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About the Princeton in Africa Fellowship 2026/2027
The Princeton in Africa Fellowship (PiAf) is a prestigious year-long, fully funded post-graduate fellowship program that matches talented young graduates with a wide range of host organizations working across Africa.
Founded as an independent non-profit organization, PiAf’s mission is to develop the next generation of global leaders committed to Africa’s advancement by providing immersive work opportunities in areas such as education, public health, economic development, conservation, and humanitarian assistance.
Since its inception, PiAf has placed fellows in over 30 African countries, where they work with nonprofits, social enterprises, development organizations, and private companies tackling some of the continent’s most pressing challenges.
Eligible Fields
Princeton in Africa Fellows work with host organizations in diverse sectors, including but not limited to:
- Public Health and Humanitarian Aid
- Education and Youth Empowerment
- Economic and Business Development
- Agriculture and Food Security
- Policy and Governance
- Environment and Conservation
- Social Innovation and Nonprofit Management
The placements are tailored to match fellows’ skills, academic backgrounds, and professional interests.
Eligibility Criteria
The Princeton in Africa Fellowship has two applicant streams:
1. General Applicants (Graduates of U.S.-Accredited Universities)
- Must be young professionals or current undergraduates graduating by June 2026.
- Must hold a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. from a 4-year U.S.-accredited university.
- Must have full professional proficiency in English (CEFR Level C1 and above). Professional French proficiency is preferred for some posts.
- Must be no older than 35 years old at the start of the fellowship (born on or after September 1, 1991).
- Must hold a passport valid through August 2027.
- Must not be enrolled in any graduate or doctoral program during the fellowship year.
2. Nexus Applicants (Graduates of African Universities)
- Must be young professionals or current undergraduates graduating by June 2026.
- Must hold a Bachelor’s, Master’s (or equivalent), or Ph.D. from a university based in Africa.
- Must have full professional proficiency in English (CEFR Level C1 and above). Professional French proficiency is preferred for some posts.
- Must be no older than 35 years old at the start of the fellowship (born on or after September 1, 1991).
- Must hold a passport valid through August 2027.
- Must have citizenship and current residency in an African country. (Applicants with dual U.S. citizenship are not eligible.)
- Must not be enrolled in any graduate or doctoral program during the fellowship year.
Fellowship Key Dates
- October 27, 2025: Applications due (11:59 PM Eastern Time)
- Early December 2025: Applicants notified if selected for interview
- January 5–9, 2026: Virtual interviews
- February–May 2026: Candidates notified of potential placements (on a rolling basis)
- Late May 2026: Final placements confirmed
- June 5–7, 2026: Mandatory virtual orientation
- June 9 – August 10, 2026: Fellowships begin
- June 8 – August 9, 2027: Fellowships conclude
Note: Applications are reviewed throughout November and December. All applicants will be notified by mid-December whether or not they have been invited for an interview. Please check your spam folder if you do not see an email by then.
Benefits of the Princeton in Africa Fellowship 2026/2027
Princeton in Africa provides a comprehensive fellowship package that includes:
- Professional placement with a reputable host organization in Africa.
- Year-long work experience addressing real-world development challenges.
- Stipend or living allowance to cover basic expenses.
- Immersive leadership development and mentorship from industry professionals.
- Networking opportunities with an active alumni community of global leaders.
- Cross-cultural learning and exposure to diverse African contexts.
Selection Criteria
The selection process is highly competitive and based on:
- Academic and professional achievement.
- Demonstrated leadership potential.
- Strong commitment to Africa’s development.
- Cultural adaptability and maturity.
- Language skills (English required; French an advantage).
How to Apply
- Visit the official Princeton in Africa Fellowship webpage.
- Review program details and eligibility criteria for your applicant stream (General or Nexus).
- Create an application profile and complete the online form.
- Prepare and upload all required documents, including:
- Resume/CV
- Personal statement or motivation letter
- Academic transcripts
- Professional references (as requested)
- Submit your application by October 27, 2025 (11:59 PM ET).
- Wait for notification of your interview status in early December 2025.
Final Thoughts
The Princeton in Africa Fellowship 2026/2027 is more than just a job—it’s a transformative leadership journey. Fellows gain hands-on experience, cross-cultural skills, and a global professional network while making a tangible impact on communities across Africa.
If you are a young graduate or emerging professional passionate about development, leadership, and Africa’s future, this is your opportunity to launch an international career with purpose.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
See also:
Chevening Scholarships 2026–27: Apply Now for this Prestigious UK Award!
UNHCR Global Internship Programme 2025: Fully Funded Humanitarian Internship—Apply Now!
Thank you so much