ARUA Early-Career Research Fellowship 2026

ARUA Early-Career Research Fellowship 2026, Requirements, Application and Closing Dates

Deadline:

• Option 1: 22 January 2026 (March–August 2026 intake)
• Option 2: 15 July 2026 (September 2026–February 2027 intake)

What is the ARUA Early-Career Research Fellowship?

The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) is offering a 6-month residential research fellowship for early-career African researchers.

The programme is supported by:

• The Mastercard Foundation
• The Carnegie Corporation of New York

The fellowship allows selected researchers to:

• Spend six months at an ARUA Centre of Excellence (CoE) or Africa-Europe Cluster of Research Excellence (CoRE).
• Work with senior researchers and mentors.
• Publish high-quality research.
• Build strong international research networks.

Up to 42 fellows will be funded.
At least 70% of the fellowships are reserved for women.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)

You can apply if you meet all the following:

• You are an African national.
• You have a PhD in a field related to the chosen CoE or CoRE.
• You completed your PhD within the last 5 years.
• You are 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
• You are currently working at a university or research institution (ARUA or non-ARUA).
• You can commit to spending 6 months away from your home institution and then return.
• You are working on a research project aligned with an ARUA CoE or CoRE theme.
• You have data or materials available to complete your research within 6 months.

Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

What Does the Fellowship Offer?

• Duration: 6 months
• Monthly stipend: USD 2,000
• Accommodation support
• Return travel ticket to the host institution
• Office space at the host centre
• Extra support for eligible women (for example, childcare assistance)

Note: There are no relocation expenses.

How to Apply

You must apply online and submit the following:

1. Cover letter explaining:
   • Why you are applying
   • Which CoE or CoRE you are applying to
   • Your research plan and how it fits the centre
   • Whether you need a visa and the processing time
2. Full CV, including:
   • Personal details
   • Education and PhD details
   • Research output
   • Two referees (not based at the host centre)
3. Letter of support from your home institution
4. Proof of PhD award
5. Concept note (max 1,500 words) outlining your proposed research
6. Two academic writing samples (articles, chapters, policy briefs, etc.)
7. Passport biodata page

Apply via the official portal:
https://arua.org/early-career-research-fellowships/

Closing Dates

Fellowship Period	Dates	Deadline
Option 1	March – August 2026	22 January 2026
Option 2	September 2026 – February 2027	15 July 2026

Summary

The ARUA Early-Career Research Fellowship is a fully funded opportunity for young African PhD holders to strengthen their research skills, publish internationally, and build global academic networks. It is competitive, but it offers excellent support and strong career benefits — especially for women researchers.