Princeton in Africa is a fellowship program that places young professionals into impactful organizations across Africa for a year. Fellows work full time in sectors such as public health, education, environment, business & economic development, youth capacity building, civil society, etc. The aim is to develop leadership, skills, and cross-cultural experience, while contributing meaningfully to host organizations on the continent.
There is also a Nexus track, which pairs Fellows educated in African institutions with those educated in U.S.-accredited institutions, working together in the same host organization to exchange skills etc.
Location (country/city)
- The program is based in Africa; host organizations are located in various African countries 30+ host organizations across 37 countries.
- The Fellows reside in the country of their placement for the duration of the fellowship.
Funding
- Fellows receive a living stipend intended to cover basic cost of living in their host country. The amount depends on location and whether the host organization provides in-kind benefits (housing, meals, utilities etc.)
- Housing & utilities may be provided or the stipend will cover arranging them.
- Medical insurance, medical evacuation insurance, and security insurance are covered.
- A mid-year retreat in Africa is included, and partial travel grants for that.
- Fellows incur a program placement fee (~USD 350) upon accepting a placement.
- Some health/pre-departure vaccinations, visa or work permit costs may need to be borne by the Fellow (or parts thereof).
- Financial aid / assistance is available for Fellows with demonstrated need.
Eligibility Criteria
For the General Fellowship track (outside Nexus):
- Be a young professional, or a current undergraduate who will graduate by June of the application year.
- Must hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree from a 4-year U.S.-accredited university.
- Full professional proficiency in English (speaking, reading, writing), defined as CEFR Level C1+. Proficiency in French preferred for some posts.
- Must be no older than 35 years old during the fellowship year. For 2026-27, this means born on or after September 1, 1991.
- Passport valid through end of fellowship year (August 2027 for the 2026-27 cycle)
- Must not be enrolled in any graduate, doctoral, or equivalent advanced degree program during the fellowship year.
For the Nexus track:
- Applicants must hold degrees from African universities.
- Citizenship in an African country and residency in Africa. Applicants with dual U.S. citizenship are excluded for Nexus.
- Other general eligibility criteria (age, English proficiency, etc.) as above. princetoninafrica.org
Application Date
- For the 2026-27 cycle, the application opens (or is active) in October 2025.
Application Deadline
- The deadline for applications for the 2026-27 Princeton in Africa Fellowship is October 27, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Duration of Program or Opportunity
- The fellowship is for 12 months. Fellows begin their placements between June 9 to August 10, 2026, and the fellowship ends between June 8 and August 9, 2027, depending on start date and placement.
Application Website
.png)
.png)
.png)
