ARUA Early Career Research Fellowship 2025

★ 42 Fully Paid Research Fellowships for African PhDs | $2,000 Monthly Stipend + Research Support

★ Are you an African researcher with a recently earned PhD? Ready to take your academic career to the next level across borders?

★ The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) is now accepting applications for its Early-Career Research Fellowship 2025—a unique, fully funded opportunity for African scholars to immerse themselves in a 12-month research placement at one of ARUA’s Centres of Excellence (CoEs) outside their home country.

Backed by Carnegie Corporation, this prestigious program offers mentorship, funding, and access to influential academic networks across the continent.

🌍 What’s This Fellowship About?

This program is tailor-made for early-career researchers and postdoctoral scholars who have earned their PhDs in the past five years and are currently affiliated with one of ARUA’s member universities. The goal? To boost high-impact African research and help emerging scholars become thought leaders in their field.

As a fellow, you will:

✓Conduct original research under the guidance of a senior academic mentor

✓Publish at least two peer-reviewed papers or impactful policy briefs/blogs

✓Present your findings at academic conferences and stakeholder meetings

✓Strengthen partnerships between your host Centre and other institutions

✓Engage in vibrant academic exchanges and capacity-building events

💰 What’s Included?

Fellows receive generous support to focus fully on research:

➣Stipend: USD $2,000 per month for 12 months

➣Travel & Relocation Support: International airfare and in-country transport

➣Accommodation: Fully covered by the program

➣Research Support: Access to limited funding for fieldwork and materials

➣Office Space & Academic Resources: Provided at your host CoE

📌 Quick Overview

📍 Program Type: Fully Funded Fellowship

🧑‍🎓 Target Group: Early-career African PhDs

🏫 Host Institutions: ARUA Centres of Excellence across Africa

⏳ Duration: 12 Months (2025)

💵 Monthly Stipend: USD $2,000

🌐 Location: Anywhere in Africa (outside your home country)

📝 Deadline: Not stated – Apply ASAP!

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, you must:

✅ Hold a PhD earned within the last 5 years in a field aligned with one of ARUA’s CoE themes

✅ Be currently working as faculty or researcher at an ARUA member university

✅ Have a track record of peer-reviewed publications

✅ Be ready and willing to relocate to the host country for the full 12-month fellowship

✅ Women and candidates from underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply

🧪 Possible Research Themes (ARUA CoEs):

Fellows can join research clusters such as:

Climate and Development

Food Security and Food Systems

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

Migration and Mobility

Energy and Water

Post-Conflict Societies

Urbanization and Governance

Inequality and Human Development

Higher Education

Social Policy

📝 Application Requirements

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare:

✍️ A cover letter explaining your motivation

📄 A current CV with publications and academic history

📚 A research proposal (max 1,000 words) that aligns with your chosen CoE theme

🧾 Letter of support from your home university or department

👥 Contact details of two referees (academic or professional)

📬 How to Apply

The application process is managed by ARUA. To apply:

▸Prepare your documents (CV, proposal, references, etc.)

▸Visit ARUA's official portal or opportunity link

▸Complete and submit your application before the stated deadline

🟢 apply now – Don’t wait, as spots are limited to only 42 fellows across the entire continent!