About

Overview

Applications are open for the Princeton in Africa (PiAf) Fellowship Programme 2027–2028, offering 12-month paid professional placements with organisations working across the African continent.

Established in 1999, Princeton in Africa is a nonprofit organisation that connects recent graduates and young professionals with organisations working in international development, humanitarian assistance, public health, business, agriculture, education and other sectors.

The programme is open to graduates of U.S.-accredited universities and accredited universities based in Africa. Since its establishment, PiAf has placed more than 790 fellows in 37 African countries.

For the 2027–2028 cycle, PiAf is also expanding its Innovation Fellowship opportunities, connecting emerging professionals with organisations and investors contributing to Africa’s innovation economy.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship targets young professionals and current undergraduate students who will graduate by June 2027.

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Hold, or be completing, a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree from a four-year U.S.-accredited university or a four-year locally accredited university in Africa.
• Demonstrate English proficiency at CEFR C1 level or above, covering speaking, reading and writing.
• Be 35 years old or younger throughout the fellowship year, with a date of birth on or after 1 September 1992.
• Hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond the fellowship’s end date.
• Be available to undertake a full-time, 12-month fellowship without concurrent enrolment in a graduate, doctoral or equivalent advanced academic programme.

Professional proficiency in Arabic, French, Kiswahili or Portuguese may be preferred for certain placements.

Fellowship Focus

Princeton in Africa offers placements across a range of sectors, including international humanitarian assistance, public and community health, business and economic development, agricultural development, education and youth capacity building.

Host organisations include international NGOs, research and development organisations, social enterprises and other institutions operating across Africa.

The Innovation Fellowship pathway provides additional opportunities for applicants interested in organisations and investors working within Africa’s innovation economy. Interested candidates must indicate their preference and complete a supplementary questionnaire during the application process.

Fellowship Benefits and Financial Support

All selected fellows receive a 12-month paid placement, including a housing and living stipend intended to cover expenses directly related to the fellowship.

Depending on the placement, Princeton in Africa and host organisations also provide medical and evacuation insurance, support for certain visas or work permits, and participation in a mid-year professional development retreat.

Fellows benefit from professional experience, mentorship, networking opportunities and access to the Princeton in Africa alumni community. A mandatory pre-departure orientation and mid-year retreat are included in the fellowship experience.

Costs to consider: Fellows are required to pay a US$350 placement fee upon accepting an offer. Depending on the placement, they may also be responsible for airfare, pre-departure medical expenses, certain visa costs and part of the travel costs for the mid-year retreat.

Financial assistance is available to placed fellows who demonstrate financial need. Fellowship packages vary by host organisation and placement.

Expected Outcomes

The programme aims to strengthen participants’ professional skills, leadership capabilities and understanding of development challenges and opportunities across Africa.

Through practical work experience with host organisations, fellows are expected to gain sector-specific expertise, develop professional networks and contribute to organisational activities in areas such as public health, economic development, education and innovation.

The fellowship also seeks to support long-term professional development by connecting participants with a network of alumni and organisations working across the African continent.

Key Dates

Milestone	Date
Applications opened	26 August 2026
Application deadline	26 October 2026, 11:59 p.m. EDT
Interview notifications	Early December 2026
Virtual interviews	6–12 January 2027
Fellowship offers and placements	February–May 2027
Mandatory virtual orientation	4–6 June 2027
Fellowship start	9 June–10 August 2027
Fellowship end	8 June–9 August 2028

How to Apply

Interested candidates must complete the online application through the Princeton in Africa Global Programs System by 26 October 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

Applications must include a completed online questionnaire and essays, a CV of no more than two pages, an official academic transcript submitted directly by the applicant’s university, and one recommendation letter submitted by the recommender.

Applicants interested in the Innovation Fellowship must also complete the supplementary questionnaire in the application portal.

There is no application fee. Incomplete applications will not be considered.