Applications are currently being accepted for the AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme 2027 for Young African PhD Students. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme for Young African PhD Students
The AfricaLics network invites eligible PhD students enrolled at universities in African countries to apply for the AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Programme (VFP), 2027 cohort, which focuses on research in Innovation and Development (I&D).
The AfricaLics VFP was established in 2015 with financial support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). Since its establishment, 50 African PhD students from low- and lower-middle-income countries have participated in the programme, receiving training and mentorship support.
Successful candidates for the 2027 cohort will participate in a fellowship programme combining online pre- and post-activities with a study period of 3 months at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in South Africa.
The 2027 VFP cohort activities will kick off with a range of online activities starting in the first half of February 2027. The study visit at UJ is scheduled for 6 September to 3 December 2027 and will be followed up by various additional online activities in December 2027 and in early 2028.
Benefits of AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme for Young African PhD Students
- Academic Growth: Strengthens research skills and improves dissertation quality.
- Global Exposure: Provides access to international knowledge and perspectives in Innovation & Development.
- Career Preparation: Equips fellows for roles in academia, policymaking, and the private sector.
- Networking: Builds connections with mentors, peers, and a wider African research community.
- Structured Support: Combines online learning with a funded 3‑month study visit at the University of Johannesburg.
AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme for Young African PhD Students Requirements
- Be working actively on a subject relevant to innovation and development as defined above.
- Be enrolled as a PhD student at a university in Africa.
- Have preferably completed their first year of studies by December 2026
- Have a background (BSc, MSc etc.) in Economics, Sociology, Political Science, Science and Technology Policy, Geography, History or Development Studies. Applicants may also work within the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects or even manufacturing, but from a social science perspective.
- Possess adequate literacy in English (documentation may be requested).
Application Date and Process
The following documents must be submitted with the application:
- Brief outline of current PhD project, including PhD training plans (max. 5 pages)
- Curriculum Vitae – CV (including PhD courses attended so far)
- Letter of support from the main PhD supervisor confirming that the PhD student will have completed her/his upgrade/probation by the end of December 2025 OR reasons why the student is deemed suitable for inclusion in the fellowship programme if this is not the case.
- Letter of support from the University Administration at the university where the PhD student is enrolled
- Copies of academic certificates (copies of Bachelor and Master Certificates as a minimum)
- One writing sample (article or chapter) from current PhD program
Applicants are NOT expected to submit a copy of their passport when applying for the PhD visiting fellowship programme. Successful candidates will be asked to handle any visa issues that may be relevant with support from the AfricaLics Secretariat and UJ. Collection of personal data will be kept to a minimum, and information received will be stored safely and will not be used for any other purposes.
Application Deadline
02 October, 2026
Opportunity Application
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AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme for Young African PhD Students
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