ARUA Early-career Research Fellowships 2026 (Cohort 2)

The ARUA Early-career Research Fellowships, supported by the Mastercard Foundation and Carnegie Corporation of New York, offer up to 42 fellowships for early-career researchers. The program aims to enhance research capacity at African universities by allowing fellows to conduct globally competitive research at ARUA Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and Africa-Europe Clusters of Excellence (CoREs). Fellows will collaborate with experienced researchers and spend time away from teaching duties at their home institutions.

Successful candidates will be contracted by ARUA for 6 months. Benefits include a monthly stipend of US$2,000, a modest payment for accommodation, and travel support (a return ticket to the host institution). Please note that relocation expenses are not covered. Additional financial support is available for eligible women who may require adjustment assistance (e.g., for childcare). The host CoE or CoRE will provide the research fellow with office space.

Applicants must be African nationals who have completed a PhD in a discipline related to the thematic area of a CoE or CoRE within the last 5 years. They should be young faculty or research members at an ARUA university, though eligible candidates from non-ARUA universities can also apply. The age limit is 35 years at the time of application. Female postdoctoral fellows will be considered in limited cases. Applicants must have a highly competitive track record relevant to the opportunity, be willing to develop a strong international standing and research reputation, be available to spend 6 months away from their home university, and be able to return to their home institution. They must also be working on an ongoing project related to the CoE or CoRE and have readily available data to accomplish the main roles and responsibilities. Eligible women are strongly encouraged to apply, with at least 70% of the fellowships reserved for female candidates.

To apply, you must submit the following documents: 1. A cover letter outlining your reasons for applying, how you meet the eligibility criteria, and how you will achieve the roles and responsibilities. This should include an overview of your experience in the relevant field. You must specify the particular ARUA CoE or Africa-Europe CoRE to which you are applying. If you have previously spent time at the proposed CoE or CoRE, explain how this visit will build on that relationship. You may also suggest potential supervisors you have already contacted. Outline any visa requirements for visiting the host institution and estimated processing time. 2. A full CV, including your personal details (e.g., date of birth, passport number, country of origin, citizenship), particulars of your doctoral degree, qualifications obtained, research output, a description of your contribution in jointly authored publications, and details of two referees. Referees should not be based at the proposed host CoE or CoRE. Shortlisted applicants will be required to ask referees to submit a brief report assessing their suitability. 3. A Letter of Support from your permanent/home institution, including an indication of suitability for the position and confirmation that you will return to your home institution. 4. Evidence of your PhD award. 5. A brief Concept Note (maximum 1,500 words, including references) outlining your proposed research project/plan. This project must be feasible within the 6-month fellowship period and well-aligned with the objectives of the host CoE and CoRE. Candidates who can demonstrate possession of necessary data or research materials will have a significant advantage. 6. Two academic writings (e.g., peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, conference proceedings, policy briefs) – these should not be chapters from your doctoral thesis. If jointly authored, describe your contribution. 7. The biodata page of a valid passport.

Applications are submitted online through the official ARUA website. You will need to prepare all the required documents listed in the "Requirements" section and upload them as part of your application.

The fellowship duration is 6 months, to be undertaken between March 2026 and February 2027. There are two commencement dates for the awards: March 2026 (application deadline: January 22, 2026) and September 2026 (application deadline: July 15, 2026). At least 70% of the fellowships are reserved for female candidates. Fellows are expected to assist in disseminating research findings, work with other researchers, publish a minimum of one academic paper (as lead or joint author) in a high-impact journal, deliver at least two presentations, and help create new partnerships.