Applications are now open for the 2026 ARUA Early-Career Research Fellowship Program. Supported by the Mastercard Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York, this initiative will fund up to 42 early-career researchers to conduct globally competitive research at ARUA 13 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and the 22 Africa-Europe Clusters of Excellence (CoREs).
Each fellowship runs for six months between March 2026 and February 2027, with two commencement dates: March 2026 and September 2026. Applicants may select their preferred fellowship period.
Selection Criteria
Applicants must:
– 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 may also apply)
– Be no older than 35 years at the time of application
– Have a competitive research track record and commitment to building international standing
– Be available to spend six months away from their home institution and return afterward
– Be working on an ongoing project related to the CoE or CoRE, with readily available data
– Female researchers are strongly encouraged to apply at least 70% of fellowships will be awarded to women
Fellowship Benefits
Successful fellows will receive:
– A monthly stipend of US$2,000
– Modest accommodation support
– Travel support (return ticket to host institution)
– Six-month research contract with ARUA
Application Process
Applicants must submit:
– Cover letter outlining motivation, eligibility, and alignment with the chosen CoE or CoRE
– Full CV (including personal details, doctoral qualifications, research outputs, contributions, and referees)
– Letter of support from home institution confirming return after fellowship
– Evidence of PhD award
– Concept note (max. 1,500 words) detailing proposed research project/plan feasible within six months
– Two academic writings (journal articles, book chapters, policy briefs, etc.) not from doctoral thesis
– Biodata page of a valid passport
Deadline: 15-07-2026
Apply: https://arua.org/early-career-research-fellowships
