Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program 2027/2028 for mid-career professionals (Fully Funded to study in Harvard University, USA)

Application Deadline: March 31, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program for the academic year 2027/2028. This prestigious fellowship was initiated in 1979 by then Harvard President Derek Bok as a direct response to the educational inequalities faced by South Africans under the Apartheid regime. The program emerged from the strong advocacy and activism of Harvard students and faculty during the 1970s transnational divestment movements aimed at dismantling apartheid policies.

Today, the Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program remains a vital platform that fosters intellectual exchange and offers transformative educational opportunities to outstanding South African mid-career professionals. The goal is to provide fellows with an enriching experience at Harvard University that extends beyond the fellowship year, cultivating leadership and advancing public service.

Program Details

The fellowship supports up to one year of graduate study at one of several Harvard graduate 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
• Selected Executive Education programs at Harvard Business School, such as:
  • Program for Leadership Development (PLD)
  • General Management Program (GMP)
  • Advanced Management Program (AMP)

Tuition fees are covered by the respective Harvard schools. Additional financial support, including stipends, airfare, and program administration costs, is provided by the Office of the President and managed through the Center for African Studies. The annual selection process is conducted with the assistance of the Center for African Studies’ Africa Office based in Johannesburg, which facilitates candidate interviews.

Eligibility Requirements

• Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification lasting at least four years.
• Applicants need to demonstrate proficiency in English, capable of producing high-quality written and spoken academic work, as this is Harvard’s language of instruction.
• Applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents, with preference given to those currently employed within Africa.
• A minimum of five years of postgraduate professional experience is required, with priority allocated to individuals who have shown a commitment to public service and societal benefit.

Fellowship Benefits

• Full coverage of tuition fees for the duration of fellowship enrollment at Harvard.
• Round-trip airfare between the fellow’s city of residence and Boston, USA.
• A monthly stipend to assist with housing and living expenses; however, those enrolled in the Harvard Business School Executive Education programs receive full boarding at the Business School.
• A one-time transportation allowance to cover travel costs upon arrival to campus.
• Accommodation is typically arranged in Harvard’s graduate dormitories, providing a supportive community environment.

Application Process

Prospective applicants can Access the application starting from January 31, 2026. The step-by-step instructions for applying are as follows:

1. Click the link above and choose ‘Apply’ to begin your application.
2. On the login page, select the option ‘without Harvard Key’.
3. If this is your first time applying, click ‘Create New Account’ to register your details.
4. After account creation, revisit the application link to proceed with completing your application form.
5. You can log back into the system anytime using your credentials to update or review your submission.

The application form requests comprehensive information, including:

• General personal details
• Contact information
• Educational background
• Employment history
• Uploading essential documents such as CV, academic transcripts, a personal statement, and an academic essay
• Submission of recommendation letters
• Attestation regarding the use of Generative AI tools
• Consent and electronic signature for application validation

Additional Information

For further insights about the fellowship, eligibility specifics, and updates, interested candidates should Visit the Official Webpage of the Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program.