The Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program (HSAFP) was established in 1979 by Harvard President Derek Bok to meet the needs of South Africans who were unable to access higher education under apartheid. The program was a direct response to the strong campaigns of Harvard students and faculty during the transnational divestment movement of the 1970s.
The Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program (HSAFP) continues to provide a strong bridge-builder and intellectual opportunity for talented South Africans, with the goal of providing a “transformative experience” at Harvard during the Fellowship and beyond.
The HSAFP is awarded to individuals whose careers span education, law, public health, the arts and humanities, business and the private sector, and many other professions and disciplines.
Eligibility Criteria
• Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree or four-year equivalent.
• Applicants must be able to produce oral and written scholarly work of the highest standard in Harvard’s language of instruction (English).
• Applicants must be South African citizens (or lawful permanent residents of South Africa); preference will be given to those currently working in Africa.
• Applicants must have at least five years of graduate work experience; preference is given to those with a demonstrated commitment to the public interest.
HSAFP Fellowship Terms
- The fellowship will cover full tuition while attending Harvard.
- The fellowship also funds round-trip airfare between the fellow’s city of residence and Boston.
- Except for those participating in the Executive Education Program, fellows are provided a monthly stipend to cover housing and other living expenses. Housing is typically located in the University Graduate Residences.
Please note that housing costs in the Boston/Cambridge area are extremely high and the stipend only covers basic necessities. The monthly stipend must also be used to cover other expenses, such as medical and dental insurance, medicine, taxes, food, winter clothing, books, and supplies. Fellows are responsible for paying all expenses other than tuition and airfare. Fellows should also be aware that a significant tax amount will be withheld from their stipend before receiving funds.
