Opportunities Database
Mawazo publishes a list of funding, training, conferences, and other opportunities to enhance our Scholars’ research and professional development on a rolling basis. This resource is made freely available to African scholars who may find the information useful.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and do feel free to Contact Us if you have suggestions for additional information that we should include.
May 2024
Call for Application The Dorcas Muthoni PhD Fellowship 2024
The Dorcas Muthoni PhD fellowship is accepting applications from African women students pursuing doctoral studies in ICT Research Areas for a 4-year fellowship renewed annually. Applicants must be women, be African nationals and hold a Master's degree or an equivalent qualification. Benefits include a gross monthly salary of British Sterling Pound 1,470.98 for the first and second year and British Sterling Pound of 1,576.05 for the third year and a startup/landing fund of British Sterling Pound 2,500.(Deadline: 2 May)
Call for Application for the Africa Research Excellence Fund AREF-MRC Towards Leadership Programme
The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) and the UKRI Medical Research Council are proud to introduce the Towards Leadership Programme, aimed at empowering emerging African scientists to compete for global health research funding opportunities. The program, spanning from October 2024 to October 2025, includes two residential workshops and one virtual workshop. Its curriculum is tailored to enhance participants' capabilities in securing major funding, fostering effective teamwork, international collaboration, stakeholder influence, and career development in research. The Programme comprises three blended workshops, supplemented by webinars, tutorials, and online resources, along with baseline and end-of-programme assessments. Eligible applicants must be early career researchers currently employed by a recognized African university or research institution, leading their research group, holding a research doctorate or relevant master's degree obtained within the last ten years, actively involved in managing research teams, and dedicated to health research. Additionally, candidates should possess experience in obtaining research funding of a combined value of £500,000 or less. (Deadline: 6 May)
Call for Application for the Google PhD Fellowship Program
The Google PhD Fellowship Program aims to acknowledge exceptional graduate students conducting innovative research in computer science and related fields. The program supports promising PhD candidates from diverse backgrounds who aspire to shape the future of technology. Named Fellowships are awarded, providing recipients with a monetary award. Funds are disbursed directly to the university to cover the student’s expenses and stipend. Additionally, recipients are paired with a Google Research Mentor. The fellowship does not establish an employment relationship with Google, nor does it guarantee future job opportunities. However, recipients remain eligible for internships and employment at Google through standard application processes. In Africa, the fellowship spans up to three years, offering a stipend of US $30,000 to cover various research-related expenses, including travel costs and mentorship from Google researchers. (Deadline: 8 May)
The annual award, established in 2020, honors young scientists residing and working in developing countries for their scientific contributions. Sponsored by Lenovo Ltd., the fifth edition focuses on achievements in Life Sciences, offering a prize of USD 10,000. Previous editions recognized physical sciences, astronomy, earth sciences, and mathematics/AI achievements.
Nominations for the 2024 Award are open to TWAS members, science academies, research councils, universities, and scientific institutions. Eligible candidates must be young scientists under 45 years old, nationals of developing countries, residing and working in a developing country for at least two years. Self-nominations and nominations from jury members are not accepted. Fellows of TWAS are ineligible. Additionally, the same nominee cannot be nominated for multiple 'Fellows of TWAS Awards' in the same year. (Deadline: 10 May)
Call for Applications for the UNESCO/Poland Co-Sponsored Fellowships In Engineering 2024
The Polish National Commission for UNESCO and the UNESCO Chair for Science, Technology, and Engineering at the AGH University of Krakow are offering 30 fellowships to support human resource development in developing countries and to promote international understanding and friendship. These fellowships allow recipients from select developing countries to engage in individual research in Science, Technology, and Engineering for 6 months, from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. Applicant should be from one of UNESCO developing Member States, not more than 32 years of age and be proficient in reading and writing in English. (Deadline: 10 May)
Call for Applications for the Women of the South Speak Out (WOSSO) Fellowship
Women of the South Speak Out (WOSSO) is a consortium formed by two prominent Southern Women’s Rights Organisations (WROs) - Gender Links, Asian Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW), and a renowned UK-based development firm, MannionDaniels. Over a five-year period from 2023 to 2027, the consortium will work collaboratively to ensure that the voices of women and girls from the Global South, encompassing Africa, Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Latin America and the Caribbean (LATAC), Asia, and the Pacific, are heard and considered in decisions and policies that impact their lives. WOSSO will offer fellowships to women's rights advocates from the Global South. The fellowship includes a grant ranging from GBP 1000 to GBP 2000, disbursed in installments based on the advocacy plan and agreed milestones. Additionally, successful applicants will participate in at least one regional conference. Fellows are required to submit a work plan and budget for their advocacy plan. WOSSO Fellows will be selected from civil society organizations or networks with a focus on women’s rights or a demonstrated commitment to advancing women’s rights. The fellowship is open to young women advocates aged between 18 and 35 from the Global South.
(Deadline: 10 May)
Call for Applications for the Tallberg Leaders Mentoring Leaders Program 2025
The Tallberg Leaders Mentoring Leaders program aims to empower emerging leaders with the skills, knowledge, and connections necessary to tackle today's critical global issues. If you are an emerging leader with proven potential and want to advance your leadership in any field—from politics, science, and education to social entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, environmental advocacy, the arts, religion, or the military—this opportunity is for you. (Deadline: 15 May)Call for Application for the 2024 Flat6Labs/Organon Women’s Health Accelerator Program
The Women’s Health Accelerator Program, a collaboration between Flat6Labs and Organon, aims to bolster Femtech startups focusing on women’s health and wellness in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENAT) region. With a commitment to supporting innovation, the program nurtures digital and software solutions addressing pressing healthcare needs. It seeks to grow 15-20 startups with MVP stage solutions, offering strategic mentorship, business training, and tailored sessions. The selection criteria emphasize dedication, innovative technology, market viability, qualified team members, global growth intent, and specialization in family planning, fertility planning, or women’s wellness. (Deadline: 16 May)Call for Applications for the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF) Industrial PhD Student Program 2024
The Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF) is offering SEK 39 million in funding for its annual call for Industrial Doctoral Student projects. This grant supports research and postgraduate studies for an industrial doctoral student through collaboration between industry and academia. The funding spans four to five years and aims to lead to a PhD degree. SSF plans to support 12 projects, each receiving SEK 3.25 million, which includes indirect costs. The goal of this program is to promote needs-driven, high-quality research in SSF's areas of focus, encourage collaboration between academia and industry, and contribute to the education of strategically relevant, industry-ready PhD students. The funding supports research and postgraduate studies in natural science, engineering, or medicine, with an industrial doctoral student working jointly between industry and academia. The student will have two main supervisors throughout the grant period—one from a higher education institution and another from a company. Both supervisors should be well-established within their respective organizations and together form the project's steering group. (Deadline: 21 May)
Call for Applications CAPSI PhD Fellowship in the Non-Profit Sector’s Contribution to African EconomiesThe Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI) at the Wits Business School, with the support of the Mastercard Foundation, is accepting applications for Doctoral Fellowship on the Non-Profit Sector and its Contribution to African Economies project. The objective of the PhD fellowship is to offer young African doctoral students enrolled in African universities the chance to engage in research on non-profit organizations and their impact on African economies. The research project specifically concentrates on "the generation of meaningful and dignified employment opportunities for young Africans by the non-profit sector." Successful applicants will work closely with Regional Research Leads paired with senior researchers in undertaking their research. Applicants for the Fellowship Programme must meet several criteria: they must currently be enrolled as full-time students in a relevant doctoral program at an African university, focusing on themes aligned with the project; possess a research interest in the non-profit sector's contributions to dignified and fulfilling work for African youth; demonstrate commitment to the program and teamwork abilities; be available for the entire duration of the program; be under 35 years old; be in the first or second year of their PhD program; and be nationals of specified countries conducting research on any of them. (Deadline: 24 May)
Call for Applications Cadbury Research Fellowship Scheme
The Cadbury Research Fellowship Scheme is accepting applications from research fellows in African Studies to contribute to their research environment and teaching for 18 months. This post is funded by an endowment that enables members of staff at sub-Saharan African Universities to spend a period of time at the University of Birmingham. This post is seeking scholars in African Studies within arts, humanities, or social sciences, emphasizing high-quality research and publications. Candidates with regional expertise in Sub-Saharan Africa or its diaspora, especially Ghana, are encouraged. Applicants may focus on contemporary or historical periods. Responsibilities include contributing to the research environment of the Department and University, analyzing research findings, and engaging in teaching at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels as appropriate. Applicants must be currently situated in Africa and associated with an African Higher Education Institution. They should either lack a permanent academic position or confirm their home institution regarding their release during their tenure at the University of Birmingham. Eligible candidates must have completed their doctorate between 1 September 2018 and 1 April 2024, with those awaiting examination being ineligible. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate a suitable record of research and publications commensurate with their post-doctoral experience level. (Deadline: 27 May)The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) and The Centre for African Studies in Basel (CASB) are accepting applications for their 6th Summer School in African Studies and Area Studies in Africa. The Summer School aims to promote interdisciplinary research approaches focusing on Africa and other global regions from within Africa. It emphasizes African Studies as a subset of area studies and aims to identify theoretical, conceptual, and methodological themes relevant to understanding Africa's role as a subject of knowledge. Additionally, it explores how findings from African research can inform approaches to studying other regions, fostering intellectual exchange and enriching general scholarship. The 6th CODESRIA/ZASB Summer School welcomes applications from doctoral students interested in addressing methodological challenges in African Studies within a broader framework. Open to PhD students and early career scholars from African higher education institutions, priority will be given to those in their first or second year of enrollment. Applications are accepted from students in disciplines such as Social Anthropology, Sociology, History, Religion, Philosophy, Gender Studies, and Political Science. Eligible applicants will have travel, accommodation, and meals covered during the Summer School. (Deadline: 31 May)
June 2024
Call for Application for the 2024 World Academy of Sciences TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme
The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme offers postdoctoral researchers from sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa, the opportunity to conduct a three-month ‘Cooperation Visit’ to a research institute in Germany within 12 months of receiving the award. The objective is to foster research collaboration between African and German scientists, potentially leading to longer-term partnerships through other Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) programmes. DFG covers travel expenses and provides subsistence costs during the stay in Germany. UNESCO manages the administration and financial operations as per their agreement.
Applicants must hold a PhD obtained not earlier than 2019, with an extension of two years per child for female applicants (up to a maximum of three children or six years). They must be nationals of a sub-Saharan African country, including South Africa, and hold a research position in the region. Applicants currently in Germany or with established collaborations with the intended host are ineligible. Past recipients of a TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visit cannot reapply; however, the German host can seek funding under the DFG Initiation of International Collaboration Programme for subsequent visits. Women scientists are strongly encouraged to apply, and applications from all academic fields are welcome. (Deadline: 5 June)Call for Applications the PEP (Partnership for Economic Policy) Research Fellowship
The PEP Research Fellowship is now accepting applications from researchers based in low- and middle-income countries to apply to join the organisation as Research Fellows (RF). The PEP Research Fellows program aims to enhance links among South-based scholars so that they can collectively contribute a Southern viewpoint to the global development research agenda. The application is open to all researchers living and working in low - or middle-income countries with priority areas in Asia and Middle East/North Africa, expertise in gender, health, entrepreneurship or multidisciplinary approaches (Deadline: 15 June)
Call for Nominations for the 2024 Africa Food Prize
The Africa Food Prize is a prestigious award honoring individuals or institutions leading transformative efforts in African agriculture, shifting the narrative from survival to prosperity. This US $100,000 prize acknowledges Africans driving the continent's agricultural agenda forward. It shines a spotlight on bold initiatives and technical innovations with the potential for replication across Africa, ushering in a new era of food security and economic prosperity for all Africans. The Prize Committee evaluates nominees based on: 1) Demonstrated impact in reducing poverty, hunger, and improving food security and nutrition 2)Contribution to generating income and employment opportunities 3)Potential for transformative change through scalability, replication, and sustainability 4)Promotion of awareness and collaboration among African communities and organizations. The Committee prioritizes nominees with tangible, measurable results and a track record of scalability and value creation in sustainable agriculture and food security. They also consider nominees' visionary leadership, role in inspiring others, willingness to share knowledge, and ability to overcome challenges. The Africa Food Prize recognizes individuals or organizations with proven leadership potential and resilience in the face of significant obstacles. (Deadline: 17 June)
Call for Applications INTERACT- Africa PhD and MSc Scholarships 2024/2025
INTERACT- Africa is accepting applications from students focusing on Chemistry, Biology and Information Technology, with emphasis on the conversion of organic waste to valuable bioproducts for transitioning into environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive economies.
Candidates must meet the minimum requirements for admission to Masters and PhD programs set by the host university's governing body and provide evidence of being a national and resident of an eligible country, with preference given to African nationals residing in Africa. A one-page research concept paper in the intended area of study is required, along with an admission letter from the host university. Applicants must declare no prior receipt of scholarships under the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme and commit not to seek other EU-funded scholarships for the same purpose during their mobility period. A motivation letter focusing on innovative climate change technologies is necessary, along with two recommendation letters. Additionally, applicants must be willing to study outside their home country, provide proof of any special needs, and demonstrate proficiency in English or French, depending on the language of instruction. Benefits include tuition fees and research costs covered for the duration of the study. Comprehensive health and accident insurance cover. Monthly stipend/allowance and travel allowance. (Deadline: 23 June)
Call for Applications Aspen - Impact West Africa Fellowship Program 2024 for Young Changemakers
Impact West Africa Fellowship Program is accepting applications from changemakers in West Africa to equip them with the skills and support needed to address common challenges affecting close to half a billion people across the region’s 17 countries. Applicants must demonstrate a passion and commitment to advocacy that addresses one or more key issues affecting the West African region, be a citizen of and reside in a West African country, have access to a reliable internet connection and have organizational support, in the form of a letter. Benefits include professional mentorship, quarterly virtual training, and fully expense-covered in-person convenings. (Deadline: 30 June)
Call for Applications for the MS International Federation McDonald Fellowships 2024
The McDonald Fellowship supports early career multiple sclerosis (MS) researchers from low- and middle-income countries by allowing them to work at a research institution outside their own country. The program aims to help participants gain expertise or contribute to joint research projects. Following the fellowship, recipients are expected to use their newly acquired skills and networks to continue MS research and patient care in their home countries.The fellowship provides a two-year grant of approximately £30,000 GBP per year for travel and living costs, and an additional £2,000 GBP per year for the host institution. Part of the second-year grant is expected to cover the candidate’s attendance at the annual ECTRIMS congress. Two fellowships are offered: one in partnership with ECTRIMS (MSIF-ECTRIMS McDonald Fellowship) and another in partnership with ARSEP (MSIF-ARSEP McDonald Fellowship). Eligibility criteria include Postgraduate education (MSc, PhD/MD) in a relevant area of MS, citizenship in a low- or middle-income country, research focus relevant to MS. Candidates must either be working or studying in a low- or middle-income country or have started a project in another country within six months of application. Previous Du Pré grant holders may apply for the McDonald Fellowship.
The fellowship can also part-fund a PhD program if the candidate has already been accepted into one and lacks full funding. Applications require a joint submission from the candidate and host, with the host statement due by the application deadline. (Deadline: 30 June)
July 2024
Call for Applications NIHR Global Advanced Fellowships for Health Researchers
The Global Advanced Fellowships for Health Researchers is now accepting applications from mid-career postdoctoral candidates to help create career pathways for Global Health researchers from the UK and low and middle-income countries to become research leaders. Applicants must hold a relevant PhD or postgraduate medical research degree or have submitted their thesis at the time of application. Applicant must not already hold a Professorship/Chair at the point of application. Applicant must be employed by a Higher Education Institution (HEI) or Research Institute in a LMIC or a HEI in the UK and be conducting research that directly and primarily benefits patients and the public in countries on the OECD DAC list. Benefits include £750,000 award will fund research projects, training and development, and institutional capacity strengthening (Deadline: 11 July)
TWAS-ICCBS Postgraduate Fellowship Programme is accepting applications from young scientists from developing countries (other than Pakistan) who wish to pursue research towards a PhD in chemical and biological sciences. Applicants must be a maximum age of 35 years, hold a Master's degree in a field of natural sciences, be nationals of a developing country (other than Pakistan)must not hold any visa for temporary or permanent residency in Pakistan or any developed country, be registered PhD student in their home country. ICCBS will provide a monthly stipend which should be used to cover living costs, such as food, accommodation, local transportation and incidental minor illness. (Deadline: 17 July)
The British Council in partnership with Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh is accepting applications from early-career researchers based in any ODA (Official Development Assistance) recipient country where the British Council operates focusing on knowledge exchange and dissemination. Applicants must be within seven years of completion of their PhD. They must be based in an ODA recipient country in which the British Council Operates and should be qualified to undertake postdoctoral-level research for the fellowship. The fellowship benefits include a bursary of £2,500 per month and travel expenses as well as desk space, library access and academic mentoring as part of the vibrant scholarly community of visiting fellows at IASH. (Deadline: 26 July)
August 2024
Call for Applications Inter-Africa Mobility Research Fellowship Program
