How does the Nexus program differ from the general fellowship program?

• Eligibility Requirements: The Nexus program is intended for graduates of African universities who have citizenship in an African country and are resident on the African continent.  The general fellowship program is intended for graduates of US-accredited universities.  Please see our Apply page for more information about eligibility requirements for the Nexus program.
• Host Organizations: Nexus applicants can only be considered for fellowship posts at a list of Nexus-designated organizations.  The list of Nexus organizations and posts can be found on our fellowship application and on our List of Prospective Host Organizations.  The list of Nexus-eligible posts will be updated through the fall and spring and are subject to change.  Past Nexus organizations have included:
  • African School of Economics, Benin (2023-24)
  • Emerging Leaders Foundation Africa, Kenya (2023-24)
  • International Livestock Research Institute (2024-25)
  • International Rescue Committee, Kenya (2023-24, 2024-25)
  • International Rescue Committee, Somalia (based in Kenya) (2023-24, 2024-25)
  • Megnacio Company Ltd., Tanzania (2024-25)
  • Mpala Research Centre, Kenya (2023-24)
  • Warc Africa, Ghana (2024-25)
• Focus on Exchange: All Nexus Fellows will be placed in their host organizations alongside a co-Fellow from the general fellowship program with the goal that the Nexus Fellow and general co-Fellow will exchange skills, knowledge, leadership experience, and technical expertise with one another in addition to working together to support their host organization’s mission.  This opportunity for exchange and relationship-building is a key part of the Nexus program.  While some Fellows on the general fellowship program will be the only Fellow in their organizations, all Nexus Fellows and general co-Fellows will have another Fellow placed at the same organization with whom they can exchange skills and share their fellowship experiences.
• Application Requirements: Applicants for the Nexus program will need to submit a Proof of Enrollment document from their undergraduate university in addition to the other documents required by all applicants.  Applicants to the general fellowship program are not required to provide a Proof of Enrollment document.  Please see our Apply page for a full list of application requirements for Nexus applicants.

Who is eligible to apply for the Nexus program?

To be eligible for the 2026-27 Princeton in Africa Fellowship, Nexus applicants must:

• Be young professionals or current undergraduates graduating by June 2026 at the time of application.*
• Hold a bachelor’s, master’s (or equivalent), or a Ph.D. from an African university.
• Have full professional proficiency in speaking, reading and writing English as defined by the CEFR (Level C1 and above). Professional proficiency in French is preferred for some posts.
• Be no older than 35 years of age for the duration of the fellowship year (born on or after September 1, 1991).
• Hold a passport valid through the end of the fellowship year (August 2027).
• Have citizenship in an African country and have current residency in an African country. Applicants with dual U.S. citizenship will not be considered