The Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program (HSAFP) provides exceptional South Africans with the chance to study at Harvard University for up to one year. The application deadline for the 2027–2028 cohort is March 31, 2026. This fellowship aims to create transformative experiences for fellows, empowering them to make significant impacts upon their return to South Africa. Established in 1979, the program continues to bridge opportunities between Harvard and South African leaders across various sectors.
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Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
Eligible Countries: South Africa
Program Duration: Up to one year
Program Location: United States (Harvard University, Cambridge, MA)
Funding/Benefits: Full tuition, round-trip airfare, monthly stipend, and housing support
Award Provider: Harvard University Center for African Studies
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About this Program
The HSAFP targets talented South Africans who have been denied access to advanced education opportunities. Fellows enroll in select Harvard schools, including the Law School, Kennedy School, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and executive education programs at Harvard Business School. The program seeks to deliver a transformational Harvard experience, enhancing fellows’ skills and perspectives for leadership roles in South Africa and beyond.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be South African citizens.
- Demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership in their chosen field.
- Commitment to return to South Africa and contribute to their community after the fellowship.
- Open to professionals from diverse backgrounds, including education, law, health, business, arts, and civil society.
- Applicants should meet the admission requirements of the relevant Harvard school.
What Fellows Receive: Full tuition, round-trip airfare, monthly stipend for living expenses, and housing (usually in graduate dormitories). Executive Education fellows receive full boarding.
Program Components Fellows participate in academic programs, seminars, research initiatives, and conferences at Harvard. They also join a network of over 220 alumni who have become leaders in South Africa.
How to Apply
- Review the eligibility requirements and program details on the official HSAFP page.
- Prepare required application materials (see official page for specifics).
- Submit your application through the Harvard University Center for African Studies portal during the application window (January 31–March 31, 2026).
- Participate in interviews facilitated by the Africa Office in Johannesburg if shortlisted.
- Await selection results and further instructions from the program office.
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
