AREF Essential Grant Writing Skills Programme 2026

The AREF Essential Grant Writing Skills Programme 2026 is now accepting applications. This programme is designed to strengthen the health research capacity of scientists in Africa who are tackling significant health challenges in the region.

🌍 About AREF Essential Grant Writing Skills

The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) works to empower emerging biomedical and health researchers in Africa. AREF is inviting applications from active scientists in African countries to participate in its Essential Grant Writing Skills Programme.

Opportunity Details

• Date Published: September 03, 2025
• Application Deadline: October 03, 2025
• Category:
  • Postgraduate
  • Masters
  • PhD
  • Fellowship
  • Postdoctoral
• Eligible Locations: Africa
• Sponsor Organisation: Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF)

🎁 Benefits of AREF Essential Grant Writing Skills

• Note: AREF does not provide funding for participants to access equipment or internet services required for participation. Additionally, no reimbursement or per diem payments will be provided for any associated expenses.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Citizenship:

   • You must be a citizen of a country in Africa.

2. Career Stage:

   • You must be in the early stages of your research career, having completed your research education.

3. Qualifications:

   • EITHER
     • You have been awarded a research doctorate (PhD/DPhil/MD) from a recognized academic institution, normally within the previous 6 years (i.e., awarded on or after January 1, 2020).
       OR
     • You have a medical/clinical qualification PLUS a research-relevant Master’s degree, both awarded normally within the previous 6 years (i.e., awarded on or after January 1, 2020).

4. Employment:

   • You must currently be employed in Africa by a recognized university and/or specialist research institution.

5. Training History:

   • You must not have participated in equivalent proposal development or grant-writing training.

6. Research Role:

   • A significant part of your current role must involve developing and conducting health research.

7. Grant Portfolio:

   • You must not already have a significant portfolio of international research grants (combined value of £250,000 or more).

📅 Application Date and Process

To apply, follow these steps:

1. Visit the AREF Application Portal.
2. Register an account on the portal to access the application form.
3. Complete the application form as directed.

⏳ Application Deadline

• Deadline: October 03, 2025

For more details, visit the official AREF Essential Grant Writing Skills Programme page.

Apply directly via the AREF Application Portal.

• AREF does not provide funding for participants to access equipment or internet services with which to participate nor do we reimburse you or your institution for any other expenses associated with the programme or any form of per diem payment.