The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), with support from the Mastercard Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York, is launching this Early-Career Research Fellowship program. The initiative will fund up to forty-two (42) early-career researchers to conduct globally competitive research at the host and affiliated institutions of ARUA’s thirteen (13) Centres of Excellence (CoEs).
Each fellowship will last six months, between July 2025 and June 2026. A maximum of four fellows will be assigned to each CoE, with all positions filled by December 2025. At least 70% of the fellowships are reserved for female candidates, and applicants must be no older than 35 years at the time of application.
The program aims to enhance the capacity of early-career researchers at African universities by providing them with time away from teaching duties at their home institutions to collaborate with highly experienced and distinguished researchers at ARUA Centres of Excellence (CoEs). Each CoE is expected to host research fellows from countries other than its own.
About African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA)
The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) is a network of universities from different countries and different historical backgrounds, but with a common vision. ARUA aims to enhance research and graduate training in member universities through a number of channels, including the setting up of Centres of Excellence (CoEs) to be hosted by member universities.
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Early-Career Research Fellowship Program
Aim and Benefits of Early-Career Research Fellowship Program
Successful candidates will be contracted by ARUA for 6 months. The research fellowship shall provide a monthly stipend of US$2,000, modest payment for accommodation, and travel support (return ticket to host institution). There are no relocation expenses. Additional financial support is available for eligible women who may require adjustment assistance (e.g., for childcare). The host CoE will provide the research fellow with office space.
Requirements for Early-Career Research Fellowship Program Qualification
- Applicants must be African nationals who have a PhD in a discipline/sub-discipline related to the thematic area of the Centre of Excellence.
- Applicants must be within 5 years of completing their PhD,
- Applicants should be young faculty (or research) members at an ARUA university. Female postdoctoral fellows will be considered in limited cases.
- The applicant should not be more than 35 years old at the time of applying.
- Applicants should have a highly competitive track record relevant to the opportunity and be willing to develop a strong international standing and research reputation.
- Applicants must be available to spend 6 months away from their home university and be able to return to their home institution.
- Applicant must be working on an ongoing project related to the CoE and have readily available data to accomplish the main roles and responsibilities (see section 3)
- Eligible women are strongly encouraged to apply. At least 70% of the fellowships will be awarded to female candidates.
Documents Required for Application
To apply for this research fellowship, please submit the following documents:
- Cover letter outlining your reasons for applying for the position and details of how you will achieve the roles and responsibilities of the position (see section 3). This should include an overview of your experience in the relevant field and how you meet the eligibility criteria. The candidate must specify the particular ARUA Centre of Excellence to which they are applying. If an applicant has previously spent time at the proposed CoE (e.g., as a student, postdoc, etc.), the cover letter should include a motivation for how this visit will build on the pre-existing relationship. Applicants should also outline if they require a visa to visit the host or an affiliated institution of an ARUA CoE and, if so, what is required and the estimated processing time.
- Full CV, including applicant details (e.g., date of birth, passport number, country of origin, citizenship, etc.), particulars of doctoral degree, qualifications obtained, research output, a description of the applicant’s contribution in jointly authored publications, and details of two referees. In the case of shortlisted applicants, applicants will be required to ask the referees to submit a brief report assessing the applicant’s suitability for the fellowship. Referees should not be based at the proposed host CoE.
- A Letter of Support from the applicant’s permanent/home institution, including an indication of suitability for the position and that the candidate will return to the home institution.
- Evidence of Award of PhD.
- A Brief Concept Note (max. 1,500 words, including references) outlining your proposed research project/plan and its alignment with the ambitions of the host CoE. Candidates who can demonstrate that they possess the necessary data or research materials to support their role will have a significant advantage.
- Two (2) academic writing This should not be a chapter from a doctoral thesis. In the case of a jointly authored piece, you should describe your contribution.
Application Deadline
May 15, 2025How to Apply
For more details, visit ARUA Fellowship webpage
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