Princeton in Africa Nexus Fellowship Program 2026–2027

If you're an emerging African leader educated at a university on the continent, your opportunity is here—the Princeton in Africa Nexus Fellowship Program 2026–2027 is now open! This unique program pairs recent African graduates with co-Fellows educated in U.S.-accredited institutions, offering a rich, year-long exchange of skills, leadership, and impact at host organizations across the African continent. Read on for details.

🎓 Fellowship Summary

• Location: Various host organizations across Africa

• Host: Nexus-designated organizations partnering with Princeton in Africa

• Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s (or equivalent), or Ph.D. from an African university

• Target Group: Young professionals or graduating undergraduates (by June 2026), aged 35 or under, citizens and residents of African countries (no dual U.S. citizenship), with C1 English proficiency (French preferred for some posts)

• Fields of Study: Varies by host organization; typically in development-related sectors such as education, health, conservation, policy, and more

• Value & Coverage: Covers housing, living stipend, insurance (medical, evacuation), and mid-year retreat allowance. Fellows pay a $350 placement fee, and some travel/pre-departure costs (airfare, visas, immunizations)

• Duration: Twelve months—fellowships begin between June 9 and August 10, 2026, and conclude between June 8 and August 9, 2027

• Application Deadline: October 27, 2025, by 11:59 PM Eastern Time

• Start Date: Virtual orientation June 5–7, 2026, followed by placements starting June 9–August 10, 2026

• Eligible To: African residents and citizens (no dual U.S. citizenship), under age 35, degree from African university, C1 English proficiency, graduating by June 2026, passport valid through August 2027

📚 Program Overview

The Nexus program uniquely pairs 5 Nexus Fellows (Africa-educated and resident) with 5 general Fellows (U.S.-educated), placing each pair together at a host organization across Africa for a year-long fellowship. This model fosters:

• Mutual exchange of skills, knowledge, leadership experience, and technical expertise between the co-Fellows

• Enhanced professional growth and deepened understanding of local communities

• Contributions to host organizations’ missions under mentorship and peer collaboration

Past host organizations include:

• African School of Economics, Benin (2023–24)

• Emerging Leaders Foundation Africa, Kenya (2023–24)

• International Livestock Research Institute (2024–25)

• International Rescue Committee, Kenya and Somalia (2023–25)

• Megnacio Company Ltd., Tanzania (2024–25)

• Mpala Research Centre, Kenya (2023–24)

• Warc Africa, Ghana (2024–25)

Placements facilitate real-world impact along with a vibrant peer-learning environment.

🎁 Benefits

• Fully supported living stipend, insurance, and retreat

• Professional development through structured work, cross-cultural exchange, and peer mentorship

• Network expansion into a global alumni of over 700 Fellows

• Access to unique roles across sectors that advance your career and passion for African development

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Nexus Fellowship 2026–2027, applicants must:

• Be young professionals or undergraduates graduating by June 2026 

• Hold a bachelor’s, master’s (or equivalent), or Ph.D. from an African university 

• Have full professional proficiency in English (CEFR C1+), with French preferred for select posts

• Be no older than 35 during the fellowship year (born on or after September 1, 1991)

• Hold a passport valid through August 2027 

• Have citizenship and residency in an African country; those with dual U.S. citizenship are not eligible 

• Not be enrolled in graduate or equivalent advanced programs during fellowship

📝 Application Procedure

1. Submit the Princeton in Africa online application by October 27, 2025 (11:59 PM ET) 

2. Complete the following required components:

   • Online questionnaires (common to all applicants)

   • CV/Resume (max 2 pages, PDF)

   • Official transcripts, sent securely from your university

   • Letter of recommendation, submitted by your recommender via portal

   • Proof of university enrollment document for Nexus applicants: could be enrollment verification, diploma, or official letter detailing enrollment, degree, and program (in English)

3. No application fee is required

4. Application Timeline:

   • Interview notifications: Early December 2025

   • Virtual interviews: January 5–9, 2026

   • Placements finalized: February–May 2026 (notifications ongoing)

   • Orientation: June 5–7, 2026 (mandatory, attend in EDT, via Zoom)

ℹ️ Find detailed information on the 'How to Apply webpage '

🚀 Summary Table

• Program Nexus Fellowship: paired co-Fellows, one Africa-educated + one U.S.-educated

• Duration: 12 months (start: June–August 2026; end: June–August 2027)

• Deadline: October 27, 2025, 11:59 PM ET

• Eligibility: African residents under 35, degree from African university, C1 English, passport valid, not enrolled in grad program

• Benefits:: Stipend, housing, insurance, retreat allowance, peer partnership, global network

• Requirements: Online application, CV, transcripts, LOR, proof of enrollment (Nexus)

• Timeline: Interviews Jan 5–9, 2026; orientation June 5–7, 2026; placement through spring 2026

🔗 Apply Now

🔗 Official Link

---