Frequently Asked Questions: 2024 Fellowship Application
Application
After I complete and submit my application, can I go back in and make changes or add supplemental documents at a later date?
No, all submitted applications are final. Once you have submitted your application, you can no longer add any additional information or make any changes either through the online system or via email. All information and documents must be uploaded prior to your final submission, so be sure to check everything carefully before you submit. If you have any questions about or problems with your application, please contact MWFellowship@irex.org before you submit. If your technical eligibility for the Fellowship changes at any point, please email MWFellowship@irex.org, as well as your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately.
How do I save a copy of my application as a PDF?
To download a copy of your application, log in to your application at apply.mandelawashingtonfellowship.org. Then click “Generate PDF” at the bottom of the screen.
Can I have an extension?
Applications were due no later than the extended deadline at 16:00/4:00 PM GMT on Wednesday, September 13, 2023. We are unable to offer any extensions beyond the stated deadline. We encourage you to apply again in future years.
Disability and Other Accommodations
I have a physical disability or other special need and I need another person’s assistance to complete my application. Is this considered plagiarism?
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship. Applicants with physical disabilities or special needs who require Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship. Applicants with physical disabilities or special needs who require another person’s assistance to complete an application may use such assistance. However, the thoughts, ideas, and content of your application must be your own; you cannot collaborate with the person assisting you on the content of your application.
Can applicants with disabilities apply? Why does the application ask if I have a disability?
Yes, applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The Mandela Washington Fellowship does not discriminate against applicants because of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, geographic location, socio-economic status, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic as established by U.S. law. The Fellowship is committed to fairness, equity, and inclusion. The application includes a question about disability so that we are aware of what kinds of accommodations might be needed if you are interviewed or selected. Your answer to the question regarding disabilities is voluntary and will not impact your chances of acceptance.
How are Fellows with disabilities supported during the Fellowship?
Each Fellow’s needs are evaluated individually so that the Institute Partner and IREX can determine reasonable accommodations to ensure the Fellow’s full participation in program activities. Please review the information for applicants with disabilities for more on what types of reasonable accommodations may be available during the Fellowship.
How are pregnant Fellows supported during the Fellowship?
Applicants who are pregnant are encouraged to apply. The Mandela Washington Fellowship is committed to supporting a positive learning and networking environment for all Fellows. The Fellowship is an intensive program, which includes long days and extended periods of time sitting in a classroom or walking on excursions and site visits. Airlines also have different policies for flying while pregnant and may restrict travel for individuals who are pregnant after a certain period in their pregnancy. If you are pregnant and are at less than 20 weeks by the start of the Fellowship in early June, you should be able to fully participate in the program. Please review the information for Fellows who are pregnant for more on the support and resources available to pregnant Fellows during the Fellowship.
Technical Eligibility Requirements: Age
I am currently 35 years old but will turn 36 before the Mandela Washington Fellowship application deadline closes. Am I eligible for the Mandela Washington Fellowship?
No, you are not eligible to apply for the Fellowship. Applicants must be between the ages of 25 and 35 as of the application submission deadline, although exceptional applicants ages 21-24 will be considered. If you are still 35 on September 12, 2023, you are eligible to apply. No exceptions will be made for candidates older than 35.
I am younger than 25 years old. Am I eligible for the Mandela Washington Fellowship?
Yes, you may be eligible to apply for the Fellowship. Exceptional candidates between the ages of 21 and 24 on or before the application submission may be considered. If you are 21 on September 12, 2023, you are eligible to apply. No exceptions will be made for candidates younger than 21.
I have submitted my application. How do I report future changes to my employment or residency that affect my technical eligibility prior to the start of the 2024 Fellowship?
If If you do not meet all technical eligibility requirements in this section currently or at the start of the program, you will not be able to participate in the 2024 Fellowship. If your technical eligibility for the Fellowship changes at any point, please email MWFellowship@irex.org, as well as your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately.
Technical Eligibility Requirements: Citizenship
I am not sure if people from my country are eligible for the Fellowship. Where can I find a list of eligible countries?
Please visit the Fellowship application and eligibility information page to view the list of countries eligible for the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship or reference the Technical Eligibility Requirements section in the Application Instructions.
I left my African home country as a refugee and am now a U.S. citizen. Am I eligible to apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship?
No, you are not eligible to apply for the Fellowship. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and green card holders are not eligible to apply for the Fellowship under any circumstances.
I have dual citizenship in my African home country and another country. Am I eligible to apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship?
