PhD Visiting Fellowships 2027 | Call for Applications

Applications are open for the AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Programme 2027. This programme sends African PhD students to South Africa for research training. Fellows study Innovation and Development at the University of Johannesburg. The fellowship complements, rather than replaces, existing PhD funding.

Program Snapshot

• Host Organization: AfricaLics, with the University of Johannesburg’s TRCTI
• Funding: Flights, accommodation, and a $600 monthly stipend
• Duration: 3-month study visit, 6 September to 3 December 2027
• Eligibility: PhD students at African universities in low-income countries
• Application Deadline: 2 October 2026, 23:00 East Africa Time
• Cohort Size: Depends on funding and mentor availability

Focus Areas

• Innovation and Development studies across Africa
• STI measurement, value chains, and industrialization
• Climate-resilient agricultural innovation
• Sustainable energy transition research

About the Fellowship

AfricaLics has trained 50 African PhD students since 2015. Fellows gain mentorship from scholars across the AfricaLics and Globelics networks. The programme blends online courses with an in-person Johannesburg study visit. Fellows join two face-to-face meetings during their fellowship year.

What Fellows Receive

Fellows get covered flights and shared accommodation near campus. A roughly $600 monthly stipend covers daily living costs. Course fees and mentorship costs are fully covered separately. Travel insurance accompanies the flight booking for the study period.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be PhD students at African universities studying innovation topics. Candidates should have completed their first PhD year by December 2026. Female applicants and those from low-income countries are especially encouraged. Applicants need existing PhD funding from their home institution already.

Required Materials

Applicants submit a one-page motivation statement and current project outline. A CV, writing sample, and academic certificates are required. Supervisor and university administration support letters must also be included.

How to Apply

Submit your application online before 2 October 2026.

Click Here to Apply

Conclusion

This fellowship offers genuine funded mobility for African PhD researchers in innovation studies. Its mentorship model builds lasting connections across Africa’s research community. Applicants should discuss integration with their home supervisor before applying.

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