Opportunities Database
Mawazo publishes a list of funding, training, conferences, and other opportunities to enhance our Scholars’ research and professional development on a rolling basis. This resource is made freely available to African scholars who may find the information useful.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and do feel free to Contact Us if you have suggestions for additional information that we should include.
January 2025
Call for Applications ISTA Institute of Science and Technology in Austria PhD Program
The Institute of Science and Technology in Austria is accepting applications from graduate and Masters students. The ISTA PhD program aims to produce intellectually broad, curious, open-minded scientists who can approach problems from different angles and collaborate with diverse types of scientists. ISTA welcomes students with different academic backgrounds who can bring their skills and experiences to the scientific setting.
Students with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, chemistry, neuroscience, mathematics, computer science, physics, data science and scientific computing, astronomy, earth science and related areas are encouraged to apply. (Deadline 8 January)
February 2025
The Research Scholar role is a one-year visiting position. It is designed to support AI governance researchers’ and practitioners’ career development, while offering an opportunity to do high-impact work.
As a Research Scholar, you will have freedom to pursue many types of work. This could include conducting policy research, social science research, or relevant technical research; engaging with and advising policymakers; or starting and managing applied projects.
Broad topics of interest include — but are not limited to — frontier AI safety frameworks, AI regulation, international governance, technical governance, agent governance, economics of AI, threat modelling, and risk assessment and forecasting.
Over the course of the year, you will deepen your understanding of the field, connect with a network of experts, and build your skills and professional profile, all within an institutional home that offers both flexibility and support.(Deadline 16 February)
April 2025
The AREF Women in Research Grant Writing Programme 2025 offers fully online training designed for early-career African female biomedical and health researchers to develop essential grant-writing skills. The program is open to women who hold a PhD (or equivalent) awarded after January 1, 2019, or a medical/clinical qualification with a research-related Master’s degree, and who are employed by an African university or research institution. The benefits include gaining comprehensive training in writing competitive research proposals, understanding grant application processes, improving skills in budget development, and enhancing communication strategies for presenting research ideas. Participants will also have the opportunity to network with emerging researchers from across Africa, and receive guidance on creating impactful, persuasive proposals that can increase the chances of securing funding.(Deadline: 14 April)
Nigeria Health Watch invites applications for the 2025 Science-Policy Communication Fellowship, a fully funded three-month programme designed to equip early to mid-career professionals with the skills to effectively translate scientific research into clear, policy-relevant communication. The fellowship includes a blend of virtual orientation, in-person training, personalised mentorship, and a final capstone project focused on real-world public health challenges. The benefits include expert-led workshops, one-on-one mentorship from experienced communicators and policy professionals, networking with peers and policy influencers, full coverage of travel and accommodation for in-person components, and access to an active alumni network. Eligible applicants must be professionals working in public health, scientific research, advocacy, or policy development, with a demonstrated interest in science communication and influencing policy. A statement of interest and an updated CV are required as part of the application.( Deadline: 24 April)
The Africa Fellows in Education Program (AFEP) is accepting applications for its two-year fellowship, aimed at strengthening education decision-making in Sub-Saharan Africa. The benefits include a research grant of $35,000, up to $25,000 for mentorship, study visits, conference travel, and workshops. Fellows will also gain valuable exposure through international collaborations, access to a network of education policymakers, and opportunities to present their research at high-level forums. Eligible applicants must be under 35 years old, hold an MA or PhD in fields such as education policy, economics, or international development, and have proficiency in quantitative data analysis. Women researchers are strongly encouraged to apply.(Deadline: 30 April)
The African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), in collaboration with CIFOR-ICRAF, the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), and Akademiya2063, is accepting applications for the 2025 Young Impact Associates (YIA) – Agriculture Focus Fellowship. This year-long program aims to empower young African professionals to drive transformational change through data-driven decision-making in Africa’s agrifood systems. The benefits include a monthly stipend throughout the 12-month duration, practical experience through on-location work placements with leading organizations in the impact measurement sector, mentorship and coaching from seasoned professionals, customized training in leadership and impact measurement, and peer learning opportunities to strengthen networks and promote intra-country partnerships. Eligible applicants must be nationals of Ghana, Kenya, or Uganda, aged between 18 and 35 years, with at least a diploma or bachelor’s degree in relevant disciplines such as social sciences, agricultural sciences, economics, data sciences, environmental and climate science, international development, policy, or governance. Applicants should demonstrate a mission-driven interest in impact measurement, motivation to leverage data-driven approaches, and commitment to a 12-month full-time program participation. Applications must be submitted through the online application portal. (Deadline: 30 April)
