The Princeton in Africa (PiAf) Nexus Program for 2026/2027 offers a transformative, year-long, paid fellowship for recent African graduates to work with host organizations across the continent. The Nexus program, which began in 2023, is an expansion of PiAf’s flagship fellowship. It aims to develop a new generation of African leaders by pairing them with co-fellows from U.S. institutions for a cross-cultural exchange of skills and knowledge.
Program overview
The Nexus fellowship is a unique collaborative model.
- Paired fellowship: Each Nexus Fellow is partnered with a co-fellow from the general fellowship program (U.S.-accredited university graduates). This pairing is central to the experience, encouraging mutual learning and the exchange of expertise.
- Host organizations: Fellows are placed at Nexus-designated organizations that work in various development-related sectors across Africa, including education, health, conservation, and economic development.
- Year-long commitment: The program is a full-time, 12-month commitment, with fellowships beginning between June and August 2026 and concluding in the same months in 2027.
- Ethical engagement: The program emphasizes ethical, respectful, and productive engagement with the continent, fostering a reciprocal relationship with host communities and organizations.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the 2026/2027 Nexus Fellowship, candidates must be citizens of an African country residing on the continent (dual U.S. citizenship is not allowed) and hold a degree from an African university (graduating seniors are eligible). Applicants must be 35 or younger throughout the fellowship year and have full professional proficiency in English. A passport valid through August 2027 is required, and applicants should not be enrolled in an advanced academic program during the fellowship.
Key dates for the 2026/2027 cycle
The application deadline is October 27, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Interview notifications are expected in early December 2025, followed by virtual interviews in January 2026. A mandatory virtual orientation is scheduled for June 2026, with fellowships starting between June and August 2026 and ending in the same months in 2027.
Application process and requirements
The online application requires a resume or CV (max two pages), official university transcripts sent directly to PiAf, and one letter of recommendation submitted by the recommender. Nexus applicants must also provide proof of enrollment at an African university. There is no application fee.
Benefits of the Nexus fellowship
Nexus Fellows receive a living stipend, housing, and allowances for food and local travel. The program includes comprehensive insurance coverage. Benefits also include professional development, cross-cultural exchange, mentorship, and inclusion in the PiAf alumni network. A mid-year retreat with partial travel allowance, covered housing, and meals is also provided.
How to apply
Visit the Princeton in Africa website to access the online application portal and review eligibility criteria. Gather required documents like your CV, transcripts, and proof of enrollment, and contact your recommender early. Submit all materials online before the October 27, 2025, deadline.
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