Applications are now open for the 2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, a flagship program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
The Fellowship will bring approximately 550 young African leaders to the United States in summer 2027 for an intensive six-week executive-style institute at a U.S. college or university.
The program is designed for emerging leaders working across sectors including business and trade, emerging technologies, governance and security. Fellows will participate in academic and professional activities while building connections with American experts and leaders.
The 2027 application opened on September 22, 2026, and the application deadline is October 13, 2026.
What Is the Mandela Washington Fellowship?
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is a program of the U.S. Department of State that brings young African leaders to the United States for an intensive leadership and professional development experience.
For the 2027 cohort, approximately 550 Fellows will participate in the program during summer 2027. The Fellowship includes a six-week executive-style institute hosted at a U.S. college or university. Participants will have opportunities to share their experiences, learn from American experts and develop professional connections.
The program also provides participants with exposure to American innovation, industry, history and culture while connecting them to a growing network of nearly 7,800 alumni.
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
Selected Fellows will participate in a range of academic, professional and networking activities during the six-week U.S. institute.
Key elements of the Fellowship include:
- A six-week executive-style institute at a U.S. college or university.
- Engagement with U.S. experts in business and trade, emerging technologies, governance and security.
- Meetings with American leaders in the public and private sectors.
- Opportunities to strengthen professional networks and partnerships.
- Exposure to American innovation, industry, history and culture.
- Membership in an active network of nearly 7,800 Mandela Washington Fellowship alumni.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The Fellowship is open to young African leaders who satisfy the program’s eligibility requirements.
Applicants must generally be between 25 and 35 years old by October 13, 2026, although exceptional applicants aged 21–24 may be considered.
Applicants must also:
- Be citizens of an eligible African country.
- Be residents of an eligible country and plan to remain there through February 1, 2027, and at the beginning of the Fellowship in June 2027.
- Not be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Be eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa.
- Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing and speaking English, subject to the program’s provisions for applicants who are deaf.
- Not be current employees or immediate family members of employees of the U.S. Government.
- Not be previous Mandela Washington Fellowship alumni or participants.
Eligible countries include Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal and other participating African countries.
What Are the Selection Criteria?
The Mandela Washington Fellowship uses a merit-based open competition. Eligible applications are reviewed and scored according to the program’s selection criteria, followed by interviews for selected semifinalists through U.S. embassies and consulates in their home countries.
The stated criteria include:
- English-language proficiency.
- A record of accomplishment in business, trade, emerging technologies, governance and/or security.
- Interest in developing partnerships with American organizations and businesses.
- Commitment to return to Sub-Saharan Africa and contribute to local communities.
- Ability to work cooperatively with others.
- Strong social and communication skills.
- Adaptability and leadership ability in changing environments.
Applicants should therefore demonstrate their leadership experience, professional achievements, community engagement and future plans clearly within the application.
Application and Selection Timeline
The 2027 application and selection process follows a series of stages:
- September 22, 2026: Application opens.
- October 13, 2026: Application deadline.
- November 2026 – January 2027: Semifinalist interviews by U.S. embassies and consulates.
- February/March 2027: Applicants are notified of their status.
- March – May 2027: Visa processing and pre-departure orientations.
- June 2027: Fellowship begins in the United States.
Applicants selected as semifinalists will be required to provide documentation verifying their age, citizenship and residency during the interview stage. Finalists must also attend a mandatory in-person pre-departure orientation.
How to Apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2027
Interested applicants should complete the application through the official Mandela Washington Fellowship application portal.
Applicants should also review the official 2027 Application Instructions, Frequently Asked Questions and application-preparation resources before submitting their applications.
Candidates should ensure that all information submitted is accurate. The U.S. Department of State and IREX reserve the right to verify information provided in applications, including age, citizenship and residency.
Final Takeaway
The 2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship provides approximately 550 young African leaders with an opportunity to participate in a six-week executive-style institute at a U.S. college or university. The program combines professional development, engagement with American experts, networking and exposure to U.S. institutions and culture.
Eligible young African leaders should review the requirements and prepare their applications ahead of the October 13, 2026 deadline.
Application Deadline: October 13, 2026
Program Begins: June 2027