The Future Africa Research Leadership Fellowship (FAR-LeaF II) Programme at the University of Pretoria offers a two-year fellowship for emerging African researchers with a PhD obtained within the last 10 years. The program provides annual funding of USD 13,500 for research expenses, travel, and fellowship activities. In addition to financial support, the fellowship offers access to the Future Africa campus, a cutting-edge research hub that fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration and networking opportunities with regional and global experts. Fellows will develop leadership skills, engage in professional development, and build long-term academic collaborations aimed at tackling Africa’s complex challenges. Calls for proposals will be opened as of April 25th, 2025, but the new application deadline has not yet been announced. (Deadline: TBA)
May 2025
The Network of Impact Evaluation Researchers in Africa (NIERA) invites applications for the 2025 Policy Fellowship Program, a six-week initiative designed to enhance the capacity of mid-level policymakers from eligible West and East African countries in evidence-informed policymaking. The fellowship begins with a one-week online course covering five modules: revisiting the policymaking process, accessing evidence, appraising evidence, synthesizing evidence, and applying evidence. Upon successful completion, fellows will be paired with NIERA researchers to collaboratively develop a policy-relevant research concept note over the subsequent five weeks. The benefits include a daily stipend of $50 during the online workshop and a $1,000 honorarium upon submission of an acceptable proposal. Eligible applicants are mid-level policymakers or technical staff within government ministries, agencies, sub-national structures, or parliaments, holding at least a bachelor's degree, with demonstrable experience in policy development or program management, and proficient in English and computer applications. Applicants are required to submit a statement of interest and an updated CV.( Deadline: 7 May)
The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) invites applications for the 2025 Early-Career Research Fellowships, aimed at supporting emerging African scholars in strengthening their research capacity and advancing their academic careers. The fellowship offers a fully funded research stay of up to 12 months at an ARUA member university different from the fellow's home institution. Benefits include coverage of travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs, as well as opportunities for mentorship, professional development, and collaboration within ARUA’s research networks. Eligible applicants must be citizens of an African country, employed at an African university, have completed a PhD within the past six years, and demonstrate a strong commitment to research excellence. Applicants are required to submit a completed application form, a detailed research proposal, a CV, letters of recommendation, and evidence of institutional support.(Deadline: 15 May)
The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA), with support from the Mastercard Foundation, invites applications for the African Fellowships for Research in Indigenous and Alternative Knowledges (AFRIAK). This fellowship aims to empower young African researchers to engage in collaborative research that bridges academic scholarship and Indigenous knowledge systems. The fellowship offers financial support for research projects conducted at African institutions, emphasizing the integration of local and Indigenous knowledge perspectives. Benefits include funding for research activities, mentorship opportunities, and participation in capacity-building workshops. Eligible applicants must be African nationals aged 24 to 35 years, based in formal research institutions or Indigenous knowledge research centers in Africa, and engaged in research that incorporates Indigenous or local knowledge perspectives. Applicants are required to submit a research proposal, a letter of support from an Indigenous knowledge holder, and an updated CV (Deadline: 15 May)
The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) invites applications for the British Academy Writing and Mentoring Workshop aimed at supporting Early Career Researchers (ECRs) in West Africa. The workshop is designed to enhance participants' academic writing skills and provide mentorship to improve their ability to publish in international peer-reviewed journals. The workshop will cover essential aspects of writing for academic publication, proposal development, and strategies for engaging with global academic networks. Benefits include personalized mentorship, training sessions on academic writing and research funding, and opportunities to connect with established scholars in the field. Eligible applicants must be Early Career Researchers (ECRs) from West Africa, within 8–10 years of completing their PhD or nearing completion, and demonstrating a commitment to research excellence. Applicants are required to submit a research paper (max. 1,500 words), a completed application form, a CV, and a letter of institutional support.(Deadline: 15 May)
