office in Johannesburg.

9. Can applicants working outside South Africa apply?

Yes, but priority is given to those currently working in Africa.

10. What documents are required for application?

Applicants must submit a CV, transcripts, personal statement, academic essay, recommendation letters, and required attestations.