ARUA Early-Career Research Fellowship 2026–2027: Six-Month Research Opportunities Across Africa

The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), with support from the Mastercard Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York, has opened applications for the next round of its Early-Career Research Fellowship Programme. This initiative will support up to 42 emerging African researchers to conduct cutting-edge, collaborative research at ARUA’s Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and Clusters of Research Excellence (CoREs).

This announcement focuses only on the second application cycle for the upcoming fellowship year.

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Fellowship Duration and Key Dates

The programme offers six-month residential fellowships to be undertaken at designated ARUA CoEs or CoREs across the continent.

For the second fellowship period, applicants may apply for:

• Fellowship Period: September 2026 – February 2027
• Application Deadline: 15 July 2026

This upcoming round prioritises high-potential researchers who can commit to full-time residency at the host institution and contribute meaningfully to existing or emerging research streams.

To promote equity in the African research landscape, at least 70% of all fellowships are reserved for women, and applicants must be 35 years or younger at the time of application.

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About ARUA

The African Research Universities Alliance brings together leading universities across Africa with a shared commitment to strengthening high-quality research and graduate training. ARUA’s approach is built on collaboration—pooling resources, expertise, and infrastructure to support African-led research that addresses the continent’s socio-economic challenges.

Across its 13 Centres of Excellence, ARUA supports pioneering work in both the natural and social sciences, spanning fields such as:

• Climate change and development
• Sustainable food systems
• Water and energy
• Migration, mobility, governance, and inequality
• Urbanisation and post-conflict reconstruction

Complementing this network are 22 Africa–Europe Clusters of Research Excellence, jointly established with The Guild of European Research Universities, aligned with AU–EU Innovation Agenda priorities.

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About the Mastercard Foundation

The Mastercard Foundation is one of the world’s largest philanthropic organisations, dedicated to expanding access to quality education and financial inclusion. Through long-term partnerships across Africa, the Foundation supports young people in securing dignified and fulfilling work. It operates independently of the Mastercard company, with offices across Africa and Canada.

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About the Carnegie Corporation of New York

Founded by Andrew Carnegie, the Carnegie Corporation of New York is one of the oldest grantmaking foundations in the United States. Its work focuses on education, democratic resilience, international peace and security, and strengthening higher education and research in Africa.

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Research Environment: ARUA CoEs and CoREs

The fellowship provides access to ARUA’s network of 13 Centres of Excellence, which include thematic areas such as:

• Water
• Energy
• Non-Communicable Diseases
• Sustainable Food Systems
• Migration and Mobility
• Good Governance
• Urbanisation and Habitable Cities

In addition, candidates may be hosted by one of 22 Clusters of Research Excellence, structured under four themes:

Public Health

• Infectious diseases, multimorbidity, preparedness and response, genomics, health and gender

Green Transition

• Nature-based solutions, renewable energy, water resource management, conservation biology

Innovation and Technology

• AI and data science, creative economies, engineering for the future

Capacities for Sciences

• Peace research, inequalities, sustainable development politics

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Roles and Responsibilities

Selected fellows will be expected to:

• Conduct collaborative research under mentor guidance
• Publish at least one high-impact journal article (first-author or co-authored)
• Deliver two research presentations and participate in technical workshops
• Support the development of new research partnerships
• Assist in disseminating research findings through institutional platforms

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be African nationals with a PhD completed within the last five years
• Be under 35 years old
• Hold an academic or research position at an African university (non-ARUA institutions may apply)
• Demonstrate strong research output and alignment with a specific CoE or CoRE
• Be able to spend six months in residence at the host institution
• Have existing data or research material relevant to their proposed project

Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, given the 70% reserved allocation.

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Contract and Remuneration

The fellowship provides:

• US$2,000 monthly stipend
• Accommodation support
• Return travel to the host institution
• Eligibility-based financial support for women researchers requiring adjustment assistance
• Office space at the host CoE or CoRE

No relocation expenses are included.

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Application Components

Applicants must submit:

• Cover letter detailing academic background, motivation, preferred CoE/CoRE, and residency plan
• Full CV with personal details, research output, and referee information
• Letter of Support from home institution confirming return
• Proof of PhD award
• A concept note (max. 1,500 words) with a feasible six-month research plan
• Two samples of academic writing (not from the doctoral thesis)
• Passport biodata page

Applications must be submitted through ARUA’s official online portal.

Applications can be accessed here.

To know more about such opportunities, click here.