The L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science South Africa National Young Talents Programme is designed to empower and support young South African women researchers. This program invites PhD candidates (with at least two years remaining in their doctoral studies) and post-doctoral researchers (who have completed their doctorate) to apply. Eligibility criteria include being a South African national, actively engaged in scientific research, and pursuing studies in any field of science, including life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, and environmental sciences. Benefits include leadership training, mentorship from industry experts, networking opportunities with leading professionals in science and academia, and media exposure to promote women’s contributions to science. Participants will gain valuable skills in communication, management, and negotiation, positioning them to advance in their careers and make a greater impact in their fields. (Deadline: 20 May)
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) invites applications for the 2026 Africa Empowering the Teachers (MIT-ETT) Fellowship Programme, a fully funded, semester-long teaching-focused fellowship designed for engineering professors currently teaching at local universities in Nigeria who have recently completed their Ph.D. The programme aims to foster innovation in science and engineering education in African tertiary institutions by introducing fellows to cutting-edge, student-focused teaching methodologies. The benefits include full sponsorship covering travel, accommodation, and living expenses; exposure to advanced, problem-solving pedagogical methods at MIT; opportunities to observe MIT courses, participate in curriculum design workshops, and engage in numerous activities to develop critical change-agent skills such as entrepreneurship, effective communication, and systems thinking; and the chance to expand professional networks, including connections with MIT faculty interested in emerging economies. Eligible applicants must be engineering professors at Nigerian universities who have recently earned their doctoral degrees. Applicants are required to submit a statement of interest and an updated CV. (Deadline: 20 May)
June2025
The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) invites applications for the 2025/2026 Research Development Fellowship Programme, aimed at supporting early-career African researchers committed to advancing human health through high-quality scientific research. The fellowship offers a fully funded placement lasting three to nine months at a leading research institution in the UK, Europe, or Africa, with additional support at the fellow's home institution before and after the placement. The benefits include up to £47,000 in funding to cover research training, travel, accommodation, subsistence, and other related costs, as well as opportunities for mentorship, skill development, and international collaboration. Eligible applicants must be nationals of an African country, employed by an African institution, and be early-career researchers—specifically, research-active postdoctoral scientists and clinicians with higher qualifications—who have chosen to focus their career on human health research and are progressing towards becoming independent researchers. Applicants are required to submit a statement of interest and an updated CV.( Deadline: 27 June)
July 2025
The Francis H. Brown African Scholarship is accepting applications for East African researchers and students pursuing research in earth sciences and botany related to human origins. The benefits include up to $30,000 to cover research expenses such as travel, living expenses during fieldwork, supplies, and project-related costs. The scholarship also provides recipients with an opportunity to contribute to their country’s academic and research community, with an emphasis on advancing knowledge in the fields of earth sciences and botany. Eligible applicants must be citizens of Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Djibouti, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, or Eritrea, and should be pursuing or have completed a graduate degree within the last ten years.(Deadline: 15 July)
The Supporting African Science and Tertiary Education (SASTE) program invites applications for its Post-doctoral Grant, aimed at empowering early-career African scientists to strengthen research capacity across the continent. The grant offers financial support for postdoctoral research projects carried out at accredited African universities or research institutions. Benefits include up to $50,000 in funding to cover research costs, training, conference participation, and dissemination of research findings, along with opportunities for mentorship, professional development, and regional networking. Eligible applicants must be citizens of an African country, hold a doctoral degree awarded within the last five years, and be employed or affiliated with an African institution. Applicants are required to submit a detailed research proposal, a letter of institutional support, and an updated CV.(Deadline: 15 July)
August 2025
The PAGES Inter-Africa Mobility Research Fellowship Program is now accepting applications for its research exchange opportunities. The program is designed to support early-career African scientists specializing in past global changes, offering them the chance to collaborate with institutions across Africa. The fellowship is open to PhD students and postdoctoral researchers within five years of completing their PhD, with a research focus aligned with the goals of the PAGES initiative. The program provides financial support for international travel, visa fees, and accommodation for research exchanges lasting from two to four weeks, within a 12-month period. The fellowship aims to foster cross-institutional collaboration, enhance professional development, and strengthen research networks in the field of past global changes. Applicants must be citizens of an African country and currently working or pursuing their PhD at an African institution. (Deadline: 15 August)