ARUA Research Fellowship 2025-26 in Africa (Fully Funded) Deadline: Varies

ARUA Research Fellowship 2025-26 offers an exceptional opportunity for African early-career researchers to expand their global research impact. Supported by the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York, this fellowship empowers talented researchers to pursue innovative projects across ARUA’s 13 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and 21 Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence (CoREs).

This prestigious program will fund 42 outstanding early-career researchers, with at least 70% of the fellowships reserved for women, ensuring a highly inclusive platform. The ARUA Research Fellowship 2025-26 not only provides funding but also strengthens professional networks, promotes cross-continental collaboration, and helps shape the next generation of African research leaders.

Fellowship Summary

• Country: Africa
• Host: African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA)
• Study Level: Postdoctoral
• Benefits: Fully Funded
• Duration: 6 months
• Deadline: Varies

Benefits

• Monthly Stipend: USD $2,000
• Accommodation Support: Modest allowance provided
• Travel Support: Return air ticket to host institution
• Research Support: Office space at host CoE/CoRE + mentorship
• Additional Support for Women: Childcare or adjustment assistance available

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the ARUA Early-Career Fellowship, applicants must:

• Be an African national.
• Hold a PhD degree in a relevant field (within the last 5 years).
• Be under 35 years old at the time of application.
• Be affiliated with an ARUA member university (young faculty or researcher).
• Be available to spend 6 months at the host institution.
• Demonstrate a strong research track record and competitive publication record.
• Women researchers are strongly encouraged to apply (70% reserved).

Research Fields & Priority Areas

ARUA Centres of Excellence (CoEs)

• Water
• Energy
• Non-Communicable Diseases
• Materials, Energy & Nanotechnology
• Climate & Development
• Sustainable Food Systems
• Post-Conflict Societies
• Good Governance
• Inequality Research (ACEIR)
• Migration & Mobility
• Identity in Africa
• Unemployment & Skills Development
• Urbanization & Habitable Cities

Africa-Europe CoREs (Selected Examples)

• Genomics for Health in Africa
• Preparedness & Response to Pandemics
• Non-Communicable Diseases & Multimorbidity
• Renewable Energy
• Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Change
• Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
• Creative Economies, Cultures & Innovation
• Inequalities, Poverty & Deprivation
• Interdisciplinary Peace Research
• Mathematics & Fundamental Sciences

Required documents

• Cover Letter – stating research interests, alignment with CoE/CoRE, and motivation.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) – including research output and referee contacts.
• Institutional Support Letter – confirming leave and return to home university.
• Proof of PhD Award.
• Concept Note (max 1,500 words) – outlining proposed research project.
• Two Academic Writing Samples – not part of PhD thesis.

How to Apply?

• Check Your Eligibility
  Ensure you are an African national, hold a PhD (awarded within the last 5 years), and are under 35 years old. Your research experience should align with the focus areas of one of ARUA’s 13 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) or 21 Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence (CoREs). Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Submit Your Application Online
  Visit the ARUA Fellowship Application Portal and complete the online form. Upload all your required documents carefully and double-check that everything is accurate.
• Follow the Selection Process
  Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until December 2025. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interviews or additional clarification. Selection is based on academic excellence, research experience, and alignment of your proposed project with the host Centre or Cluster.
• Accept Your Fellowship
  If selected, you will receive an official offer via email. Confirm your acceptance and follow the instructions provided to secure your fellowship and prepare for your 6-month research period, which can be scheduled anytime between July 2025 and June 2026.

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