Hey future game-changers and bright minds! Ever dreamed of making a real impact across the African continent right after graduation? Well, get ready, because the Princeton in Africa Fellowships Bursary might just be your golden ticket! This isn’t just any opportunity; it’s a chance for young, passionate African graduates (yes, that includes you, Mzansi!) to gain invaluable, paid, year-long work experience with amazing organizations all over Africa. Think of it as your first big step towards an incredible career journey, fully funded and supported.
The Princeton in Africa Fellowship is a prestigious program designed to connect talented young professionals and recent graduates with organizations working on critical development issues across the African continent. It offers year-long, fully paid post-graduate placements, giving you hands-on experience in various fields. Whether you’re a graduate from a U.S.-accredited university or an African institution, this fellowship aims to develop future leaders who are committed to Africa’s growth. For South African graduates, it’s an incredible chance to contribute to the continent’s progress while building your professional profile.
Who Can Apply?
The Princeton in Africa Fellowships Bursary is open to two main categories of applicants. Check which one applies to you:
General Applicants (from U.S.-accredited universities):
- You must be a young professional or a current undergraduate graduating by June 2026 at the time of application.
- You need to hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or a Ph.D. from a 4-year U.S.-accredited university.
- You must have full professional proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English (CEFR Level C1 and above). Professional French proficiency is a bonus for some positions.
- You should be no older than 35 years of age for the duration of the fellowship year (born on or after September 1, 1991).
- You must hold a passport valid through the end of the fellowship year (August 2027).
- Please note: General applicants must not be enrolled in any graduate, doctoral, or equivalent advanced academic programs during their fellowship year.
Nexus Applicants (from African universities):
- You must be a young professional or a current undergraduate graduating by June 2026 at the time of application.
- You need to hold a bachelor’s, master’s (or equivalent), or a Ph.D. from an African university.
- You must have full professional proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English (CEFR Level C1 and above). Professional French proficiency is a bonus for some positions.
- You should be no older than 35 years of age for the duration of the fellowship year (born on or after September 1, 1991).
- You must hold a passport valid through the end of the fellowship year (August 2027).
- You need to have citizenship in an African country and currently reside in an African country. (Applicants with dual U.S. citizenship will not be considered.)
- Please note: Nexus applicants must not be enrolled in any graduate, doctoral, or equivalent advanced academic programs during their fellowship year.
What Does It Cover?
This incredible bursary offers year-long, paid post-graduate fellowship opportunities with various organizations working across the African continent. While the exact details can vary by placement and host organization, the core benefit is a fully supported professional development experience. This means you’ll receive financial assistance, allowing you to focus on gaining invaluable work experience and contributing to meaningful projects without the added financial stress. It’s an investment in your future and in Africa’s development!
How to Apply?
Ready to jump into this life-changing experience? Applying for the Princeton in Africa Fellowships Bursary is a structured process, so here’s what you need to know to get your application in:
- Application Deadline: Make sure your application is submitted by Monday, October 27th, 2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Don’t miss this crucial date!
- Notification of Interviews: If you’re invited for an interview, you’ll be notified in early December 2025. Keep an eye on your inbox (and spam folder!).
- Virtual Interviews: Interviews are scheduled for January 5-9th, 2026.
- Placement Notifications: Selected candidates will be notified about potential posts between February and May 2026, with placements finalized by late May 2026.
- Mandatory Virtual Orientation: If selected, you must attend a virtual orientation from June 5-7th, 2026.
- Fellowship Start & End: Fellowships typically begin between June 9 – August 10, 2026, and conclude around June 8 – August 9, 2027.
For more detailed information and to start your application, head over to the official website. Remember to read all instructions carefully and prepare your documents well in advance!
Visit the Official Webpage of the Princeton in Africa Fellowship and Apply Here!
If this sounds like the right bursary to kickstart your career and make a difference across Africa, don’t wait — apply now and explore even more incredible opportunities on Bursaries Room! Your future starts today!
