The Women in AI Fellowship is a fully funded doctoral fellowship for women PhD candidates in Sub-Saharan Africa who are integrating AI and machine learning into their social science research. It provides financial resources, mentorship, and technical training to empower women to excel in AI/ML research and shape the future of ethical and inclusive innovation.
The fellowship is offered by The New School and the KAIA Network, which together support women researchers by matching them with AI/ML collaborators, providing access to a growing network of AI engineers and data scientists, and offering capacity-building seminars and workshops. The program aims to strengthen women’s leadership in computational and data-driven research.
Women in AI Fellowship Benefits
- USD 5,000 research funding (tuition, computing resources, data, fieldwork).
- Technical AI/ML collaboration via KAIA Network.
- Professional development and networking with global partners (UN agencies, universities, civil society).
- Knowledge dissemination: open‑access outputs, blog publication, seminar presentations.
Women in AI Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Currently enrolled in, or admitted to, a PhD program at an accredited institution in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Conducting research in any social science or related discipline (e.g., computer science, engineering, economics, public health, environmental science, sociology, demography, development studies)
- Demonstrating a clear and explicit intention to integrate AI/ML methodologies into their doctoral research
- Applicants must create a KAIA Network profile and apply via the platform to be eligible for the fellowship
How to Apply for Women in AI Fellowship?
- Create a KAIA Network profile
- Apply via the KAIA Network platform
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Women in AI Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Women in AI Fellowship?
The Women in AI Fellowship is a fully funded doctoral fellowship for women PhD candidates in Sub-Saharan Africa who are integrating AI and machine learning into their social science research. It provides financial resources, mentorship, and technical training to empower women to excel in AI/ML research.
Who can apply for the Women in AI Fellowship?
Women who are currently enrolled in or admitted to a PhD program at an accredited institution in Sub-Saharan Africa, conducting research in any social science or related discipline, and demonstrating a clear intention to integrate AI/ML methodologies into their doctoral research.
What is the deadline for the Women in AI Fellowship?
The deadline for the Women in AI Fellowship is July 31, 2026.
What does the Women in AI Fellowship provide?
The fellowship provides a one-time research grant of USD 5,000, technical AI/ML collaboration via the KAIA Network, professional development and networking opportunities, and support for knowledge dissemination and impact.
How do I apply for the Women in AI Fellowship?
Applicants must create a KAIA Network profile and apply via the platform to be eligible for the fellowship.
What is the KAIA Network?
The KAIA Network is a platform that connects AI/ML collaborators, engineers, data scientists, and social scientists. It provides capacity-building seminars, virtual workshops, and optional training modules for fellows.
Can I apply if I am not yet enrolled in a PhD program?
No, you must be currently enrolled in or admitted to a PhD program at an accredited institution in Sub-Saharan Africa to be eligible.
What disciplines are eligible for the Women in AI Fellowship?
Eligible disciplines include social sciences and related fields such as computer science, engineering, economics, public health, environmental science, sociology, demography, and development studies.
Is the Women in AI Fellowship fully funded?
Yes, the fellowship is fully funded and includes a USD 5,000 research grant, technical collaboration, professional development, and knowledge dissemination support.
What are the expected outputs for the Women in AI Fellowship?
Fellows are expected to produce at least one open-access output (working paper, dataset, software package, or technical report), publish a reflective blog piece on the KAIA Network, and share findings through a KAIA-hosted seminar or webinar.
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