ARUA Early-career Research Fellowships 2026

The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), with support from the Mastercard Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York, is launching the Early-Career Research Fellowship Program. This initiative aims to fund up to 42 early-career researchers to conduct globally competitive research at ARUA’s 13 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and 22 Africa-Europe Clusters of Excellence (CoREs).

📚 About ARUA Early-career Research Fellowships

The ARUA Early-career Research Fellowships provide an opportunity for early-career researchers to engage in impactful research at ARUA-affiliated institutions. The program is designed to foster collaboration and enhance research capacity across Africa.

🎁 Benefits of ARUA Early-career Research Fellowships

• Duration: 6 months
• Monthly stipend: $2,000 USD
• Accommodation support: Modest payment provided
• Travel support: Return ticket to the host institution
• Additional support for women: Eligible women may receive adjustment assistance (e.g., for childcare)
• Office space: Provided by the host CoE
• Note: Relocation expenses are not covered.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be African nationals with a PhD in a discipline related to the thematic area of the CoE or CoRE.
• Be within 5 years of completing their PhD.
• Be young faculty or research members at an ARUA university. Eligible candidates from non-ARUA universities can also apply.
• Female postdoctoral fellows will be considered in limited cases.
• Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
• Have a competitive track record relevant to the opportunity and demonstrate potential for international research reputation.
• Be available to spend 6 months away from their home university and return afterward.
• Be working on an ongoing project related to the CoE or CoRE, with readily available data to accomplish the fellowship's responsibilities.
• Women are strongly encouraged to apply. At least 70% of the fellowships will be awarded to female candidates.

📝 Application Process

To apply for the fellowship, submit the following documents:

1. Cover Letter:

   • Outline reasons for applying and how you will achieve the fellowship's responsibilities.
   • Include an overview of your experience and how you meet the eligibility criteria.
   • Specify the ARUA CoE or Africa-Europe CoRE to which you are applying.
   • Mention any prior association with the proposed CoE or CoRE and how this visit will build on that relationship.
   • Indicate visa requirements (if applicable) and estimated processing time.

2. Full CV:

   • Include personal details (e.g., date of birth, passport number, citizenship).
   • Provide details of your doctoral degree, qualifications, research output, and contributions to jointly authored publications.
   • Include contact 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, confirming suitability for the position and your return to the home institution.

4. Evidence of PhD Award.

5. Brief Concept Note:

   • Maximum 1,500 words, including references.
   • Outline your proposed research project/plan, ensuring feasibility within the 6-month fellowship period.
   • Demonstrate alignment with the objectives of the host CoE or CoRE.
   • Highlight availability of necessary data or research materials.

6. Two Academic Writings:

   • Examples include peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, conference proceedings, or policy briefs.
   • Should not include chapters from your doctoral thesis. For jointly authored pieces, describe your contribution.

7. Biodata Page of a Valid Passport.

📅 Application Deadline

The deadline to apply is 22 January 2026.

🌐 Application Portal

• View details of the ARUA Early-career Research Fellowships on the official ARUA website.
• Download the application call document here.

This fellowship is a unique opportunity to advance your research career while contributing to impactful projects across Africa. Eligible candidates are strongly encouraged to apply!

• 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). Please note that there are no relocation expenses.
• 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.