Call for Applications: FRIAS Sustainable Governance Senior Fellowship Programme for Researchers from Africa 2026/27 (Deadline: 12 September, 2025)

About the Programme

The Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), the international research college of the University of Freiburg, invites applications for its Sustainable Governance Senior Fellowship Programme from senior researchers based at institutions in Africa. This competitive fellowship offers a unique opportunity to conduct independent research within a vibrant interdisciplinary environment in Germany.

Fellowships are open to researchers of any nationality who are based at African institutions and who meet the eligibility criteria below.

What FRIAS Offers

• Six-month residential fellowship in Freiburg, Germany

• Full access to the University of Freiburg’s academic resources and networks

• Fellowship contract or financial compensation based on status and eligibility

• Research cost contribution, mobility allowance, and round-trip travel costs

• A collaborative and diverse international academic community

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD and have at least 8 years of postdoctoral experience

• Be based in an African country

• Have completed at least six months of academic experience abroad (outside the country of their first academic degree)

• Have received a Master’s or PhD degree in an African country

• Have 5 peer-reviewed publications since 1 January 2016 (at least one with or as a co-author)

• Propose a research project in the Humanities or Social Sciences with a clear sustainable governance focus

• Provide a letter of cooperation from a professor at the University of Freiburg

Selection Process

Fellowships are awarded through a highly competitive, merit-based review process. Applicants must submit innovative and academically rigorous proposals. Only ~10% of eligible applicants are expected to be selected.

Application Requirements

Applicants must complete the online application form and upload the following as PDFs:

• Project proposal (max. 3000 words)

• Curriculum Vitae (using the mandatory template)

• List of up to 8 publications, with 5 peer-reviewed since 2016

• PhD diploma

• Letter of Cooperation from a University of Freiburg professor

Fellowship Duration: 6 months
Fellowship Period: 1 September 2026 – 31 August 2027
Application Deadline: 12 September 2025, 13:00 (CET)
Apply Now

 Download the full Application Manual for details.

About FRIAS

The Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies supports top-level international researchers from all disciplines and offers fellows a highly interdisciplinary and inspiring academic environment. Fellows at FRIAS benefit from exceptional research infrastructure, collaborative opportunities, and the academic excellence of the University of Freiburg—founded in 1457 and ranked among Germany’s leading research universities.

Questions?
Contact us at: susgovafrica.fellowships@frias.uni-freiburg.de

 Advance your research. Join a global community. Shape sustainable governance.

Apply Now