Kistefos public service fellowship fund for Norwegian and African students

In 2018 the Fisher-Kistefos Norwegian Public Service graduate Fellowship Endowment fund was established by a gift of 4 million USD from Kistefos AS. The fund finances at least one to two students annually and recipients of scholarships must sign a binding contract to work in the Norwegian public sector for a period of at least three years after graduation.

Individuals supported by the Kistefos Fund are known as Fisher-Kistefos Fellows and may enroll in Harvard Kennedy School degree programs to earn a Master in Public Policy (MPP), Two-year Master in Public Administration (MPA2), Master in Public Administration/International Development (MPA/ID), or Mid-Career Master in Public Administration (MC/MPA). The Fisher-Kistefos Fund can support student tuition fees and living expenses.

The Kistefos African Public Service Graduate Fellowship Fund

In 2015 Kistefos announced an $11 million gift to establish a fellowship for African students.

The Kistefos African Public Service Graduate Fellowship Fund will provide support to degree program candidates and executive education program participants from African nations with an interest in improving governance and public resources at all levels. Starting in 2015-16, the endowed fund will cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for fellows — who must commit to at least three years of public service work following their studies

The reason why the Norwegian and African Endowment Funds was established was that Mr. Sveaas, the sole owner of Kistefos AS, is on the Dean’s Council at the school. The objective of the fund is to educate professional managers who will contribute to the improved and efficient management of the Norwegian and African public sector.

Application information

In order to apply to the Kistefos Public Service Fellowship Fund, an application must first be qualified for acceptance at Harvard Kennedy School. The school’s normal criteria for acceptance, such as leadership qualities, commitment to improved administration, academic qualities, work experience and leadership potential will be given special weight during the application process.

Candidates who are admitted to Harvard Kennedy School simultaneously qualify for the Kistefos Fellowship.