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.
Princeton University Information
Founded in 1746, Princeton University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the medium-sized town of Princeton (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), New Jersey. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Princeton University is a medium-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 8,000-8,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. Princeton University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 273 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 0-10% making this US higher education organization a most selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
Eligibility Criteria
- 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 Process
Go to Princeton University on gps.princeton.edu to apply
Required 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 , 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.
Founded in 1746, Princeton University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the medium-sized town of Princeton (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), New Jersey. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Princeton University is a medium-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 8,000-8,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. Princeton University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 273 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 0-10% making this US higher education organization a most selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.