The Africa Institute Senior and Post-doctoral Fellowships 2027
The Africa Institute at Global Studies University offers four distinguished fellowships. This program supports scholars researching Africa and its global diaspora. Fellows reside full-time in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, throughout their term. The Institute combines rigorous research with postgraduate teaching in African studies. Applications for the 2027 cycle opened July 6, 2026.
Program Snapshot
- Host Institution: The Africa Institute, Global Studies University
- Location: Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Senior Fellowship Duration: One year, Fall 2027 to Summer 2028
- Postdoctoral Fellowship Duration: Two years, Fall 2027 to Summer 2029
- Application Deadline: September 30, 2026
Available Fellowships
- Toni Morrison Senior Fellowship in African Diaspora Literature
- Ali A. Mazrui Senior Fellowship in Global African Studies
- Okwui Enwezor Postdoctoral Fellowship in Visual Culture
- Fatema Mernissi Postdoctoral Fellowship in Social and Cultural Studies
About the Institute
This program honors four towering intellectual figures in African studies. The Institute functions as both a research think tank and postgraduate university. It offers master’s and PhD programs in Global African Studies specifically. Fellows join a genuinely interdisciplinary community spanning literature, gender studies, and visual culture.
The residency provides dedicated time to advance a book or major manuscript project. Fellows also engage in teaching, workshops, and broader intellectual exchange throughout.
What the Institute Provides
Beyond salary, fellows receive appropriate office space and library access. Computer and technical support accompanies routine administrative assistance throughout the residency. The Institute handles matters related to housing, salary disbursement, and HR support. Fellows arrive in Sharjah during mid-August to settle before formally beginning.
Who Can Apply
Senior Fellowship applicants should hold associate or full professor status. Independent authors and public intellectuals with critical recognition may also qualify. Postdoctoral applicants must have earned their PhD within the last five years. All applicants should demonstrate strong scholarly contributions to African diaspora studies specifically.
Required Materials
Applicants submit a 300-word abstract outlining their proposed research project. A detailed project statement, spanning 1,000 to 2,000 words, follows this. Applicants also provide two writing samples, published or unpublished work. A letter of interest, current CV, and three referee contacts complete applications.
How to Apply
Submit your complete application through the Institute’s official website. For questions, email applications@theafricainstitute.org directly.
Click Here to Apply
Conclusion
This fellowship offers a genuinely distinctive research environment, combining generous institutional support with a vibrant interdisciplinary community focused specifically on African and diaspora studies. Its location in Sharjah provides a unique bridge between African scholarship and the broader Middle East and Global South.
Given the detailed multi-part application requirements, eligible scholars should ensure their project proposal clearly aligns with one specific named fellowship before the September 30 deadline.
