ARUA Early-Career Research Fellowships 2027 (Cohort 2)

Overview

ARUA funds up to 42 early-career researchers to undertake 6-month research placements at one of 13 ARUA Centres of Excellence or 22 Africa-Europe Clusters of Excellence across the continent. Fellows receive a monthly stipend of USD 2,000 plus accommodation support and a return travel ticket for placements running September 2026 to February 2027. At least 70% of positions are reserved for female candidates. The program is funded by the Mastercard Foundation and Carnegie Corporation of New York. Fellows must be employed at a university, and applicants from non-ARUA member institutions are also eligible.

Benefits

• USD 2,000/month stipend for 6 months
• Modest accommodation support at host institution
• Return travel ticket
• Office space and institutional affiliation at host ARUA Centre
• Additional support (such as childcare assistance) for eligible female fellows

Eligibility

• African nationals
• PhD in a discipline related to one of ARUA’s thematic areas
• Within 5 years of PhD completion at time of application
• Not older than 35 at time of application
• Current faculty or research staff at a university (ARUA member institutions preferred but not required)
• Ability to spend 6 months away from home institution (with institutional approval)

How to apply

Submit a cover letter, CV, institutional support letter, proof of PhD award, a concept note of up to 1,500 words, two academic writing samples, and a passport biodata page through the ARUA website. At least 70% of positions are reserved for women. The deadline is 15 July 2026.