AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Programme 2026 (Funded)

Deadline: November 15, 2025

Applications are open for the AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Programme 2026. The aim of the AfricaLics VFP and the scholarships is to help African PhD students working in the field of Innovation and Development to strengthen their academic/research qualifications; improve the quality of their dissertations and prepare for a career in innovation and development either within academia or outside (e.g. in the private sector or in government/policy making).

The AfricaLics VFP does this by increasing the mobility and level of exposure of the selected PhD students to international knowledge in the field of innovation and development. The programme forms part of the broader AfricaLics efforts to contribute to the development of a vibrant research community in Africa in this emerging and highly multidisciplinary field. Swedish Sida has provided financial support for the VFP since 2015, and they are obviously extremely pleased that they have decided to continue doing so for the next 4-5 years through the new AfricaLics RCS project.

Benefits

• Return flight costs from your nearest international airport (economy class) to Johannesburg will be covered by AfricaLics through the new Sida-supported RCS project.
• Visiting fellows on the AfricaLics VFP must take out a comprehensive health insurance for the study period. Costs may be reimbursed by the AfricaLics secretariat if funding allows.
• Living costs during the study visit to UJ are normally covered through a stipend amounting to approximately $600 per month. This amount should cover all costs while in Johannesburg related to living expenses and travel around Johannesburg including to and from UJ campus.
• Costs for participation in joint courses and mentorship fees will be covered by AfricaLics. The AfricaLics RCS project will cover costs related to the two face-to-face meetings between students, home supervisors and mentors.
• If AfricaLics agrees to fund the three-month study visit to Johannesburg, the scholarship will only cover costs related to the student’s visit. Any costs related to accompanying spouses, children, or others will not be covered. The scholarship does not cover the costs of any additional avel in South Africa that the student may wish to undertake unless as part of selected and approved VFP activities.

Eligibility

• Open to PhD students from countries in Africa classified by the OECD/DAC as low and lower-middle-income countries whose studies – irrespective of sectoral discipline – focus on the relationship between innovation and economic, social or environmentally sustainable development.
• Be working actively on a subject relevant to innovation and development.
• Have preferably completed their first year of studies by December 2025.
• 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, or mathematics) subjects or even manufacturing but from a social science perspective.
• Possess adequate skills in English (documentation may be requested).
• Submit a brief application of one page/500 words explaining their background, motivation for applying and expected outcomes of participation in the AfricaLics PhD visiting fellowship programme

Application

The following documents must be submitted with the brief 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.

Applications with all relevant attachments should be forwarded to [email protected] by 23.00hrs East Africa time on November 15, 2025.

Click here to application form

For more information, visit AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship.