2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship Application| Apply Now

2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship: Eligibility & Application

Applications for the 2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship are open. Learn about eligibility, benefits, selection criteria and the October 13, 2026 deadline.

The 2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship is now accepting applications from young African leaders interested in developing their leadership skills, expanding professional networks and engaging with American counterparts.

The programme will bring approximately 550 young African leaders to the United States in summer 2027 for a six-week executive-style programme.

The application deadline is October 13, 2026.

The Mandela Washington Fellowship is a programme of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Selected Fellows will participate in a six-week institute at a U.S. college or university. The programme includes opportunities to learn from American experts, connect with leaders and explore areas such as business, emerging technologies, governance and security.

Fellows also join an alumni network of nearly 7,800 people.

What the Fellowship Offers

Participants can:

Attend a six-week executive-style institute in the United States.
Learn from American experts and professionals.
Build relationships with American counterparts.
Meet public- and private-sector leaders.
Explore American innovation, industry, history and culture.
Join the Mandela Washington Fellowship alumni network.

2027 Fellowship Eligibility

Applicants must generally:

Be 25–35 years old by the application deadline. Exceptional applicants aged 21–24 may also be considered.
Be citizens of an eligible African country.
Be residents of an eligible African country and permanently residing there by February 1, 2027 and at the start of the Fellowship.
Be proficient in reading, writing and speaking English.
Be eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa.
Not be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Not be employees or immediate family members of U.S. Government employees.
Not have previously participated in the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
Be prepared to return to Sub-Saharan Africa and contribute to their communities.

Eligible countries include Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Malawi, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia and other participating African countries listed by the Fellowship.

Fellows cannot have dependents, including spouses or children, accompany them during the Fellowship.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on factors including:

English-language proficiency.
A demonstrated record of accomplishment in business, trade, emerging technologies, governance and/or security.
Interest in developing partnerships with American organisations and businesses.
Commitment to returning to Sub-Saharan Africa.
Ability to work cooperatively with others.
Strong communication and social skills.
Adaptability and leadership ability.

The selection process is described by the programme as a merit-based open competition.

2027 Application Timeline

Key dates include:

September 22, 2026: Applications open
October 13, 2026: Application deadline
November 2026 – January 2027: Semifinalist interviews
February/March 2027: Applicant notifications
March – May 2027: Visa processing and pre-departure orientations
June 2027: Fellowship begins in the United States

How to Apply

Applicants should complete the online application through the official Mandela Washington Fellowship application portal.

Apply for the 2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship

Applicants should also review the official application instructions, eligibility requirements and application FAQs before submitting their applications.

2027 Application Instructions