Malia Obama headed to Harvard

Malia Obama is following in her parents footsteps with plans to head to Harvard University.

A file photo of Malia Obama attending a State Dinner at the White House in 2016 Source: Getty Images

US President Barack Obama's eldest daughter Malia will attend Harvard University in 2017 after taking a year off from studies following her high school graduation in June.

"Malia will take a gap year before beginning school," a White House statement said on Sunday, breaking a months-long silence about Malia's university search.

Both Obama and Michelle Obama attended Harvard Law School.