HSAFP Selection Process

Acceptance into Harvard & Selection Committee  

Fellowship applications are submitted directly to the Center for African Studies, and a committee of HSAFP alumni, Harvard University faculty, and Center staff interview short-listed applicants in South Africa. Successful candidates must then apply and be admitted to the specific Harvard school where they intend to study. Admission to any Harvard program, including for HSAFP finalists, remains solely within the authority of the Admissions Committee of each Harvard school or program—not with the Center for African Studies.   

Employment Leave 

Applicants must determine well in advance whether, if awarded a fellowship, they can be granted leave by their employers to study at Harvard for the duration of their intended program dates. Most graduate programs run from August until May; however, some programs require fellows to begin residence as early as June. Executive education programs at Harvard Business School can require a mix of both on-campus and off-campus modules over the course of several months. No candidate should accept an interview unless they have been assured that such leave will be granted.   

Interviews 

Interviews are typically 30 to 45 minutes in length and provide an opportunity for the Selection Committee to learn more about the candidate beyond his or her application.  

Final Decision 

The Selection Committee makes the final deliberation on which candidates will be offered a fellowship. The Selection Committee evaluates its decisions based on a candidate’s academic strengths, disadvantages faced, or adversity overcome, financial need, chances of admission and ability to succeed in the program, and the expected impact a candidate will have on South Africa upon his or her return. Candidates are evaluated in their entirety; that is, there is no single factor or distinction by which decisions are made.   

Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions page with any questions. Further inquiries about the Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program should be addressed to Nthatisi Quella, Africa Office Director with the subject line "HSAFP Query."