HSAFP Application Information

The HSAFP Application Form is hosted and resides on the Harvard University Funding Portal in a secure, encrypted environment that requires applicants to register to access the application. The registration is a one-time event that provides a login and password to return to your saved application. The system works best using Google Chrome or Firefox. The system will not function correctly when using Internet Explorer or Safari.  

To Apply 

  • Click here to access the application on or after January 31, 2026.
  • Applicants should select 'Apply'.
  • On the Login screen, select 'without Harvard Key'.
  • If you are logging in for the first time, select 'Create New Account'. After you create your account, return to the link above to access the application.
  • You can return to the link above to access your application using the login and password you create. 

Application 

The application includes the following categories:  

  • General Information 
  • Contact Details 
  • Education 
  • Employment History 
  • Upload of files: CV, transcripts, personal statement, and academic essay 
  • Recommendation Letters 
  • Attestation for use of Generative AI
  • Consent & Electronic Signature 

Files To Upload

Please Note: After each file upload you must select "Save" before uploading the next document.

CURRICULUM VITAE
Upload a copy of your most recent CV

TRANSCRIPTS
Upload transcripts for each post-secondary institution you have attended, including all your post-secondary educational degrees. Transcripts must show the grades and course titles for all your post-secondary coursework.
**DO NOT upload copies of diplomas/certificates.  

WRITING SAMPLES
An academic essay and a personal statement must be submitted.

  • Personal Statement: Tell us about yourself – in particular, your background, your academic and career trajectory, and why you wish to pursue this program of your choice at Harvard University. Candidates may consider the following questions in preparing their personal statement: 
    • What is your motivation and rationale for applying to your intended program of study? How will it transform your impact on the world (especially considering prior qualifications and training you have received); and how will you contribute to the broader South Africa Fellowship cohort and community?  
    • What is your financial need for this program?  
    • How has your life been shaped by the legal discrimination of Apartheid policies and history? What are some of the major inflection points in your life that have shaped who you are.  

**Personal statements should demonstrate that the candidate has researched the program to which they are applying and understands how the program will advance their career goals.  Maximum 1000 words.   

  • Academic Essay: Candidates are asked to submit an academic essay reflective of innovative ideas that propose solutions to issues facing contemporary South Africa in their field of interest. Include references cited. While your topic of interest might align with your previous academic projects, we require you to present original work with current data. Successful candidates typically provide an essay that explores an opportunity or challenge facing South Africa, engaging with the relevant literature in their field to propose a theoretical framework or strategy to address this issue. Essays should not read as an op-ed or opinion piece. 

    • Applicants seeking admission into the Special Student or Visiting Fellow GSAS Programs should use this academic essay to describe their research and attach a description of their relevant coursework.  
    • Applicants seeking admission to the HSPH program should tell us about a public health problem or challenge that they seek to address as part of their studies in the program and/or upon completion of their MPH program.
    • Applicants to the Harvard Kennedy School MC/MPA program should describe a policy problem or challenge they are committed to addressing, describe a compelling solution they have pursued or seek to pursue, and convey how their career aspirations and professional goals align with their commitment to public leadership and community service.  
    • Applicants to the HLS program should provide a cogent legal essay that describes either an important issue in their field of interest or a current legal problem facing a particular country, region, or the world, and then propose a theoretical framework or a legal analysis or strategy to address this issue.   
    • Applicants to HBS Executive Education programs (GMP/PLD/AMP) should address a complex business, management, or leadership challenge they have faced and demonstrate how they overcame it and how they would apply their training to affect future change.   

    **References do not count towards the word limit. Maximum 1000 words.   

Additional instructions: 

  • The academic essay and the personal statement should be typed in a standard font and font size (10 to 12 point).  The essays should also be double-spaced. 
  • Generative AI may not be used to complete any portion of this application. All submissions will be reviewed with generative AI detection software.
  • Include your full name on the top of each page and your signature at the end of the academic essay and the personal statement.  

Two Letters Of Recommendation

  • Two letters of recommendation must be submitted by recommenders through the online application system.  
  • Before you begin your application notify your recommenders of the expected deadline.  
  • You will be required to enter the names and contact details of your recommenders in your application. Note that recommenders will only receive a prompt email once you submit your application. 
  • After you submit your application, recommenders will receive an e-mail to the address provided to submit their letters.  Reach out to your recommenders and notify them as soon as you decide to apply and notify them once you submit your application.  
  • Please confirm with your recommenders that they have received this communication. Alternatively, recommenders can e-mail the letters directly to Africa Office Director,  Nthatisi Quella at (HSAFP_Recommendations@fas.harvard.edu). All emailed letters should contain HSAFP Recommendation and full name of applicant in the subject line. 
  • Letters should be written by people who know you well in an educational setting or by people whom you have worked with in a professional capacity—not family nor friends. Applicants for programs at HSPH, HKS, and HLS are strongly encouraged to include at least one reference from a professor or faculty member who is familiar with your academic work. Applicants seeking admission into HBS executive education programs should include a reference from a current employer.  Applicants seeking admission into the GSAS programs should include a letter from their supervising faculty or dean. 
  • Make sure you provide plenty of time for your recommenders to write your letters. Ask them in advance so that they review all instructions, including the deadline (March 31, 2026), on the website before completing their letter. Please ensure the e-mail address of your recommender is correct. After submitting your application, a request will be sent as a link to your reference for submission of your recommendation. 

HSAFP APPLICATION (2027-2028 Cohort) OPENING AND CLOSING DATES  

  • January 31, 2026: HSAFP application OPEN 
  • March 31, 2026: HSAFP Application DEADLINE  

Questions?

  • Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions page.
  • Further queries about the Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program should be addressed to the Harvard Center for African Studies, Africa Office at africaoffice@harvard.edu. All e-mails should contain 'HSAFP Query - [LAST NAME]" in the subject line.