Princeton in Africa Fellowship Program 2025 for Young African Graduates

A Princeton in Africa fellowship provides a unique opportunity for personal and professional development and growth. It is frequently referred to as a means of gaining entry into the African development industry. It is also an opportunity to join a growing network of passionate PiAf alumni.

The fellowship experience varies tremendously based on placement and organisation. Some Fellows collaborate closely with their supervisor or colleague(s), while others work more independently. Some Fellows work in offices staffed by locals, while others work with a large number of expatriates. Some Fellows live in cities such as Johannesburg and Nairobi, while others are based in remote 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.

Benefits of Princeton University Princeton in Africa Fellowship Program

On the ground expenses, including housing and living stipend.
Visas/work permits.
Medical, medical evacuation, and security evacuation insurance.
Pre-departure orientation for all Fellows. Housing and meals are provided.
Mid-year Retreat in Africa. Housing and meals are provided. PiAf also provides a partial travel allowance to assist with travel to/from the Retreat.

Requirements for Princeton University Princeton in Africa Fellowship Program

General applicants must be young professionals or current undergraduates graduating by June 2025 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 proficiency in speaking, reading and writing English as defined by the CEFR (Level C1 and above). Additionally, 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 2026). General applicants for the 2025-26 fellowship year must have a birthdate that falls on or after September 1, 1990.
General applicants must have a passport valid through the end of the fellowship year (August 2026).

General applicants must not be enrolled in any graduate, doctoral, or equivalent advanced academic programs during their fellowship year.

Application Documents

(All Applicants) Complete Online Application — submitted via online form.
(All Applicants) Resume or CV — attached to online application, 2 pages max
(All Applicants) Unofficial transcript — attached to online application (accompanied by an English translation, if necessary). Transcripts must be in English, should be in PDF format and no larger than 256KB.
(All Applicants) Official transcript — sent directly from your university to piafapp@princetoninafrica.org, additional information in FAQs linked above. Note that PiAf only accepts digital official transcripts that are sent directly from your university to our offices via secure online platform or email (accompanied by an English translation, if necessary).
(All Applicants) One letter of recommendation — submitted directly by your recommender via online form.
(Nexus Applicants Only) Proof of university enrollment — attached to online application. Must be in English, in PDF format and no larger than 256KB. For this requirement, PiAf will accept any ONE of the following:
- An official enrollment verification document (accompanied by an English translation, if necessary)
- A scanned copy of the applicant’s diploma (accompanied by an English translation, if necessary)
- A letter in English on university letterhead signed by a university administrator or professor indicating the dates of enrollment, degree obtained, and area of study. The university representative’s email and phone number must be included in the letter.