Are you an African early-career researcher looking to strengthen your global research profile? The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York, has announced the ARUA Early-Career Research Fellowship 2025–2026. This prestigious program will fund 42 early-career researchers to conduct innovative projects at ARUA’s 13 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and 21 Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence (CoREs). At least 70% of the fellowships are reserved for women, making this one of the most inclusive opportunities for African researchers seeking global impact.

ARUA Research Fellowship—Overview

Host Institutions: ARUA’s 13 Centres of Excellence & 21 Africa-Europe CoREs
Duration: 6 months (between July 2025 – June 2026)
Number of Awards: 42 fellowships (max. 4 fellows per Centre/Cluster)
Eligibility: African nationals, PhD holders (≤5 years since award), max. age 35
Deadline: Rolling until December 2025 (positions filled as awarded)

Research Fields & Priority Areas

ARUA Centres of Excellence (CoEs)

Water
Energy
Non-Communicable Diseases
Materials, Energy & Nanotechnology
Climate & Development
Sustainable Food Systems
Post-Conflict Societies
Good Governance
Inequality Research (ACEIR)
Migration & Mobility
Identity in Africa
Unemployment & Skills Development
Urbanization & Habitable Cities

Click Here to Explore ARUA Centres of Excellence for Fully Funded Fellowships in Africa

Africa-Europe CoREs (Selected Examples)

Genomics for Health in Africa
Preparedness & Response to Pandemics
Non-Communicable Diseases & Multimorbidity
Renewable Energy
Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Change
Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
Creative Economies, Cultures & Innovation
Inequalities, Poverty & Deprivation
Interdisciplinary Peace Research
Mathematics & Fundamental Sciences

Click Here to Explore Africa-Europe CoREs for Study Abroad Fellowships

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the ARUA Early-Career Fellowship, applicants must:

Be an African national.
Hold a PhD degree in a relevant field (within the last 5 years).
Be under 35 years old at the time of application.
Be affiliated with an ARUA member university (young faculty or researcher).
Be available to spend 6 months at the host institution.
Demonstrate a strong research track record and competitive publication record.
Women researchers are strongly encouraged to apply (70% reserved).

Click Here for Detailed Eligibility of ARUA Early-Career Research Fellowship 2025

Application Process of Fellowships for African Researchers

Interested candidates should prepare and submit the following documents online via the ARUA Fellowship Application Portal:

Cover Letter – stating research interests, alignment with CoE/CoRE, and motivation.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) – including research output and referee contacts.
Institutional Support Letter – confirming leave and return to home university.
Proof of PhD Award.
Concept Note (max 1,500 words) – outlining proposed research project.
Two Academic Writing Samples – not part of PhD thesis.

Click Here to Apply Online for ARUA International Fellowships with Stipend

African Research Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive a fully funded fellowship package including:

Monthly Stipend: USD $2,000
Accommodation Support: Modest allowance provided
Travel Support: Return air ticket to host institution
Research Support: Office space at host CoE/CoRE + mentorship
Additional Support for Women: Childcare or adjustment assistance available

This makes the fellowship one of the most attractive early-career research grants in Africa.

Apply Now- Start Research in Africa

The ARUA Early-Career Research Fellowship 2025–2026 is a unique chance for young African scholars to advance their research careers, publish in high-impact journals, and build cross-continental networks. If you are under 35, within 5 years of your PhD, and ready to make a global impact — this fellowship is for you.

Click Here to Explore and Apply for the ARUA Early-Career Research Fellowship 2025

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