Maybe. If you live in one of the sub-Saharan African countries eligible for the Fellowship and reside in another sub-Saharan African country that is eligible, you are eligible to apply. If you are accepted as a Fellow, you must apply for your U.S. visa and enter the United States on your eligible country passport. If you live in any country outside of Sub-Saharan Africa, you are not eligible to apply for the Fellowship regardless of your citizenship. Please see the information on residency below for more details.
I am an employee of the U.S. Government but am a citizen and resident of an eligible country. Am I eligible to apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship?
No, you are not eligible to apply for the Fellowship. Employees and immediate family members of employees of the U.S. Government are not eligible to apply for the Fellowship.
Technical Eligibility Requirements: Residency
What do you mean by country of residence?
Your country of residence is the country in which you currently live and have a physical address. You must live in one of the countries eligible for the Fellowship to apply.
I am a citizen of Ghana currently living in South Africa. Am I eligible to apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship? What option do I choose for my country?
Yes, you are eligible for the Fellowship. Applicants living outside their country of citizenship but in another eligible country may apply. Select the correct country of citizenship and list your current permanent address.
I am a resident of the United States, but I am originally from an African country. Am I eligible to apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship?
No, you are not eligible for the Fellowship. Residents of the United States, or of any non-eligible country, are not eligible for the Mandela Washington Fellowship under any circumstances, even those with temporary residency such as students.
I am an African student studying in France (or another non-eligible country). Am I eligible to apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship?
No, you are not eligible for the Fellowship. Residents of non-eligible countries are not eligible for the Fellowship under any circumstances, even those with temporary residency such as students. You may be eligible for a future Fellowship year once you permanently return to your home country, provided that you meet the other technical eligibility requirements.
I previously resided in the United States for school or work but have returned and am now a resident in an eligible African country. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes, if you are currently both a citizen and a resident of an eligible African country, you are eligible to apply, provided that you meet the other technical eligibility requirements.
I am a citizen of a non-eligible country but have lived all my life in Sub-Saharan Africa. Am I eligible to apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship?
No, you must be both a citizen and resident of an eligible country to apply for the Fellowship.
Technical Eligibility Requirements: Language
I am not proficient in English. Can I participate in the Mandela Washington Fellowship using another language?
No. The Fellowship will be conducted entirely in English. High-level proficiency in written and spoken English is required for the Fellowship. Applicants who are deaf: please note that interpretation in the United States may only be available in American Sign Language (ASL). If you are selected as a Fellow you should be proficient in, or be prepared to learn, ASL prior to arrival in the United States.
How will language abilities be assessed?
Language abilities will be assessed through the online application and, if you are chosen for the next stage, during an interview at your local U.S. embassy or consulate. TOEFL scores are not required. You can practice and improve your English language skills for free through the Online Professional English Network or through Voice of America’s Learning English website. Selected Fellows will also have access to Fellowship-provided ESL materials to help them prepare for the Fellowship.
My native language is not English. Can I submit my application documents in my native language?
No. All applications must be written in English. Any supplemental documents originally written in another language must be submitted with an English language translation.
Technical Eligibility Requirements: Miscellaneous
Must I have attended university or have a university degree to apply?
No. Formal education plays a role in terms of what we are looking for in applicants, but you will not be disqualified if you do not have a formal diploma or degree.
I am currently serving in my country’s military, defense ministries, police, or other law enforcement. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes. Previous restrictions for this program have been lifted and we are able to consider applications from members of the military, defense ministries, and police.
Will I be able to apply for a visa to another country while in the United States?
If you are selected as a Fellow and are planning to pursue business, education, or other opportunities in a foreign country after the Fellowship, we encourage you to secure required visas prior to your travel to the United States. In most instances, it is impossible to apply for visas to travel to other countries while you are away from your home country.
Will I be able to take time off during the Fellowship to attend to other matters?
No, Fellows are expected to be fully engaged during the Fellowship. This includes full attendance at and participation in all required activities, events, and sessions during the Institute, the Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit, and, if applicable, the Professional Development Experience.
I have a family and would like to bring them with me to the United States if I am selected as a Fellow. Is this allowed?
No, you may not bring any members of your family with you to the United States. Program rules prohibit Fellows from bringing their dependents or other family members, and no dependent visas will be issued.
For additional information, please see the Application Instructions on the Resources page. You may contact our team at MWFellowship@irex.org with any questions not answered on this page.