Can I access the application from my phone or tablet?

Yes.  You can access the application from any device that is connected to the internet.  The application is mobile-friendly, so it is easy to apply from your phone or tablet.

I don’t have reliable access to high-speed internet.  Can I still complete an application?

Yes.  The application system functions in low-bandwidth environments and allows users to save their progress.  As such, you can complete the application over multiple sittings, which may be useful if you do not have constant access to the internet or are traveling to internet cafés or co-working spaces to complete your application.  Please save your application often to avoid losing your responses due to potential internet disruptions.

How do I enter my name into the application?

You should type your name exactly as it appears on your passport or other official government identification documents.  For example, John’s passport lists Ngozi as his surname and John Michael as his given name.  He should type John Michael in the First Name(s) (Given Name(s)) field and Ngozi in the Last Name (Surname or Family Name) field of the application.

I am unable to move past the Eligibility section.  How do I apply?

Please review the eligibility requirements.  The application will not let you proceed unless you meet the technical eligibility requirements and have fully completed the section.

What if I am not eligible for the Fellowship?

If you are not eligible to apply, we encourage you to join the YALI Network and explore other exchange program opportunities offered by the U.S. Department of State.

I signed up for email updates from the YALI Network, but I cannot get into the Mandela Washington Fellowship online application system.  What do I do?

Signing up for YALI Network email updates does not create an account for you in the online application system.  You must create a separate account at apply.mandelawashingtonfellowship.org to apply through the Mandela Washington Fellowship online application system.

How can I log in to the application system and see my information from a previous year?

All previous applications have been erased.  You will need to register again to complete the 2027 application.

Can I submit a paper copy of the Mandela Washington Fellowship application?

A: No.  You must submit your application through the Mandela Washington Fellowship online application system.  Paper applications or applications via email attachment will not be accepted.

Can I submit more than one application for the Mandela Washington Fellowship?

No.  You may submit only one application.  Submitting additional applications may disqualify you.

I have multiple email addresses, including some for personal use and some for my work.  Which one should I use for the Fellowship application?

You should use the email address that you access most frequently and that can be accessed from any internet connection.  Work email addresses that cannot be accessed outside your office, or that you will not be able to access if you change jobs, are not recommended.  It is highly recommended that you include an alternate email address in your application, in case you lose access to your primary email address.

I cannot afford to pay an application fee.  How should I apply?

There is no fee to apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship.

The application instructions say all answers must be “written in my own voice.”  What does that mean?

All answers must represent your own thinking, effort, and words.  You may use spell-check, grammar support, translation applications, or other technology to help with clarity or language mechanics; however, the substance of your responses—your experiences, examples, reasoning, and plans—must be your own.  If you used any technology (including AI) to help prepare your responses, you must disclose this where asked in the application, and you remain responsible for the content you submit.

Do not plagiarize, which is taking someone else’s work or ideas and presenting them as your own.  If you use another person’s writing, ideas, words, or materials, you must credit the source.  Do not copy and paste text from the internet or other sources. 

Plagiarism is strictly forbidden at many organizations and academic institutions in the United States, and applicants who plagiarize any content in their application materials will be disqualified.  This also includes using wording from another applicant or Fellowship Alumni in your application.  The U.S. Department of State and IREX will check all applications for originality and plagiarism.  For more information, visit the Plagiarism.org website.

After I complete and submit my application, can I make changes or add supplemental documents?

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.  You must enter all information prior to submitting your application, so be sure to check everything carefully before you click the button to submit.  If you have any questions about or problems with your application, contact MWFellowship@irex.org before you submit.  If your technical eligibility for the Fellowship changes at any point, email MWFellowship@irex.org and 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.

I’m not sure which track to list as my first choice.  How should I choose how to rank them?

You should list the tracks according to what best aligns with your current work and/or long-term professional goals.  All tracks will help Fellows build partnerships and strengthen widely transferable skills, including strategic planning, communications and marketing, financial management, and organizational management.  For more detailed information on each track, please review the Institute Track section of the application. 