PAGES (Past Global Changes) Inter-Africa Mobility Research Fellowship Program is accepting applications from early career scientists interested in gaining experience in another African country with a final goal of contributing to the development of collaborative research and the promotion of paleoscience network within Africa. The applicant must be an early-career researcher either in the final stage of completing their PhD thesis/dissertation or a postdoctoral researcher within five years of completing their PhD (including PhD holders who have not held a postdoc position). Be either a student or hold a paid position in their home country at the time of the application and during the fellowship period. Be a citizen of any African country and currently working or doing their PhD. Must secure the agreement of the host researcher/institution, and provide a confirmation letter from the host researcher/institution as a pre-condition for award of the fellowship. Be willing to conduct research in another African institution/country. Demonstrate that fellowship will not last for less than two weeks or for more than four weeks within 12 months from the date of award. Must be already working on a research topic within the scientific scope of PAGES. The program is intended to support costs associated with international travel and living expenses while abroad, i.e. flight (economy class), visa, and accommodation (subsistence and housing) costs for the period of the exchange, for the fellow only. (Deadline: 15 August)
Call for Applications IEG Fellowships for Doctoral Study in Germany
IEG is accepting applications from students in Germany and abroad for the purpose of conducting research on the project described in the application. The applicant must be an international student, a doctoral student enrolled in a full-time program and have their dissertations completed under the supervision of the fellowship holder’s supervisor at her/his home university. Benefits include a monthly value of € 1,350 and a family allowance. (Deadline: 15 August)
Call for Applications DAAD Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience
The DAAD Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience (PRIME) Programme is accepting applications from postdoctoral researchers to fund their research stay abroad by providing temporary positions at German universities. Candidates with a strong scientific background, evidenced by at least one publication (coauthorship accepted), are eligible. The doctorate must be completed with excellent marks, although ungraded doctorates will be assessed by the DAAD selection committee. Applications can be submitted up to six years after the first doctorate, considering parental and care periods. Applicants must adhere to the mobility rule, choosing a destination for their research stay abroad where they have not resided or conducted their main activity for more than 12 months in the past three years. EU nationals can choose to conduct their research outside the EU, while others must stay within the EU. Applicants must express their intention to continue their research careers in Germany after the return phase. Permanent employment with the prospective host institution disqualifies applicants from funding. Both the research stay abroad and the return phase to Germany are mandatory. Benefits include an 18-month employment contract at a German university, an expatriate allowance and a travel allowance. (Deadline: 30 August)
Call for Applications 2024/2025 African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) PhD Fellowships
The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) PhD Fellowships is accepting applications from locally based professional economists to provide capacity building in economic policy in Francophone and Anglophone African countries through the provision of support in the areas of policy research and graduate training. AERC wishes to announce the 2024/2025 Ph.D scholarships from Francophone and Anglophone sub-Saharan African countries admitted into specified AERC Collaborative PhD Programme (CPP) in Economics degree-awarding universities. Applicants must have applied and been admitted to any one of the listed CPP universities, attained at least a Second Class Honours (Upper Division) or equivalent in Economics, Agricultural Economics, or related field from an accredited university, have a Masters degree (with coursework and thesis component) in Economics, Agricultural Economics, or related fields from a recognized University, possession of at least 1 relevant publication in a refereed journal, evidence of engagement in economic management, research, and/or training in the public sector. Female and applicants from post-conflict and fragile states are strongly encouraged to apply. (Deadline: 31 August)
September 2024
Call for Applications Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is accepting applications from national and international early-career researchers who will positively contribute to their country’s economic, social, and research-based growth. The program aims to attract and retain top-tier postdoctoral talent, both nationally and internationally, to develop their leadership potential and position them for success as research leaders of tomorrow. Applicants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada or foreign citizens in areas of health research, natural sciences and/or engineering and social sciences and/or humanities. Benefits include $70,000 per year (taxable). (Deadline: 17 September)
Call for Applications for the Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowship 2024/2025
The Royal Academy of Engineering offers Research Fellowships annually to outstanding early-career researchers, supporting their development as future engineering research leaders. The program aims to help researchers establish their independence and international reputation, pursue ambitious engineering research and impact, and become advocates for STEM disciplines.Applications are welcomed from early-career researchers worldwide who earned their PhD within the last four years. Funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the scheme provides funding for five years, with a cap of £625,000 per fellowship over the period. Fellowships must be held at a UK higher education institution or eligible research organization. While the 2024/25 round focuses solely on the Research Fellowship scheme, applications under the Engineering for Development Research Fellowship (EDRF) umbrella will still be considered. The Academy emphasizes diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all underrepresented groups in engineering. It ensures that no applicant faces disadvantage or unfair treatment due to factors such as age, gender, race, or sexual orientation. For full application details, please refer to the guidance notes on the How to apply page. (Deadline: 18 September)
Call for Applications for the Nokia Scholarship
The Nokia Scholarship supports efficient and rapid doctoral studies and research in Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) and related fields. It is available for doctoral studies at Finnish universities or for Finnish applicants studying abroad. Applicants must obtain a commitment statement from their principal supervisor, who must be a professor, docent, or senior scientist at the applicant's university. The supervisor must submit the statement through an electronic application tool. Applications will open on 5 August 2024. (Deadline: 18 September)