How to Apply

Applications are now closed for 2024-25 Princeton in Africa fellowships.

Applications for 2025-26 fellowships will open in late August 2024. To learn more about PiAf, please join our applicant mailing list here.

Eligibility

Please note there are different eligibility requirements for our general/flagship fellowship program and our Nexus program. Please see both sets of eligibility requirements outlined below. Applicants would only be eligible to apply for both programs, if they are currently residing on the African continent, and have a bachelors or postgraduate degree from a U.S. accredited institution AND an African institution.

General/Flagship Fellowship Program Eligibility:

Nexus Program Eligibility:

Learn more about the Nexus Program

Application Requirements

PiAf cannot accept any application materials emailed directly by applicants, please see below for a list of application materials and how they are to be submitted, you can find additional information regarding this on our website and in the online application.

Incomplete Applications will not be accepted. Princeton in Africa cannot confirm the receipt of application materials. We ask that you not call the Princeton in Africa offices. Please send any inquiries to piafapp@princetoninafrica.org.

PLEASE NOTE: As of 9/17/22 Princeton in Africa is no longer requiring applicants to pay a $75 non-refundable application fee.

What else is required?

Attend our Prospective Applicants Info Session

We will be holding an info session for prospective applicants on September 13th at 12:00PM-1:30 (EST)

Please register in advance for the info session here.

A recording of the session will be sent to the full Princeton in Africa applicant mailing list. Please email piafapp@princetoninafrica.org with any questions.

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 about the application process, check the online application form or the Frequently Asked Questions page. To learn more about the Fellowship program, please review the For Our Applicants page, Where We Work page, and Fellow’s Support page.

Our History

In 1999, a group of Princeton alumni, faculty, and staff launched Princeton in Africa as an independent affiliate of Princeton University inspired by the University’s informal motto, “Princeton in the Nation’s Service and in the Service of All Nations.” In 2010, the program opened up to include graduates of any US accredited university in order to meet the growing demand from host organizations and allow more young professionals access to the unique opportunities afforded by PiAf. During the past 20 years, we have placed over 600 Fellows with more than 100 organizations in 36 countries, while developing more strategic partnerships across Africa and creating more opportunities for our alumni community to engage with the continent and with one another.

Testimonials

The International Rescue Committee has been so fortunate to have had a longstanding relationship with Princeton in Africa since our very first Fellows landed in Rwanda in 1999.  Whether it was Emily or Renee in 1999 or the 110 Fellows across 14 IRC countries over the years, we have been blessed by the relationship, the quality of the Fellows and the impact on what IRC does on the ground every single day.

Brian Johnson
Chief Human Resources Officer
International Rescue Committee

My fellowship has been the most impactful personal and professional development opportunity of my life. I wanted a post-college experience that would push my limits, expand my comfort zone, and help me discern the next steps in my career journey. And this has been the case.

Ryan Elliott
2014-15 Fellow
Baylor Pediatric AIDS Initiative in Lesotho

I can honestly say that this year has changed my life and my view of what’s possible for the future. Princeton in Africa isn’t just a one-year fellowship, it’s an introduction to a particular way of life and a new way of thinking about the world. I feel like so many doors are open now that I never would have considered before.

Katie Fackler
2010-11 Fellow
UN World Food Programme

My Princeton in Africa fellowship was everything I could have hoped for and much more. The myriad of experiences makes my head swim, and it has strengthened my desire to help underserved populations worldwide.

David Bartels
2006-2007 Fellow
Baylor Pediatric AIDS Initiative

Princeton in Africa was an invaluable experience for me. I learned an infinite amount through my work and through living in Uganda. I also realized that I want to continue working on African issues as long as I can.

Alexis Okeowo
2006-2007 Fellow
The New Vision

The International Rescue Committee’s experience with Princeton in Africa has been exceptional. Each Fellow brings excellent writing and analytical skills as well as unique interests and passions that enrich the program and the field office environment. We were so pleased we expanded the program to more field offices.

Susan Riehl
Human Resources, IRC

The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation has been working in Africa for over 11 years through its Secure the Future program.  One common theme in all aspects of program implementation is having passionate, energetic individuals on the ground who can think outside the box and then transfer the skills for sustainability.  The Princeton In Africa Fellows have been a huge asset in this regard and our programs and patients have been better for it.

John Damonti
President, Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation