ARUA Early-Career Research Fellowship Program

The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) is currently accepting applications for its Early-Career Research Fellowship Program. This program is designed to enhance the capacity of early-career researchers at African universities by providing them with opportunities to collaborate with distinguished researchers at ARUA Centres of Excellence (CoEs) or Africa-Europe CoREs.

📖 About the Program

The fellowship aims to:

• Provide early-career researchers with time away from teaching duties at their home institutions.
• Facilitate collaboration with highly experienced researchers at ARUA CoEs or Africa-Europe CoREs.
• Ensure that each CoE or CoRE hosts research fellows from countries other than its own.

🎁 Benefits

Successful candidates will receive:

• Monthly stipend of US$2,000.
• Accommodation allowance and travel support (return ticket to host institution).
• Additional financial support for eligible women requiring adjustment assistance (e.g., childcare).
• Office space provided by the host CoE.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Personal Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be African nationals.
• Hold a PhD in a relevant field.
• Have no more than 5 years of post-PhD experience.
• Be 35 years or younger at the time of application.

Institutional Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be affiliated with an ARUA university, or
• Be eligible candidates from non-ARUA institutions.

Additional Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be actively engaged in an ongoing research project.
• Align with an ARUA Centre or Cluster.
• Commit to 6 months at a host institution.
• Return to their home institution after completion.

📝 Application Process

To apply, submit the following documents:

1. Cover Letter:

   • Outline your reasons for applying and how you meet the eligibility criteria.
   • Specify the ARUA CoE or Africa-Europe CoRE you are applying to.
   • Include motivation for how this visit will build on any pre-existing relationship with the CoE or CoRE.
   • Mention visa requirements if applicable.

2. Full CV:

   • Include personal details (e.g., date of birth, passport number, citizenship).
   • Provide particulars of doctoral degree, qualifications, research output, and contributions to jointly authored publications.
   • Include details of two referees (referees should not be based at the proposed host CoE or CoRE).

3. Letter of Support:

   • From your permanent/home institution, indicating suitability for the position and confirming your return after the fellowship.

4. Evidence of PhD Award.

5. Brief Concept Note (max. 1,500 words):

   • Outline your proposed research project/plan.
   • Ensure feasibility within the fellowship period (6 months).
   • Align the project with the objectives of the host CoE or CoRE.

6. Two Academic Writings:

   • Examples include peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, conference proceedings, or policy briefs.
   • Describe your contribution in jointly authored pieces.

7. Biodata Page of a Valid Passport.

📅 Application Deadline

15 July, 2026

🌟 Opportunity Details

For more information about the ARUA Early-Career Research Fellowship Program, visit the official ARUA website.

• Successful candidates will be contracted by ARUA for 6 months.
• The research fellowship shall provide a monthly stipend of US$2,000, a modest payment for accommodation, and travel support (return ticket to host institution).
• Additional financial support is available for eligible women who may require adjustment assistance (e.g., for childcare).
• The host CoE will provide the research fellow with office space.