Princeton in Africa Fellowship 2027–28: Applications Open

The Princeton in Africa Fellowship offers graduating students and young professionals a year of practical experience with organisations across Africa.

Princeton in Africa is an independent nonprofit affiliated with Princeton University. Its fellowships place participants in roles supporting organisations’ daily work, including programme management, communications, operations and research. This is a professional fellowship rather than a university degree programme. 

Host organisations work in areas including education, public health, conservation, finance, advocacy and humanitarian assistance. 

Benefits and expenses

Host arrangements provide housing and a basic living stipend. Packages differ between placements, so review your offer before accepting. Host organisation arrangements

Fellows also receive:

• Basic supplemental medical insurance and medical and security evacuation coverage.
• Emergency assistance and confidential mental-health counselling.
• Support from programme staff and access to alumni mentoring. Fellow support

The programme covers retreat meals, accommodation and activities, with partial travel support.

You should budget for a $350 placement fee, pre-departure medical expenses and part of retreat travel. Depending on placement, airfare and some visa costs may also fall to you. Financial assistance is available after placement for fellows demonstrating need. Funding and expenses

Eligibility criteria

You must:

• Be a young professional or undergraduate graduating by June 2027.
• Hold a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. from a four-year U.S.-accredited university or four-year locally-accredited university in Africa.
• Have English proficiency at CEFR Level C1 or above, covering speaking, reading and writing.
• Be born on or after 1 September 1992, remaining no older than 35 throughout the fellowship.
• Hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond completion.
• Not undertake graduate, doctoral or equivalent advanced study during the fellowship. Official eligibility requirements

Citizens of any country may apply, subject to these requirements. Eligibility FAQs

Nexus applicants

The Nexus Program expands participation by young African leaders educated and living on the continent.

Nexus applicants are African citizens residing in Africa who are recent graduates or graduating students of Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. programmes at African universities. General and Nexus applicants use the same application portal and questionnaires.

Fellows cannot be placed in their home countries. Nexus requirements

Number of fellowships

A confirmed number of places for 2027–28 has not been published. Applicant FAQs

How to apply

1. Open the application portal, select Apply Now and create an account.
2. Complete the questionnaires and essays.
3. Upload your English CV as a PDF: maximum two pages, minimum 10-point font.
4. Request an official transcript sent directly by your university to piafapp@princetoninafrica.org, with an English translation where necessary.
5. Register one recommender to submit their letter through the portal.
6. Check that your application and supporting materials are complete before submission.

There is no application fee. PiAf permits AI assistance with brainstorming and grammar checks, but prohibits AI-generated application outlines, drafts and essay translations. Application instructions and AI policy

Application deadline

Monday, 26 October 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time.

Applications are currently open. Official deadline

All supporting documents must arrive by the deadline; incomplete applications and late materials are not accepted. Submission requirements

Selection and fellowship timetable

• November–December 2026: Application review.
• By mid-December 2026: Interview notifications.
• 6–9 and 12 January 2027: Virtual interviews.
• February–May 2027: Rolling placements.

Entering the candidate pool does not guarantee a placement. Selection process

Successful applicants must attend the full 4–6 June 2027 virtual orientation live, during Eastern Daylight Time business hours. Orientation requirements

Placements last 12 months, starting June–August 2027. Published date ranges differ; confirm your exact dates with PiAf. Fellowship timetable

Official information and application

• Apply: Princeton in Africa application portal
• Programme details: Eligibility, funding and application requirements
• Further guidance: Frequently asked questions
• Nexus applicants: Nexus Program information
• Application enquiries: piafapp@princetoninafrica.org