Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders

A U.S. Department of State leadership fellowship for young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa: a six-week Institute at a U.S. college or university, plus a four-week placement for up to 70 Fellows. Applications open each year from mid-September to mid-October; 2027 dates are unpublished.

Checked 20 Sept 2026Share

Who can apply

Aged 25 to 35 on or before the application deadline, although exceptional applicants aged 21 to 24 will be considered
Not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa
Not an employee, or immediate family member of an employee, of the U.S. Government, including a U.S. embassy, consulate or USAID
Proficient in reading, writing and speaking English
A citizen and resident of one of the eligible countries on the State Department's list
Not an alumnus of the Mandela Washington Fellowship

A leadership institute, not a degree

The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship programme of the Young African Leaders Initiative. According to the State Department, each year it gives up to 700 young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa the chance to build their skills at a U.S. higher education institution, with support for professional development after they return home. This is a short programme, not a degree: six weeks at a U.S. college or university, followed by a four-week Professional Development Experience with a U.S. business, civil society organisation or public agency for up to 70 Fellows.

The State Department page lists three Institute tracks, Business, Civic Engagement and Public Management. Tracks can change between rounds, so check the application portal for the current list when it opens.

Who can apply

Public applications are accepted. You need to be between 25 and 35 by the application deadline, though exceptional applicants aged 21 to 24 are considered. You must be a citizen and resident of one of the eligible Sub-Saharan African countries, eligible for a J-1 visa, proficient in English, and not a Fellowship alumnus. Employees of the U.S. Government, and their immediate family members, are excluded, including embassy, consulate and USAID staff.

When it opens

The State Department says the application opens each year from mid-September to mid-October. The Fellowship’s own site had not published the 2027 dates when this entry was checked, so treat the window as a pattern, not a confirmed date. Because the window is short, look at the official site as soon as it changes.

What the official pages do not say

Neither the State Department page nor the Fellowship’s homepage and FAQ set out what the Fellowship pays. Do not assume a stipend or a specific list of covered costs. The exact package is set out in the application instructions and the terms you accept if selected, which is where to confirm travel, accommodation, insurance and anything for dependants before you rely on it.