FellowshipWorkshop, mentoring, communications training and small project grant (varies)

PRB Policy Communication Fellows Program for Students from Developing Countries

Heads up — this listing may be outdated. The dates and details below reference a year that has already passed and our editorial team has not re-verified this scholarship is still open. Always confirm the current intake on the sponsor's official website via the button below before you invest time in an application.

PRB Policy Communication Fellows Program for Students from Developing Countries - Trainee Programs, Post a Comment

Provider: Various
Host country: United States
Deadline: Expected December 10, 2026 (annual cycle)
Region: Americas

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Topics

PhD scholarships

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

PRB Policy Communication Fellows Program for Students from Developing Countries is open to African students applying to study in United States at the Fellowship level, with workshop, mentoring, communications training and small project grant (varies) funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Fellowship · applicants for United States
Funding: Workshop, mentoring, communications training and small project grant (varies)
Study level: Fellowship
Deadline: Expected December 10, 2026 (annual cycle)

Key eligibility criteria

Applicants are asked about their dissertation topic, academic institution, anticipated graduation date, and adviser's name, suggesting the program is for those working on their dissertation.

About the PRB Policy Communication Fellows Program for Students from Developing Countries (2026)

The African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) and the Population Reference Bureau (PRB) are seeking applications for their Policy Communication Fellows Program, which will run from 2021 to 2022. The United States contributes to the program’s funding. International Development Agency (USAID). Individuals from qualifying developing nations who are currently enrolled in academic institutions pursuing doctoral programs and are in their third to fifth year of studies are eligible to apply. Applicants may be from any academic discipline, but their research must focus on one or more of the following: - Family planning and/or reproductive health (FP/RH). - Contraceptive use/behavior. - Maternal and child health (MCH), specifically family planning/MCH integration. - Population growth. - Adolescent reproductive health. - Poverty, health equity, and connections with reproductive health. - Gender issues, specifically gender-based violence (GBV), early marriage, and male engagement in family planning. - Population, health, and environment interrelations. **Application deadline:** December 20, 2021 ### Table of contents - [Benefits of the PRB Policy Communication Fellows Program](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/prb-policy-communication-fellows-program-for-students-from-developing-countries/#h-benefits-of-the-prb-policy-communication-fellows-program) - [Eligibility Criteria for Students](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/prb-policy-communication-fellows-program-for-students-from-developing-countries/#h-eligibility-criteria-for-students) - [How to Apply](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/prb-policy-communication-fellows-program-for-students-from-developing-countries/#h-how-to-apply) * * * Stay in the loop! Get weekly updates on new scholarships offerings here. * * * ## Benefits of the PRB Policy Communication Fellows Program The **goals** of the Policy Fellows program are to: 1. Understand the process by which research informs the policy environment. 2. Learn how to communicate research to policy audiences in a way that encourages action. 3. Improve participants’ communication skills using a variety of formats and platforms. The Policy Fellows program, initiated in the 1980s, has close to 400 alumni. Policy Communication Alumni Fellows are highly respected in the field and actively engaged in [advocacy work](http://www.prb.org/idea_success/policy-communication-fellows.html). The program aims to bridge the gap between research findings and the policy development process. While research often has profound policy implications, it must be communicated effectively to a variety of non-technical audiences in order to have an impact. The Policy Communication Fellows Program aims to develop the future generation of policymakers in their respective countries. To enhance South-South collaboration and information exchange, the fellowship is held in collaboration with AFIDEP research and advocacy experts. Local advocacy priorities and policy landscapes will be learned firsthand by fellows, as well as how to tailor their research messaging to relevant policy audiences. Throughout the program, fellows are tutored on how to effectively communicate their findings to non-technical audiences. The program is dedicated to providing participants with an enriching, cutting-edge experience that reflects the broad and ever-changing world of policy and communications. The fellowship program engages participants through a blended learning approach. Fellows are required to attend a week-long training workshop, complete instructional curricula online, and submit assignments throughout the fellowship. The program has three components: **Online Coursework:** Throughout the fellowship, participants will be required to attend short online lectures and complete associated assignments to supplement the in-person training. Fellows are expected to join one orientation webinar prior to the training workshop, as well as attend post-institute online lectures. **Online training workshop:** Participants will attend a weeklong policy and communication workshop focused on the role of research in the policy process and on techniques for effective communication of research findings to decision-makers. At the summer institute, the participants will interact with PRB and AFIDEP staff and local experts active in policy research and communication. During the training, participants are asked to work with their own research data to identify the policy relevance of their findings; Fellows will learn how to draw implications of those findings and how to communicate them effectively to policy audiences through a variety of platforms. **Policy** **Communication Assignments:** Between January and March 2022, Fellows will apply the skills learned at the workshop to prepare written assignments and an oral presentation for policy audiences, based on their dissertation research. Throughout the assignments, Fellows will receive individual feedback from policy communication experts on their work. ## Eligibility Criteria for Students All participants must be citizens of developing nations that receive funds from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for population and health. The list of countries that are qualified can be found on the internet. Participants must also be in their third or fifth year of studies and enrolled in PhD programs at respectable academic institutions. PRB provides preference to applicants whose dissertation research is focused on the above-mentioned issue areas and who are in their early career stages. The program’s language of teaching is English, and applicants must demonstrate in their application papers that they can effectively convey their research in English. ## How to Apply The deadline for applying is 10th December, 2021. The Fellowship awards will be announced by 20th December, 2021. Applicants must submit the following to PRB and AFIDEP: - A cover letter stating why you wish to participate in this program. - An application form. [Application-Form-2021-22.pdf](https://www.afidep.org/download/application-form-2021-22-pdf/) - An updated resume with a full list of educational and other professional activities. - A two- or three-page summary of the applicant’s dissertation research. - Two letters of reference sent directly from the person writing the reference (via e-mail). Application forms, program information, and answers to common Frequently Asked Questions about the program can be found on [AFIDEP](https://www.afidep.org/resources/trainings/2021-2022-prb-policy-communication-fellows-2/) and PRB’s website. Completed applications, letters of reference, or questions about the program should be sent via e-mail to: **policyfellows2021@afidep.org**. * * * _brought to you by Scholarships for Africans_ [**Scholarships for Africans**](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/) is a premier scholarship information blog committed to bringing more opportunities for Africans globally. They are part of the African Scholar Initiative, powered by Scholarship Hippo. Be a part of our growing community! **JOIN:** [Scholarships for Africans Facebook group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/ScholarshipsforAfricans) **LIKE:** [African Scholar Initiative Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/AfricanScholarInitiative) **FOLLOW:** [Scholarships for Africans Instagram page](https://www.instagram.com/african_scholar/) ### Share this: - [Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Facebook](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/prb-policy-communication-fellows-program-for-students-from-developing-countries/?share=facebook&nb=1) - [Share on X (Opens in new window)X](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/prb-policy-communication-fellows-program-for-students-from-developing-countries/?share=twitter&nb=1) - [Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)WhatsApp](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/prb-policy-communication-fellows-program-for-students-from-developing-countries/?share=jetpack-whatsapp&nb=1) - [Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)LinkedIn](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/prb-policy-communication-fellows-program-for-students-from-developing-countries/?share=linkedin&nb=1) - [Share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Telegram](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/prb-policy-communication-fellows-program-for-students-from-developing-countries/?share=telegram&nb=1) - [More](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/prb-policy-communication-fellows-program-for-students-from-developing-countries/#) - [Print (Opens in new window)Print](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/prb-policy-communication-fellows-program-for-students-from-developing-countries/#print?share=print&nb=1) - [Share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Reddit](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/prb-policy-communication-fellows-program-for-students-from-developing-countries/?share=reddit&nb=1) - [Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)Tumblr](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/prb-policy-communication-fellows-program-for-students-from-developing-countries/?share=tumblr&nb=1) - [Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Pinterest](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/prb-policy-communication-fellows-program-for-students-from-developing-countries/?share=pinterest&nb=1) ### Like this: LikeLoading… ### _Related_ [Mitacs Elevate Fellowship Program for Postdoctoral Students](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/mitacs-elevate-fellowship-program-for-postdoctoral-students/ "Mitacs Elevate Fellowship Program for Postdoctoral Students") [World Bank Africa Fellowship Program – 2019 Cohort](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/world-bank-africa-fellowship-program-2019-cohort/ "World Bank Africa Fellowship Program – 2019 Cohort") [Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Program – Fully-Funded Fellowship for African Public Health Leaders](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/kofi-annan-global-health-leadership-program-fully-funded-fellowship-for-african-public-health-leaders/ "Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Program – Fully-Funded Fellowship for African Public Health Leaders") In[Fellowships](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/fellowships/) ## 2 thoughts on “PRB Policy Communication Fellows Program for Students from Developing Countries” 1. Pingback: [PRB Policy Communication Fellows Program for Students from Developing Countries – Scholarship Hippo](https://scholarshiphippo.com/prb-policy-communication-fellows-program-for-students-from-developing-countries/) 2. Greetings to this wonderful team whose generosity and scholarships have positively helped many people. I’m a Journalist from Kenyan and a civil servant currently working with the Department of Health in charge of communication and public information. However, I strongly believe that this course will enhance service delivery in my community. Despite the deadline, I earnestly implore to be informed on the next intake so that I apply. This is an area of study that really needs to be appreciated as we educate and inform our communities on various health programs and practices. Kind regards. Abdihakim Abdi Loading... [Reply](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/prb-policy-communication-fellows-program-for-students-from-developing-countries/#comment-2343)

PRB Policy Communication Fellows Program for Students from Developing Countries eligibility for United States applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Applicants are asked about their dissertation topic, academic institution, anticipated graduation date, and adviser's name, suggesting the program is for those working on their dissertation.

Documents required for the PRB Policy Communication Fellows Program for Students from Developing Countries application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the PRB Policy Communication Fellows Program for Students from Developing Countries 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://www.afidep.org/download/application-form-2021-22-pdf/ and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Applicants are asked about their dissertation topic, academic institution, anticipated graduation date, and adviser's name, suggesting the program is for those working on their dissertation.". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Identify a supervisor whose research aligns with yours, exchange emails, and either obtain a conditional offer or confirmation that they will host your project. Many Various awards require this before the funding application opens.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a focused 1,000–2,000-word research proposal and a separate personal statement. Tailor every paragraph to the sponsor's stated priorities — generic recycled essays are the most common reason strong applicants are rejected.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://www.afidep.org/download/application-form-2021-22-pdf/, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Aim to have the full draft complete by 11 Oct 2026. Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by Expected December 10, 2026 (annual cycle) (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours before the 10 Dec 2026 deadline. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, Various will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

PRB Policy Communication Fellows Program for Students from Developing Countries deadline & application timeline

Working backwards from the sponsor's stated deadline (Expected December 10, 2026 (annual cycle)). Dates assume a smooth, single-attempt timeline — start earlier where you can.

12 months out
15 Dec 2025
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
13 Jun 2026
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
11 Sept 2026
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
10 Nov 2026
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
10 Dec 2026
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the PRB Policy Communication Fellows Program for Students from Developing Countries?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Fellowship level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Various, and be able to relocate to United States for the duration of the programme.

Is the PRB Policy Communication Fellows Program for Students from Developing Countries fully funded?+

Funding model: Workshop, mentoring, communications training and small project grant (varies). Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is Expected December 10, 2026 (annual cycle). Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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