AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme 2026 offers a unique, fully funded opportunity for exceptional African researchers to build international networks and focus on a project of their choice in collaboration with Oxford-based scholars. Fellows are affiliated with the University of Oxford for 12 months, combining virtual engagement with a two-month in-person visit.
The Africa-Oxford Initiative (AfOx) facilitates this programme, hosted by the prestigious University of Oxford. AfOx aims to foster equitable and sustainable collaborations between African researchers and the University of Oxford, supporting impactful research and long-term academic partnerships across diverse disciplines.
Benefits of AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme 2026
- Affiliation with a University of Oxford Department and College.
- Remote access to Oxford University resources during virtual engagement.
- Accommodation provided during the in-person visit.
- Return economy flight ticket and airport transfer.
- Visa fee reimbursement and a maintenance allowance (up to £250 per week).
- Temporary University card and college membership.
- Access to libraries, archives, and labs.
- Networking opportunities with Oxford and global scholars.
- Support for joint publications and new research projects.
- Opportunities for policy engagement and capacity strengthening.
Eligibility Criteria for the AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme 2026
- Must be a national of an African country or have indefinite leave to remain in an African country.
- Must hold a postdoctoral or equivalent status at the time of application.
- Must hold a full-time appointment at an African academic or research institution.
- Must have an Oxford-based researcher named as collaborator on the application.
- Must align the project with one of the specified AfOx partner programmes.
- Cannot have an existing affiliation with the University of Oxford.
- Female and underrepresented researchers are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Must be a legal resident in the host country of their institution.
- Applicants for certain fellowships must have a collaborator in the specific institute (exceptions for TORCH and Improving Equitable Access to Healthcare).
- Can only apply for one fellowship; multiple applications lead to disqualification.
How to Apply for AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme 2026
- Identify and secure an Oxford-based researcher as a collaborator.
- Align your research project with one of the AfOx fellowship partner programmes.
- Prepare application documents including project proposal, CV, and collaboration plan.
- Obtain a signed statement of support from the Oxford collaborator on headed paper.
- Submit the complete application online via the AfOx Visiting Fellowship portal.
- Ensure submission before the deadline of 15 May 2026.
- Do not apply via email; only online applications are accepted.
- Applications can be edited in draft form but not after submission.
- Await notification; outcomes announced within two months of the closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme. These answers cover eligibility, the application process, benefits, deadlines, and how to collaborate with Oxford researchers.
How are AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme 2026 selected?
Applications are reviewed primarily on the quality and value added of the proposed research agenda, the fit between the applicant and the Oxford host, and the feasibility of the proposed activities in the timescale of the fellowship.
Do I need to have a PhD to apply?
Yes, Visiting Fellows must be of postdoctoral or equivalent status at the time of application. Applicants must be holding an appointment in an African academic or research institution at the time of application.
Do I need an Oxford collaborator?
Yes. You are required to enter the details of the proposed Oxford host academic and the department. Applicants must find a collaborator already attached to the relevant research institute, with exceptions for TORCH and Improving Equitable Access to Healthcare fellowships.
What is the role of AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme 2026 collaborator?
AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme 2026 collaborator hosts the fellow in their department and provides academic support. They must provide a signed statement of support. AfOx handles funding, logistics, and social support. The collaborator’s consent is required before application.
How do I find an AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme 2026 collaborator?
You can use the AfOx database or search University of Oxford webpages. Contact potential collaborators by introducing yourself, outlining your project, and explaining how it intersects with their research. A webinar on this process is available.
When can I start the fellowship?
Fellows are affiliated for 12 months starting in October 2025 until September 2026. This includes 10 months of virtual engagement and a 2-month in-person visit during Trinity term (May-June 2026).
What is included in the fellowship?
The fellowship includes remote access to Oxford resources during virtual engagement. For the in-person visit, it provides accommodation, return economy flight, airport transfer, visa fee reimbursement, a maintenance allowance, and temporary University/college access.
Will AfOx help me get my visa?
AfOx provides supporting documents for the visa application, but the applicant is responsible for making a timely application and meeting all requirements. Visa fees are reimbursed upon arrival in Oxford. Express visa applications are not supported.
Do I have to be African to be eligible?
You are eligible if you are a national of any African country or have indefinite leave to remain in an African country. You must also have a position in an African institution and be a legal resident in that country.
Can I apply for more than one fellowship?
No, you can only apply for one fellowship. Submission of multiple applications will automatically disqualify the applicant.
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