The Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program (HSAFP) is a prestigious initiative established in 1979 by Harvard University President Derek Bok. It was created to address the educational exclusion experienced by South Africans under the Apartheid system. The program emerged in direct response to the advocacy efforts of 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, providing talented South Africans with opportunities for advanced study and professional development while fostering meaningful cross-cultural and intellectual exchange. The HSAFP offers up to one year of study at select Harvard schools, providing fellows access to world-class faculty, research initiatives, and professional networks. Participating schools and programs include: 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 Harvard Business School Executive Education Programs: Program for Leadership Development (PLD) General Management Program (GMP) Advanced Management Program (AMP) This fellowship provides a platform for South African professionals to contribute unique knowledge and perspectives to Harvard’s academic environment while simultaneously gaining skills, knowledge, and networks that can be applied to leadership and development work back home. Purpose and Objectives: Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program (HSAFP) The Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program is designed to: Empower exceptional South Africans by offering advanced education and leadership development Facilitate transformative learning experiences through immersive exposure to Harvard’s academic and professional resources Promote cross-cultural exchange and foster collaboration between South African fellows and the Harvard community Support long-term impact, equipping fellows to drive positive change in their communities, organizations, and sectors Since its establishment, the program has nurtured a network of over 220 alumni, who hold leadership roles in the public sector, private sector, academia, civil society, international organizations, cultural institutions, and healthcare systems. Many alumni continue to engage with Harvard, participating in collaborative projects, research initiatives, and networking opportunities. Eligibility Candidates for the HSAFP are expected to demonstrate: Exceptional professional or academic achievement in their field Leadership potential and a track record of influencing their communities or sectors Commitment to applying fellowship experiences to advance their careers and benefit South Africa The fellowship is open to South Africans from diverse professional backgrounds, including but not limited to: Education and academia Law and governance Public health and healthcare Arts, culture, and humanities Business and entrepreneurship Civil society and non-profit sectors Fellows are selected for their ability to leverage Harvard’s programs to strengthen their impact and leadership potential in South Africa. Application Process – 2027–2028 Cohort Applications for the 2027–2028 HSAFP cohort open on January 31, 2026, and close on March 31, 2026. The recruitment and selection process includes: Submission of a detailed application, including professional background, achievements, and proposed goals for the fellowship year Interviews facilitated by the Harvard Africa Office in Johannesburg Evaluation based on professional accomplishments, leadership potential, and the ability to contribute to Harvard’s intellectual and professional environment Successful applicants are expected to have the capacity to maximize their fellowship experience, bringing new perspectives and knowledge to Harvard while preparing to take on impactful roles in South Africa upon their return. Terms and Benefits of the Fellowship The Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program provides: One year of full-time study or executive education at Harvard University Access to Harvard’s resources, seminars, research initiatives, and global networks Exposure to innovative teaching methods, leadership development opportunities, and research collaborations Participation in a network of alumni and peers, fostering ongoing mentorship, partnerships, and professional growth Fellows are expected to actively contribute to Harvard’s academic environment while preparing to apply insights and skills in South Africa across sectors such as government, business, civil society, and academia. Alumni Impact HSAFP alumni have made substantial contributions in their respective fields, including: Leadership positions in government, policy, and administration Senior roles in multinational organizations, private sector companies, and start-ups Academic and research leadership in universities and think tanks Founding or managing civil society initiatives, cultural programs, and healthcare projects Influencing national and international policy, governance, and community development Through these contributions, HSAFP alumni not only strengthen South African society but also maintain enduring engagement with Harvard, ensuring long-term collaboration and exchange. Contact Information For more information about the Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program: 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 Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Vimeo The Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program continues to be a transformational opportunity, equipping South Africans with the knowledge, skills, and networks to drive leadership, innovation, and social impact in their communities and beyond. By fostering both academic and professional growth, the HSAFP remains a vital contributor to South Africa’s development and Harvard’s global mission. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this fellowship . For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.