Mandela Washington Fellowship 2027 in the USA (Fully Funded)
Overview
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is a six-week youth exchange program funded by the U.S. Government and administered by IREX. Serving as the flagship exchange program of the Young African Leaders Initiative, the fellowship brings around 550 young leaders to the United States. The program features a Leadership Institute hosted at a U.S. college or university, allowing participants to learn from American experts and connect with professionals from both the public and private sectors. The initiative centers on subjects including governance, security, emerging technologies, and business and trade. The program begins in June 2027.
Who can apply
Applicants must be citizens and residents of an eligible Sub-Saharan African country and must maintain their residency requirements before the program starts. Candidates should generally be between 25 and 35 years old by the application deadline, though exceptional individuals aged 21 to 24 may also be considered. Applicants must demonstrate a strong background of leadership and positive contributions within their community or professional field, and they must show a commitment to returning to Sub-Saharan Africa to utilize their skills for community support. Candidates need to possess good English reading, writing, and speaking skills, though TOEFL or IELTS scores are not required, and a university degree is not necessary to apply. Individuals cannot apply if they are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or past alumni and participants of the Mandela Washington Fellowship. Additionally, applicants must be eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa.
What you get
The fully funded leadership fellowship covers nearly all expenses for selected candidates, requiring no application fee. Funding and provisions include J-1 visa support, round-trip travel to the United States, and necessary travel within the country. The program also provides housing, meals, enrollment in the six-week Leadership Institute, and a limited accident and sickness benefit plan. Fellows gain opportunities to meet U.S. professionals, organizations, and businesses to expand their professional networks.
Requirements
Applicants must complete all required sections of the online application in English. While a passport is not needed at the time of application, selected semifinalists are required to attend an interview through their local U.S. embassy or consulate.
How to apply
Candidates must submit their applications online through the official Mandela Washington Fellowship application portal by creating an account and completing all requested sections before the deadline.
Key dates
The application deadline is October 13, 2026. The program starts in June 2027.