The PIAF Princeton in Africa Fellowship 2024 offers you a unique opportunity to kickstart an amazing journey of personal and professional growth while making a meaningful impact on the African continent.
So, if you wish to do just that, kindly read through this article as we’ll explore the PIAF Fellowship, its benefits, and how to qualify. But before we explore the details of this fellowship, let’s discuss briefly the organization behind it.
About Princeton in Africa
Princeton in Africa was established in 1999 by a group of Princeton alumni, faculty, and staff. The organization launched in Africa as an independent affiliate of Princeton University.
The program included graduates of any US-accredited university in 2010 in order to meet the increasing demand from host organizations and grant access to young professionals to participate in the unique opportunities afforded by Piaf.
PIAF is a catalyst for future leaders, connecting them with the people and nations of Africa. Their mission is to provide highly selective yearlong fellowships to recent college graduates, enabling them to make significant contributions to Africa’s well-being and fostering meaningful relationships within African communities.
Having introduced the organization behind the PIAF Princeton in Africa Fellowship Program, let’s continue with the details of the fellowship.
PIAF Fellowship Experience
A Princeton in Africa fellowship experience is unlike any other. Participating in the program serves as a crucial stepping stone into the field of development in Africa, providing you with a chance to work alongside passionate individuals dedicated to positive change. In this session, you’ll find an overview of the diversity within the fellowship experience:
Diverse Placements
As a PIAF Fellow, you will be placed in a variety of organizations, each offering a unique experience. Some Fellows work closely with supervisors or colleagues, while others have more independent roles.
The office environments also differ, with some being predominantly local staff, while others have a significant expatriate presence.
Geographically, some Fellows will likely be based in bustling cities like Johannesburg and Nairobi, while others live in remote rural areas with limited resources.
Benefits of the PIAF Fellowship
Investing in the PIAF experience is a commitment shared by each Fellow, the hosting organizations, and the PIAF itself. The breakdown of the financial arrangements includes:
Fellows will Cover:
- The cost of Transportation to and from the 2024-25 Fellowship Application
- The placement fee of $350 upon acceptance of a post
- The cost of round-trip airfare to and from the host country
- The Pre-departure medical expenses include immunizations, malaria prevention meds, personal meds, and medical release form completion.
- Fellows may also contribute to visa or work permit costs. However, this depends on the post.
Note: PIAf is dedicated to ensuring that all applicants can participate, regardless of financial need. There is a financial aid application available for Fellows with demonstrated need.
Princeton in Africa/Fellowship Organizations will Cover
- Housing and living stipend
- Certain visas/work permits
- Insurance cover for Medical, medical evacuation, and security evacuation
- Pre-departure orientation housing, meals, and accommodations
- An allowance for mid-year Retreat partial travel and meals/housing
Please bear in mind that fellowship packages may vary depending on the specific post, and details will be provided in the offer letter prior to a Fellow’s acceptance.
Eligibility Criteria for PIAF Fellowship
To qualify for the PIAF Fellowship, applicants are expected to meet certain criteria, these include:
- Nexus applicants should be young professionals or current undergraduates graduating by June 2024 at the time of application.
- Possess an undergraduate, Master’s, or Ph.D. degree from an African university.
- English proficiency, as defined by the U.S. Department of State, is required. Proficiency in French is preferred for some posts.
- Nexus applicants must be under 35 years old for the duration of the fellowship year, which extends through August 2025.
- Citizenship in an African country and current residency in an African country are mandatory. Applicants with dual U.S. citizenship will not be considered.
How to Apply for PIAF Princeton in Africa Fellowship 2024-25
Take the first step to participating in this fellowship by submitting your application using the guide below:
- Go to the application page of Princeton in Africa (PIAF) at https://fs8.formsite.com/princetoninafrica/FellowApp2024-25/login
- You will need to Create an account to apply for 2024-25 Princeton in Africa fellowships.
- An account enables you to return to the application form to view your submitted results.
- For more details, visit the PIAF official website https://www.princetoninafrica.org/applicants/for-our-applicants/
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the PIAF Fellowship for 2024 is October 25, 2023.
FAQs
Can I apply if I’m over 35 but meet all other qualifications?
Unfortunately, no. Applicants must be under 35 for the duration of the fellowship year.
Are there language requirements other than English?
French proficiency is preferred for some posts, but full professional English proficiency is mandatory.
How competitive is the PIAF Fellowship?
The fellowship is highly selective, so be sure to submit a strong application.
What is the duration of a PIAF Fellowship?
All fellowships are 12 months long.
Is financial aid available for Fellows with demonstrated need?
Yes, PiAf is committed to ensuring that all applicants can participate, regardless of financial need.
