ARUA Research Fellowship 2025-26 offers an exceptional opportunity for African early-career researchers to expand their global research impact. Supported by the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York, this fellowship empowers talented researchers to pursue innovative projects across ARUA’s 13 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and 21 Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence (CoREs).
This prestigious program will fund 42 outstanding early-career researchers, with at least 70% of the fellowships reserved for women, ensuring a highly inclusive platform. The ARUA Research Fellowship 2025-26 not only provides funding but also strengthens professional networks, promotes cross-continental collaboration, and helps shape the next generation of African research leaders.
Benefits
- Monthly Stipend: USD $2,000
- Accommodation Support: Modest allowance provided
- Travel Support: Return air ticket to host institution
- Research Support: Office space at host CoE/CoRE + mentorship
- Additional Support for Women: Childcare or adjustment assistance available
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the ARUA Early-Career Fellowship, applicants must:
- Be an African national.
- Hold a PhD degree in a relevant field (within the last 5 years).
- Be under 35 years old at the time of application.
- Be affiliated with an ARUA member university (young faculty or researcher).
- Be available to spend 6 months at the host institution.
- Demonstrate a strong research track record and competitive publication record.
- Women researchers are strongly encouraged to apply (70% reserved).
Research Fields & Priority Areas
ARUA Centres of Excellence (CoEs)
- Water
- Energy
- Non-Communicable Diseases
- Materials, Energy & Nanotechnology
- Climate & Development
- Sustainable Food Systems
- Post-Conflict Societies
- Good Governance
- Inequality Research (ACEIR)
- Migration & Mobility
- Identity in Africa
- Unemployment & Skills Development
- Urbanization & Habitable Cities
Africa-Europe CoREs (Selected Examples)
- Genomics for Health in Africa
- Preparedness & Response to Pandemics
- Non-Communicable Diseases & Multimorbidity
- Renewable Energy
- Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Change
- Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
- Creative Economies, Cultures & Innovation
- Inequalities, Poverty & Deprivation
- Interdisciplinary Peace Research
- Mathematics & Fundamental Sciences
Required documents
- Cover Letter – stating research interests, alignment with CoE/CoRE, and motivation.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – including research output and referee contacts.
- Institutional Support Letter – confirming leave and return to home university.
- Proof of PhD Award.
- Concept Note (max 1,500 words) – outlining proposed research project.
- Two Academic Writing Samples – not part of PhD thesis.
How to Apply?
- Check Your Eligibility
Ensure you are an African national, hold a PhD (awarded within the last 5 years), and are under 35 years old. Your research experience should align with the focus areas of one of ARUA’s 13 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) or 21 Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence (CoREs). Women are strongly encouraged to apply. - Submit Your Application Online
Visit the ARUA Fellowship Application Portal and complete the online form. Upload all your required documents carefully and double-check that everything is accurate. - Follow the Selection Process
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until December 2025. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interviews or additional clarification. Selection is based on academic excellence, research experience, and alignment of your proposed project with the host Centre or Cluster. - Accept Your Fellowship
If selected, you will receive an official offer via email. Confirm your acceptance and follow the instructions provided to secure your fellowship and prepare for your 6-month research period, which can be scheduled anytime between July 2025 and June 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The ARUA Research Fellowship 2025-26 provides six months of fully supported research for early-career African PhD holders at 13 Centres of Excellence or 21 Africa-Europe CoREs, emphasizing mentorship, publications, presentations, and cross-institutional collaboration for eligible candidates under 35.
What is the ARUA Research Fellowship 2025-26?
The ARUA Research Fellowship 2025-26 is a six-month residential program for early-career researchers to work at host ARUA universities, including 13 Centres of Excellence and 21 Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence, fostering advanced research collaboration.
Who is eligible for the ARUA Research Fellowship
2025-26?
Applicants must be African nationals, hold a PhD awarded within the last five years, and be no older than 35. At least 70% of fellowships are reserved for women, and fellows are expected to conduct research at host or affiliated ARUA universities other than their own.
How long is the fellowship?
Each fellowship lasts six months, scheduled between July 2025 and June 2026. Fellows will reside at the host or affiliated ARUA university of their chosen Centre of Excellence or Africa-Europe CoRE and conduct research related to existing or new approved projects.
Where will fellows be hosted during the ARUA Research Fellowship 2025-26?
Fellows of the ARUA Research Fellowship 2025-26 will be hosted at ARUA’s 13 Centres of Excellence across Africa or within the 21 Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence, enabling cross-continental research collaboration.
What benefits are offered under the ARUA Research Fellowship 2025-26?
The ARUA Research Fellowship 2025-26 provides full funding for selected fellows. The support allows researchers to focus entirely on advancing their projects within ARUA Centres of Excellence and CoREs during the six-month fellowship.
How can researchers apply for the ARUA Research Fellowship 2025-26?
To apply for the ARUA Research Fellowship 2025-26, eligible researchers must complete the official application process outlined by ARUA. Applicants are encouraged to prepare strong research proposals and supporting documents before submission.
What documents are required for the ARUA Research Fellowship 2025-26?
Applicants for the ARUA Research Fellowship 2025-26 need to provide academic qualifications, a detailed CV, research proposal, and references. These documents help assess the candidate’s suitability for the fellowship and collaborative research.
When does the ARUA Research Fellowship 2025-26 start?
The ARUA Research Fellowship 2025-26 begins in July 2025 and continues until June 2026. Fellows will engage in collaborative research activities throughout this six-month period within ARUA Centres of Excellence and CoREs.
What research areas are supported by the ARUA Research Fellowship 2025-26?
The ARUA Research Fellowship 2025-26 supports research through ARUA’s Centres of Excellence and Africa-Europe CoREs. Fellows will contribute to multidisciplinary projects aimed at strengthening Africa’s research capacity and global partnerships.
Why should early-career researchers apply for the ARUA Research Fellowship 2025-26?
The ARUA Research Fellowship 2025-26 offers early-career researchers a unique chance to work with leading scholars, strengthen academic networks, and gain international exposure, all while being fully funded for six months of research.
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