The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York, is offering a 6-month residential research fellowship for early-career African academics. The program aims to strengthen research capacity by enabling scholars to collaborate with top researchers at ARUA Centres of Excellence (CoEs) across the continent. Fellows will engage in high-impact research aligned with ARUA’s core focus areas while enhancing their academic visibility and contributing to Africa’s socio-economic transformation.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be an African national.
- Possess a PhD in a relevant discipline awarded within the last 5 years.
- Be a young faculty or research staff at an ARUA member university (female postdoctoral fellows may be considered).
- Be under 35 years of age at the time of application.
- Actively working on a project aligned with a CoE and have available data to support research activities.
- Must commit to a 6-month residential stay at a CoE outside their home country and return to their home institution afterward.
Benefits:
- Monthly stipend of US$2,000 for the 6-month period.
- Accommodation support and round-trip travel funding.
- Office space at the host Centre of Excellence.
- Additional adjustment support for eligible women (e.g., childcare).
- Opportunities for publication, technical presentations, and expanded academic collaboration.
How to Apply:
- Submit your application through the process outlined on the ARUA website.
Required Documents:
- Cover letter detailing motivation, research alignment, and visa requirements (if applicable).
- Full CV including academic background, publications, and two referees.
- Letter of Support from your home institution confirming your leave and return.
- Evidence of PhD award.
- Concept note (max 1,500 words) outlining your proposed research and its alignment with the CoE.
- Two academic writing samples (not thesis chapters); explain your role in co-authored pieces.
Application Deadline:
Thursday, May 15, 2025
This fellowship is a unique opportunity for early-career African scholars to elevate their research, gain international exposure, and contribute meaningfully to the continent’s knowledge and development landscape. If you are passionate about impactful research and ready to grow your academic footprint, we encourage you to apply and join ARUA’s transformative network of excellence.
