A Princeton in Africa fellowship experience is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for personal and professional development and growth. It is often described as a way to get a foot in the door of the field of development on the African continent. It is also an opportunity to join a growing community of passionate PiAf alumni.

The fellowship experience varies greatly depending on placement and organization. Some Fellows work closely with a supervisor or colleague(s); others work more independently. Some Fellows work in offices that are filled with local staff; others work with a high number of expatriates. Some Fellows live in urban areas like Johannesburg and Nairobi; others are based in very rural areas with limited resources.

No matter the host organization or the location, all fellowships are 12 months long and all Fellows experience support from Princeton in Africa staff, alumni, and other Fellows. Community is a PiAf guarantee.

Requirements

General/Flagship Fellowship Program Eligibility:

• General applicants must be young professionals or current undergraduates graduating by June 2024 at the time of application.
• General applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or a Ph.D. from a 4-year U.S.-accredited university.
• General applicants must have full professional English proficiency as defined by the U.S. Department of State. Additionally, full professional proficiency in French is preferred at some posts.
• General applicants must be not more than 35 years of age for the duration of the fellowship year (through August 2025).
• General applicants must have a passport valid through the end of the fellowship year (August 2025).

Nexus Program Eligibility:

• Nexus applicants must be young professionals or current undergraduates graduating by June 2024 at the time of application.
• Nexus applicants must have an undergraduate degree or a Master’s degree (or equivalent), or a Ph.D. from an African university.
• Nexus applicants must have full professional English proficiency as defined by the U.S. Department of State. Additionally, full professional proficiency in French is preferred at some posts.
• Nexus applicants must be not more than 35 years of age for the duration of the fellowship year (through August 2025).
• Nexus Applicants must have citizenship in an African country and have current residency in an African country (applicants with dual U.S. citizenship will not be considered)
• Nexus applicants must have citizenship in an African country and have current residency in an African country (applicants with dual U.S. citizenship will not be considered).

Expenses For the Fellowship:

The Princeton in Africa experience is an investment on the part of each Fellow, each fellowship organization, and Princeton in Africa. The following funding arrangements are in place.

Fellows cover:

• Transportation to and from 2024-25 Fellowship Application can be found here.
• $350 program placement fee upon acceptance of a post
• Round-trip airfare to and from post in their host country.
• Pre-departure medical expenses (immunizations, malaria prevention meds, personals meds, visit for completing medical release form)
• Depending on post, Fellow may contribute to visa or work permit costs

Note: PiAf is committed to ensuring all applicants are able to participate in the program regardless of financial need. Once placed, there is an available financial aid application for Fellows with demonstrated need. Applicants with demonstrated need upon completion of their application should reach out directly to piafapp@princetoninafrica.org.

Princeton in Africa/Fellowship Organizations cover*:

• Housing and living stipend
• Certain visas/work permits
• Medical, medical evacuation, security evacuation insurance
• Pre-departure orientation housing and meals
• Mid-year Retreat partial travel allowance and meals/housing

*Fellowship packages vary post-to-post: details will be provided in the offer letter prior to a Fellows acceptance

Timeline:

Fellowships are 12 months long. The fellowships will begin between June and August 2024. You must be prepared to make a 12-month commitment when applying to PiAf.

Fellowship Timeline:

Late August, 2023
Application goes live

Wednesday, Sept 13th 12:00-1:30 PM Eastern
Information Session for Prospective Applicants

Wednesday, October 25th, 2023 at 11:59 PM Eastern
Application Deadline

Early December, 2023
Applicants notified about interviews

Early January, 2024
Fellowship interviews (conducted virtually)

February-May 2024
Ongoing acceptance and placements

June 6 – 8th, 2024
MANDATORY Orientation

June-August 2024
Fellowships begin

June-August, 2025
Fellowships end

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the  Princeton in Africa Fellowship 2024/2025