Mandela Washington Fellowship 2027 in the USA (Fully Funded)
A six-week leadership fellowship at US universities for young African leaders aged 25–35. Funded by the US government. About 550 places. Apply by October 13, 2026.
What is the Mandela Washington Fellowship?
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). It's run by the US Department of State, funded by the US government, and managed by IREX.
In summer 2027, the Fellowship will bring about 550 young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa to the United States for a six-week executive-style program. Fellows build their leadership skills, learn from American experts, and form partnerships that help them lead in their sectors and communities back home.
What do fellows do?
- Join a six-week executive-style institute at a US college or university.
- Learn from US experts in business and trade, emerging technologies, and governance and security.
- Meet American leaders in the public and private sectors to build a strong professional network.
- Explore American innovation, industry, history, and culture.
- Join a network of nearly 7,800 alumni across Africa.
Important dates
- Applications opened: September 22, 2026
- Application deadline: October 13, 2026
- Interviews: November 2026 to January 2027, at US embassies and consulates
- Results: February/March 2027
- Visa processing and orientation: March to May 2027
- Fellowship begins: June 2027 in the United States
Who can apply?
- Aged 25 to 35 on or before the deadline. Exceptional applicants aged 21–24 may also be considered.
- A citizen and resident of an eligible Sub-Saharan African country, living there permanently as of February 1, 2027, and when the Fellowship begins.
- Proficient in English (reading, writing, and speaking).
- Eligible for a US J-1 visa.
- Not a US citizen or permanent resident.
- Not a US government employee or an immediate family member of one.
- Not a past Mandela Washington Fellow.
Eligible countries: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Republic of the Congo, DR Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Fellows can't bring spouses or children with them during the Fellowship.
What are they looking for?
- Strong English skills.
- A proven track record in business, trade, emerging technologies, governance, or security.
- A clear interest in building partnerships with American organizations and businesses.
- A commitment to return to Africa and serve your community.
- Teamwork, respect for others, and strong communication skills.
- Adaptability and the ability to lead in changing environments.
Funding
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is funded by the US government. See the official FAQs for full details on what's covered for Fellows.
How it works
- Apply online before October 13, 2026.
- All eligible applications are reviewed and scored.
- Semi-finalists are interviewed in person at the US embassy or consulate in their home country.
- Finalists attend a mandatory in-person pre-departure orientation.
- The Fellowship begins in the US in June 2027.
Simple tips
- Read the official application instructions and the "Preparing a Strong Application" guide before you start.
- Show real, measurable results from your work or leadership.
- Explain clearly how you'll use the Fellowship to serve your community back home.
- Don't wait until the last day. The deadline is close.
Apply here
Ready to apply? Submit your application through the official portal: https://apply.mandelawashingtonfellowship.org
For full eligibility details, application instructions, and FAQs, visit: https://www.mandelawashingtonfellowship.org/apply/
For questions, email mwfellowship@irex.org.
World Opportunities Hub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the US Department of State, IREX, or the Mandela Washington Fellowship. Always verify details on the official website before applying.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Organization | U.S. Department of State (administered by IREX) |
| Region / Country | United States |
| Deadline | Oct 13, 2026 |
| Level | Young professionals (25–35) |
| Funding | Fully Funded (U.S. Government) |
WorldOpportunitiesHub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by U.S. Department of State (administered by IREX). Always verify details on the official website before applying.