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 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.  The Mandela Washington Fellowship strongly encourages all eligible applicants to apply.  The Fellowship is committed to a fair and merit-based selection process.

How are Fellows with disabilities or chronic medical conditions supported during the Fellowship?

Each Fellow’s needs are evaluated individually so 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.

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.  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 the application deadline of October 13, 2026, 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?

Exceptional candidates between the ages of 21 and 24 on or before the application submission deadline may be considered.  If you are at least 21 on October 13, 2026, 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 status that affect my technical eligibility or ability to participate prior to the start of the Fellowship?

If you do not meet all technical eligibility requirements currently or at the start of the program, you will not be able to participate in the 2027 Fellowship.  If your technical eligibility for the Fellowship changes at any point, or if you need to withdraw your application for any reason, please email MWFellowship@irex.org and your local U.S. embassy or consulate immediately. 

I am not sure if people from my country are eligible for the Fellowship.  Where can I find a list of eligible countries?

Visit the Mandela Washington Fellowship website to view the list of countries eligible for the 2027 Mandela Washington Fellowship, or reference the Technical Eligibility Requirements in the application instructions.

Selection of finalists from all eligible countries may be subject to review in response to local, national, or global events that impact participant travel and/or the ability to conduct program activities.  Nationals of countries subject to a full or partial suspension of entry to or visa issuance from the United States are eligible to apply, but selection of finalists from these countries will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  See travel.state.gov for more information.

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.  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 selected as a Fellow, you must apply for your U.S. visa and enter the United States on your eligible country’s 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.  Employees and immediate family members (parents, siblings, spouse, or children) of employees of the U.S. Government are not eligible for the Fellowship.

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.  Because both Ghana and South Africa are eligible countries for the Fellowship, you are eligible to apply.  Applicants living outside their eligible country of citizenship but in another eligible country may apply.  Select the correct country of citizenship and list your current permanent address for your residency.

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.  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.  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, if 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 if 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.

I am currently a resident of an eligible country, but I will be temporarily in China (or another country outside of Sub-Saharan Africa) for work in February 2027. Am I eligible to apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship?

As a current resident of an eligible country, you are eligible to apply; however, you will not be able to participate in the Fellowship if you are not living in an eligible country as of February 1, 2027.  Residency in an eligible country prior to the Fellowship is required to participate in mandatory pre-Fellowship activities, such as a visa interview.

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 should 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 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.

How can I improve my English?

You can practice your English language skills through various online platforms.  Some free and reputable English language tools include:

• BBC Learning English website
• Busuu app and website (premium paid versions also available)
• Duolingo app and website for applicants with fluency in French/Portuguese (premium paid versions also available)
• ELSA Speak app (premium paid versions also available)
• FLOW Speak app and website (premium paid versions also available)
• Memrise app and website for applicants with fluency in French/Portuguese (premium paid versions also available)
• Online Professional English Network (OPEN) website
• Voice of America (VOA) Learning English website

My native language is not English. Can I complete my application documents in my native language?

No. All application components must be written in English. If your application is not in English, it will not be considered for selection.

Must I have attended university or have a university degree to apply?

No.  While formal education may contribute to your overall competitiveness in meeting the Fellowship’s selection criteria, 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 ministry, police, or other law enforcement. Am I eligible to apply?

Yes.  Applications from members of the military, defense ministries, police, and other law enforcement are eligible and will be considered.

Do I need a passport to submit my application?

You do not need a passport to apply for the Fellowship; however, if you are selected, you will be required to have a passport that is valid through at least February 28, 2028, or March 31, 2028 if selected for the Professional Development Experience.

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, you must secure the necessary 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.  We also strongly encourage you not to send your passport to any embassy or consulate since processing times are typically several weeks, and a delayed return of your documentation could impact your ability to depart per the terms of your J-1 visa.

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 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.