The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), backed by the Mastercard Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York, has opened the second cohort of its Early-Career Research Fellowships for 2026. The scheme will support up to forty-two (42) early-career researchers to carry out globally competitive research at ARUA’s thirteen Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and the twenty-two Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence (CoREs).
The idea behind the fellowship is simple but powerful: give promising African academics protected time away from teaching so they can work side by side with experienced, distinguished researchers. Each fellow is hosted by a CoE or CoRE in a country other than their own, which adds a genuine cross-border, collaborative dimension to the experience.
For an early-career African scholar trying to build an international research profile, this is a rare chance to publish in high-impact journals, present your work, and grow your network all while being mentored and paid. The programme places a strong emphasis on gender equity: at least 70% of the fellowships are reserved for female candidates, and extra adjustment support (such as childcare) is available to eligible women.
Scholarship benefits
- A six-month contract with ARUA.
- A monthly stipend of US$2,000.
- A modest payment toward accommodation.
- Travel support in the form of a return ticket to the host institution.
- Office space provided by the host Centre of Excellence.
- Additional financial support for eligible women who need adjustment assistance, for example childcare.
- Note: relocation expenses are not covered.
Eligibility checklist
✔ You are an African national.
✔ You hold a PhD in a discipline or sub-discipline linked to the thematic area of the CoE or CoRE you are applying to.
✔ You are within five years of completing your PhD.
✔ You are a young faculty or research member at an ARUA university (eligible candidates from non-ARUA universities may also apply).
✔ You are not more than 35 years old at the time of applying.
✔ You have a highly competitive track record and are committed to building a strong international research reputation.
✔ You can spend six months away from your home university and will return to your home institution afterwards.
✔ You are working on an ongoing project related to the CoE or CoRE and have data readily available to deliver on the role.
✔ Female postdoctoral fellows are considered in limited cases, and women are strongly encouraged to apply (at least 70% of awards go to female candidates).
Application tips for African students
- Pick your CoE or CoRE deliberately. Your cover letter must name the specific Centre or Cluster you are applying to, so research their thematic focus and explain exactly how your work fits it.
- Make your concept note feasible. The proposed project must be doable within six months and aligned with the host’s objectives. Applicants who can show they already have the data or research materials in hand have a significant advantage — so spell this out clearly.
- Line up referees early. You need two referees, and they must not be based at your proposed host CoE or CoRE. Shortlisted candidates will need their referees to submit assessment reports, so confirm their availability before the deadline.
- Sort out your home-institution letter. A Letter of Support confirming your suitability and your return to your home institution is required. Start that conversation with your department head well ahead of time.
- Prepare visa details in advance. The cover letter asks whether you need a visa for the host country, what is required, and the estimated processing time. Get this information ready so your application looks organised and realistic.
- Choose strong writing samples. You must submit two pieces of academic writing: peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, conference proceedings or policy briefs, but not a chapter from your doctoral thesis. For co-authored work, describe your specific contribution.
- Apply before July 15, 2026. Gather your PhD certificate, CV, passport biodata page and all supporting documents early so a slow upload doesn’t cost you the deadline.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online with a defined set of documents: a cover letter (specifying your chosen CoE or CoRE, any prior relationship with it, suggested supervisors, and your visa needs), a full CV with referee details, a Letter of Support from your home institution, evidence of your PhD award, a concept note of up to 1,500 words including references, two academic writing samples, and the biodata page of a valid passport. Review the full requirements and submit through the official portal here: ARUA Early-Career Research Fellowships.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for this fellowship?
African nationals who hold a PhD related to the thematic area of an ARUA Centre of Excellence or Africa-Europe Cluster of Research Excellence, are within five years of completing their PhD, and are no more than 35 years old at the time of applying. You should be a young faculty or research member, though candidates from non-ARUA universities may also apply.
What does the fellowship pay?
Fellows are contracted for six months and receive a US$2,000 monthly stipend, a modest accommodation payment, a return travel ticket to the host institution, and office space at the host CoE. Relocation expenses are not covered.
Is there special support for women?
Yes. Women are strongly encouraged to apply, at least 70% of the fellowships will be awarded to female candidates, and additional financial support is available for eligible women who need adjustment assistance, such as childcare.
What is the deadline?
The application deadline is July 15, 2026.
What are fellows expected to do during the six months?
Fellows work with other researchers under an assigned mentor, publish at least one paper in a high-impact (Scopus or Web of Science indexed) journal with an accompanying policy brief or blog post, give at least two presentations, take part in technical workshops, and help build new partnerships for the host CoE or CoRE.
Where will I be hosted?
At one of ARUA’s thirteen Centres of Excellence or twenty-two Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence — and importantly, each Centre hosts fellows from countries other than its own. The specific host country is not stated in the source, so confirm details on the official page.