Quick Summary
YALI Regional Leadership Center (RLC) Fellowship is a fully funded scholarship offered by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Mastercard Foundation for students pursuing studies in Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Senegal. The award covers Full program costs including travel, tuition, and board and is open to young professionals / non-degree certificate students studying business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership, public management. The scholarship runs for 4 to 12 weeks (models vary between fully residential and hybrid). Eligibility is generally based on open to young African leaders aged 18-35 who are citizens and residents of Sub-Saharan African countries with a proven record of leadership. The application deadline is Varies by regional center and cohort (Multiple cycles per year), with an acceptance rate of estimated 5% - 8% depending on the region. EduAtlasHub tracks updated deadlines, coverage details and eligibility requirements for this scholarship as they change.
✨ Should I Apply for YALI Regional Leadership Center (RLC) Fellowship?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Full program costs including travel, tuition, and board
⏳
Duration
4 to 12 weeks (Models vary between fully residential and hybrid)
📅
Deadline
Varies by regional center and cohort (Multiple cycles per year)
💼
Fields
Business and Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership, Public Management
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 annually across all centers
🌏
Study Country
Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Senegal
🏛️
Provider
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Mastercard Foundation
📊
Acceptance
Estimated 5% - 8% depending on the region
The YALI Regional Leadership Centers (RLCs) were established to provide young African leaders with the tools, networks, and skills to lead across three tracks: Business and Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership, and Public Management. The program provides high-quality training and transition to a massive alumni network across the continent.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to young African leaders aged 18-35 who are citizens and residents of Sub-Saharan African countries with a proven record of leadership.
🏛️ Host University
Kenyatta University (East Africa), GIMPA (West Africa), UNISA (Southern Africa), CESAG (Francophone Africa)
🤝 Sponsor
USAID, Mastercard Foundation, and Private Sector Partners
💼 Fields of Study
Business and Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership, Public Management
✨ Key Benefits
The fellowship covers all participation costs including tuition, round-trip airfare, lodging, meals, and basic health insurance for the duration of the residential training.
🎯 Target Students
African Young Leaders, Social Entrepreneurs, and Public Servants
🏷 Tags
Africa
Fellowship
Leadership
Entrepreneurship
Public Management
Civic Engagement
USAID
💸 Funding Breakdown
Living Stipend
Yes (Meals and incidental stipends provided during residency)
Total Award
Full program costs including travel, tuition, and board
✈️ Travel: Yes (Round-trip airfare to the regional center provided)
🏠 Accommodation: Yes
💊 Health Insurance: Yes (Accident and sickness insurance for the duration of the program)
🔄 Renewable: No
💳 App Fee: Free ($0)
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes (100%)
🏠 Living Stipend
Yes (Meals and incidental stipends provided during residency)
✈️ Travel Allowance
Yes (Round-trip airfare to the regional center provided)
💊 Health Insurance
Yes (Accident and sickness insurance for the duration of the program)
🎁 Other Benefits
Alumni network access, mentorship, professional networking, leadership coaching, and community service opportunities
📋 Renewal Conditions
Not applicable as it is a one-time fellowship
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Sub-Saharan African citizens, age 18-35, proficient in English (or French/Portuguese depending on center)
🎓 Academic Level
Young Professionals / Non-degree Certificate
📊 Minimum GPA
Not applicable
🗣️ English Requirement
Proficiency in English is required for most centers (French for Dakar center)
🍢 Age Limit
18 to 35 years old
💼 Work Experience
Evidence of community service or professional involvement is required
🏆 Leadership
Mandatory; applicants must demonstrate active leadership roles in their communities or workplaces
💰 Financial Need
Not a primary requirement; focus is on leadership potential
🎯 Target Students
African Young Leaders, Social Entrepreneurs, and Public Servants
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Multiple personal statements regardingβ¦
Rec Letters
Yes (Professional or community references)
Interview
Yes (Shortlisted candidates are interviewedβ¦
Documents Required
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport / National ID
- Recommendation Letters
- CV / Resume
- Personal Statement / Essays
- English Proficiency Proof
- Interview
- Minimum GPA Requirement
📋 Application Process
Focus on specific examples of your leadership impact. Clearly articulate how the fellowship tracks align with your career goals for Africa.
💡 Insider Tip: Submit early to avoid technical issues. Ensure your vision for 'Giving Back' to your community is realistic and impactful.