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United States Short Course Fully Funded

Mandela Washington Fellowship 2027: Fully Funded Executive Leadership Program for Young African Leaders

The Mandela Washington Fellowship brings approximately 550 young African leaders to the United States in summer 2027 for a six-week executive-style program at U.S. colleges and universities. This fully funded fellowship focuses on business, emerging technologies, governance, and security, with no prior participation allowed.

September 25, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Oct 13, 2026

Quick Overview

Host CountryUnited States
University/OrgVarious U.S. colleges and universities
Degree LevelShort Course
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyBusiness, Emerging Technologies, Governance, Security, Trade
DeadlineOctober 13, 2026

Scholarship Overview

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Program Overview

The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). In summer 2027, approximately 550 Fellows will travel to the United States for a comprehensive six-week executive-style program designed to empower participants to lead in their sectors and communities while building partnerships with American counterparts.

The Fellowship is implemented by IREX on behalf of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Since its launch, the program has created an active alumni network of nearly 7,800 African leaders across the continent.

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What Fellows Do

The Fellowship combines academic coursework, leadership training, and professional networking. Participants will:

  • Attend a six-week executive-style institute at a U.S. college or university, sharing experiences with and learning from American experts
  • Engage with U.S. professionals in business and trade, emerging technologies, and governance and security
  • Meet with American leaders in public and private sectors to strengthen professional networks
  • Explore American innovation, industry, history, and culture
  • Join the active alumni network of nearly 7,800 Fellows

Eligibility Requirements

The Fellowship is open to young African leaders who meet all of the following criteria:

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  • Age: Between 25 and 35 on or before the application deadline (October 13, 2026). Exceptional applicants ages 21-24 may be considered.
  • Citizenship: Citizens of one of 49 eligible Sub-Saharan African countries, including Zimbabwe and all SADC nations
  • Residency: Permanent residents of an eligible country as of February 1, 2027, and at the Fellowship start in June 2027
  • English proficiency: Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English (deaf applicants should refer to application instructions)
  • Visa eligibility: Eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa
  • Not U.S.-affiliated: Not U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or employees/immediate family of U.S. Government employees
  • Not prior participants: Not alumni or prior participants of the Mandela Washington Fellowship
  • No dependents: Fellows cannot have spouses, children, or other dependents accompany them during the program

Eligible countries include: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cote 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, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated on a merit basis using these criteria (not in order of importance):

  • English language proficiency (speaking, reading, writing)
  • Proven record of accomplishment in business, trade, emerging technologies, governance, and/or security
  • Demonstrated interest in building partnerships with American organizations and businesses
  • Commitment to return to Sub-Saharan Africa and contribute to community development
  • Ability to work cooperatively in groups and respect others
  • Strong social and communication skills
  • Demonstrated adaptability and leadership in varying environments

Application Timeline

September 22, 2026 Application opens
October 13, 2026 Application deadline
November 2026 – January 2027 Semi-finalists interviewed by local U.S. embassies and consulates
February/March 2027 Applicants notified of status
March – May 2027 Visa processing and pre-departure orientations for finalists
June 2027 Fellowship begins in the United States

Application and Selection Process

The selection process follows these stages:

  1. Online application: Submit complete application by October 13, 2026 deadline
  2. Technical review: All eligible applications reviewed and scored; ineligible applications are not forwarded to the selection committee
  3. Semi-finalist interviews: U.S. embassies and consulates interview selected semi-finalists in person in home countries
  4. Documentation: Semi-finalists must provide international passport or government-issued photo ID at interview
  5. Finalist notification: Selected applicants notified February/March 2027
  6. Pre-departure orientation: Mandatory in-person orientation for finalists
  7. Program start: Fellowship begins June 2027

Applicants should note that selection from all eligible countries may be reviewed based on local, national, or global events affecting travel. Nationals of countries with U.S. entry or visa suspensions may apply, but selection will be case-by-case.

Important Notes for Applicants

The U.S. Department of State and IREX reserve the right to verify all application information. Discrepancies or false information will result in immediate disqualification. Semi-finalists must provide documentation verifying age, citizenship, and residency at the interview stage.

Current IREX employees, consultants, and their immediate family members are not eligible for any IREX-implemented grant programs.

Resources for Applicants

Prospective applicants can access:

  • Detailed application instructions
  • Frequently Asked Questions about the application
  • Information for applicants with disabilities
  • Tips for preparing a strong application

Applicants who do not meet eligibility requirements are encouraged to explore other U.S. Department of State exchange programs or resources through the YALI Network.

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Official scholarship page: https://www.mandelawashingtonfellowship.org/apply/

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

Funding Coverage

Fully funded six-week executive program including travel, accommodation, and program costs. Specific award amounts not published.

Eligibility Criteria

African citizens aged 25-35 (exceptional 21-24 considered), permanent residents of eligible Sub-Saharan African countries, proficient in English, eligible for J-1 visa, not U.S. citizens/residents/government employees or family, not prior Fellows

Required Documents

International passport or government-issued photo ID required at semi-finalist interview; documentation verifying age, citizenship, and residency required if selected as semi-finalist

Application Process

1) Submit online application by deadline, 2) Technical eligibility review, 3) Semi-finalists interviewed in person by U.S. embassy/consulate, 4) Finalists notified and attend mandatory pre-departure orientation, 5) Visa processing, 6) Program begins June 2027
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Frequently Asked Questions

The standard age requirement is 25-35, but exceptional applicants ages 21-24 may be considered. You must be between 25 and 35 on or before October 13, 2026, unless you can demonstrate exceptional qualifications.
Yes, the Mandela Washington Fellowship is fully funded. It covers travel to and from the United States, accommodation, and program costs for the six-week executive institute. However, specific award amounts are not published.
No. Fellows are explicitly not allowed to have dependents, including spouses and children, accompany them during the Fellowship. This is a strict program requirement.
Approximately 550 Fellows are selected from across 49 eligible countries, making this a competitive merit-based program. Selection depends on your record of accomplishment, leadership potential, English proficiency, and commitment to returning to Africa. There is no fixed quota per country.
Yes, provided you were not previously selected as a Fellow. The program explicitly prohibits alumni and prior participants from applying again, but previous applicants who were not selected remain eligible if they still meet all criteria.
Semi-finalists are interviewed in person by local U.S. embassies and consulates between November 2026 and January 2027. You must bring your international passport or government-issued photo ID. The interview verifies your eligibility and assesses your fit for the program.

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