The Princeton in Africa Fellowship Experience
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.
Expenses For The Fellowship
The Princeton in Africa experience is an investment on the part of each Fellow, each fellowship organization, and Princeton in Africa. The following funding arrangements are in place.
Fellows cover:
- $350 program placement fee upon acceptance of a post
- Round-trip airfare to and from post in their host country.
- Pre-departure medical expenses (immunizations, malaria prevention meds, personals meds, visit for completing medical release form)
- Depending on post, Fellow may contribute to visa or work permit costs
Note: PiAf is committed to ensuring all applicants are able to participate in the program regardless of financial need. Once placed, there is an available financial aid application for Fellows with demonstrated need. Applicants with demonstrated need upon completion of their application should reach out directly to piafapp@princetoninafrica.org.
Princeton in Africa/Fellowship Organizations cover*:
- Housing and living stipend
- Certain visas/work permits
- Medical insurance, medical evacuation insurance, security evacuation insurance
- Mid-year Retreat partial travel allowance and meals/housing
*Fellowship packages vary post-to-post: details will be provided in the offer letter prior to a Fellows acceptance
Note: Fellowship stipends are to cover living costs directly related to the fellowship. Stipends are not meant to cover outside costs, including costs in Fellows’ home countries.
Learn More about Princeton in Africa
Consult these resources for more information about Princeton in Africa:
- Current Host Organizations
- Expected Roles & Sectors – broken down by organization and location
- Fellows Report Database – provides detailed information about past fellowship experiences. Gain access by emailing piafapp@princetoninafrica.org
- Nexus Program – learn more about the Nexus program for graduates of African universities, launched in 2023
- PiAf Placement Process Infographic – learn more about our placement process and timeline
Application & Fellowship Timeline:
Late August
Application goes live
Late October
Application Deadline
Early December
Applicants notified about interviews
Early January
Fellowship interviews (conducted virtually)
February – May
Ongoing acceptance and placements
Early June 5 – 7th
Mandatory Virtual Orientation
June – August
Fellowships begin
June – August (subsequent year)
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 Current Fellows page, Where We Work page, and Fellow Support page.