The Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program (HSAFP) is a prestigious initiative established in 1979 by Harvard University President Derek Bok. It was created in response to the educational exclusion experienced by South Africans under the Apartheid system and emerged from advocacy efforts by Harvard students and faculty during the transnational divestment campaigns of the 1970s.
Today, the HSAFP continues to serve as a bridge between Harvard University and South Africa, offering talented South Africans opportunities for advanced study, executive education, and leadership development while fostering meaningful intellectual and cross-cultural exchange.
The program offers up to one year of study at select Harvard schools, providing fellows access to world-class faculty, research initiatives, and global professional networks.
Participating Schools and Programs
Fellows may study at:
- Harvard Law School
- Harvard Kennedy School
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
- Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Harvard Business School Executive Education Programs at Harvard Business School:
- Program for Leadership Development (PLD)
- General Management Program (GMP)
- Advanced Management Program (AMP)
The fellowship enables South African professionals to contribute unique knowledge and perspectives to Harvard’s academic environment while gaining skills, expertise, and networks that can be applied to leadership and development efforts back home.
Purpose and Objectives
The Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program is designed to:
- Empower exceptional South Africans through advanced education and leadership development
- Facilitate transformative learning experiences using Harvard’s academic and professional resources
- Promote cross-cultural collaboration between South African fellows and the Harvard community
- Equip fellows to drive long-term impact across sectors in South Africa
Since its founding, the program has supported over 220 alumni who now hold leadership roles across the public sector, private sector, academia, civil society, healthcare systems, and international organizations. Many alumni continue to collaborate with Harvard through research, networking, and professional initiatives.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates are expected to demonstrate:
- Exceptional professional or academic achievement
- Strong leadership potential
- A record of influence within their communities or sectors
- Commitment to applying the fellowship experience to benefit South Africa
The fellowship is open to South Africans from diverse professional backgrounds, including:
- Education and academia
- Law and governance
- Public health and healthcare
- Arts, culture, and humanities
- Business and entrepreneurship
- Civil society and nonprofit sectors
Selection is based on professional accomplishments, leadership potential, and the ability to leverage Harvard’s resources to create meaningful impact in South Africa.
Application Process – 2027–2028 Cohort
Applications for the 2027–2028 cohort open on January 31, 2026, and close on March 31, 2026.
The selection process includes:
- Submission of a detailed application outlining professional background, achievements, and fellowship goals
- Interviews facilitated by the Harvard Africa Office in Johannesburg
- Evaluation of leadership potential, professional excellence, and contribution to Harvard’s intellectual community
Successful applicants must demonstrate readiness to maximize the fellowship experience and return to South Africa prepared to take on impactful leadership roles.
Terms and Benefits
The Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program provides:
- One year of full-time study or executive education at Harvard University
- Access to seminars, research initiatives, and academic resources
- Exposure to innovative teaching methods and leadership development programs
- Entry into a powerful alumni network supporting long-term mentorship and collaboration
Fellows are expected to contribute actively to Harvard’s academic environment while preparing to apply their knowledge and networks in South Africa across government, business, civil society, and academia.
Alumni Impact
HSAFP alumni have gone on to hold:
- Leadership positions in government and public policy
- Senior roles in multinational corporations and start-ups
- Academic leadership in universities and research institutions
- Founding roles in civil society initiatives and cultural programs
- Influential positions in healthcare systems and international organizations
Their work continues to strengthen South African institutions while maintaining enduring ties with Harvard.
Contact Information
United States – Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Address: 1280 Massachusetts Avenue, 3rd Floor, Cambridge, MA 02138
Email: Africa@Harvard.edu
Phone: +1.617.495.5265
Africa – Harvard Africa Office, Johannesburg, South Africa
Address: Block C First Floor, Rosebank Office Park, 181 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parktown North, Johannesburg
Email: AfricaOffice@Harvard.edu
Phone: +27.11.214.2790
