YALI Mandela Washington Fellowship 2027 for Young African Leaders
Applications are open for the 2027 YALI Mandela Washington Fellowship, a fully funded leadership programme bringing approximately 550 young African leaders to the United States in summer 2027. This prestigious fellowship offers a six-week executive-style institute at a U.S. college or university, where Fellows engage with American experts in business and trade, emerging technologies, governance and security.
The U.S. Government covers all programme costs, including J-1 visa support, round-trip international travel, housing, meals, and a limited accident and sickness benefit plan. Up to 50 Fellows also access an optional four-week Professional Development Experience. Successful applicants join a network of nearly 7,800 alumni.
Quick overview
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Mandela Washington Fellowship (YALI) 2027 |
| Funding | Fully funded by the U.S. Government |
| Participants | Approximately 550 young African leaders |
| Duration | Six weeks, plus optional four-week PDE for up to 50 Fellows |
| Host | U.S. colleges and universities |
| Eligible Age | 25-35 (exceptional applicants 21-24 considered) |
| Application Fee | None |
| Deadline | 13 October 2026 |
About the Fellowship
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship programme of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). It brings around 550 young leaders to the United States in the summer of 2027 for a comprehensive, executive-style programme designed to empower Fellows to lead in their sectors and communities while building partnerships with American counterparts.
The Fellowship gives participants the opportunity to take part in a six-week institute at a U.S. college or university, engage with American experts in business and trade, emerging technologies, and governance and security, meet leaders across the public and private sectors, explore American innovation and culture, and join an active network of nearly 7,800 alumni.
If you are exploring other options to study abroad, see our roundup of fully funded scholarships for African students.
Eligibility
The Fellowship is open to young African leaders who:
- Are between 25 and 35 years old on or before the application deadline (exceptional applicants aged 21-24 may be considered);
- Are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States;
- Are eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa;
- Are not employees or immediate family members of employees of the U.S. Government;
- Are proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English;
- Are citizens and residents of one of the 49 eligible Sub-Saharan African countries, and will be permanently residing there as of 1 February 2027;
- Are not alumni or prior participants of the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
Eligible countries
Benefits
There is no fee to apply. If selected, the U.S. Government covers all programme costs:
| Benefit | Coverage |
|---|---|
| J-1 Visa | Full visa support |
| Travel | Round-trip international travel plus required domestic U.S. travel |
| Institute | Six-week executive-style institute |
| Insurance | Limited accident and sickness benefit plan |
| Accommodation | Housing and meals during the programme |
| Professional Development | Optional four-week experience for up to 50 Fellows |
For candidates weighing graduate study alongside a fellowship, the fully funded Knight-Hennessy Scholarship in the USA is another strong route to a U.S. campus.
Selection process
The Fellowship is a merit-based open competition. After the deadline, all eligible applications are reviewed and scored against the selection criteria. U.S. embassies and consulates then interview selected semifinalists in person in their home countries.
Selected finalists must attend a mandatory in-person pre-departure orientation.
Application timeline
| Date | Stage |
|---|---|
| 22 September 2026 | Application opens |
| 13 October 2026 | Application deadline |
| November 2026 – January 2027 | Semifinalist interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates |
| February/March 2027 | Applicants notified of their status |
| March – May 2027 | Visa processing and pre-departure orientations |
| June 2027 | Fellowship begins in the United States |
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the official Mandela Washington Fellowship website. Review the application instructions carefully, prepare your responses, and submit before the 13 October 2026 deadline.
Candidates from Cameroon and other French-speaking countries who are also considering work abroad may find our guide on Manitoba jobs in Canada for French speakers a useful companion resource.
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