Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026/2027: Fully Funded Fellowship for Young African Researchers (Up to $50,000 Support)

The Africa Fellows in Education Program (AFEP) 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering an exceptional opportunity for young African researchers passionate about transforming education systems through data, research, and policy innovation. This prestigious two-year fellowship is designed to build a strong network of education policy experts across Sub-Saharan Africa while equipping fellows with advanced analytical and research skills.

If you are committed to improving education outcomes in your country and want to engage in impactful, evidence-based policymaking, this program provides both the financial backing and international exposure needed to accelerate your career.

About the Africa Fellows in Education Program (AFEP)

The AFEP is a fully supported research and policy development fellowship aimed at empowering emerging African scholars to:

• Strengthen their expertise in education policy analysis
• Apply rigorous research methods to real-world education challenges
• Utilize performance data for informed decision-making
• Contribute to evidence-based policy development

The program is implemented by the Global Education Analytics Institute (GEAI) in collaboration with the Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP), bringing together global and regional expertise to support fellows.

What the Fellowship Offers

AFEP is structured to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience through a combination of local and international engagements:

1. Research and Policy Development

• Fellows design and implement a research or evaluation project focused on an education issue in their home country
• Projects are conducted under the guidance of local scientific mentors and international advisors

2. International Exposure

• Participation in two major global conferences on the economics of education
• Opportunities to connect with international researchers and policy experts

3. Specialized Training

Fellows will attend targeted short courses and lectures covering:

• Evaluation methodologies
• Communication strategies for policy impact
• Incentive structures in education systems
• Testing and performance measurement techniques

4. Mentorship and Advisory Support

• Continuous guidance from experts affiliated with leading global institutions
• Access to a network of advisors from universities and international organizations

Funding and Financial Benefits

Each selected fellow will receive substantial financial support, including:

• $25,000 research grant to implement their project
• Up to $25,000 additional funding covering:
  • Mentorship support
  • Travel to international conferences
  • Participation in workshops and training sessions

This ensures that fellows can fully focus on research and professional development without financial constraints.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Be a national of a Sub-Saharan African country
2. Be 35 years old or younger
3. Hold a Master’s or PhD degree in a relevant field with a strong quantitative focus
4. Demonstrate experience in quantitative data analysis
5. Show a clear interest in education policy research
6. Be affiliated with a:
   • Government institution
   • Research organization
   • Higher education institution
7. Have proficiency in English

Note: Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Program Structure

The fellowship spans two years and includes:

• In-country research activities
• Regional and international training sessions
• Workshops and collaborative learning opportunities
• Ongoing mentorship and evaluation

This blended structure ensures fellows gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

Application Process

To apply, candidates must submit the following documents through the PEP intranet system:

1. Two-page Statement of Interest
2. Two-page Essay describing an educational problem in their country
3. Updated and detailed CV

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the official call document for detailed instructions and submission guidelines.

Why You Should Apply

The Africa Fellows in Education Program stands out as a transformative opportunity for young researchers because it:

• Provides significant funding for independent research
• Offers direct access to global expertise and networks
• Enhances skills in data-driven policymaking
• Enables real-world impact on education systems in Africa
• Builds long-term capacity for evidence-based governance

Application Deadline:  Apply by June 30, 2026 (23:59 GMT)

To learn more and apply, click HERE

Final Thoughts

If you are a driven researcher eager to influence education policy and create meaningful change in Africa, the AFEP 2026/2027 fellowship is an opportunity you should not miss. With generous funding, expert mentorship, and global exposure, this program is a powerful platform to elevate your career and contribute to sustainable educational development across the continent.

Apply before the deadline and take a major step toward becoming a leader in education policy and research.

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