The AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship 2027 is now accepting applications from eligible African PhD students whose research focuses on the relationship between innovation and development.
The fellowship allows doctoral researchers to spend part of their PhD studies in a different academic environment while developing their research and connecting with other researchers working in the field of Innovation and Development.
About the AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship
The programme is organised by the AfricaLics network and is aimed at PhD students enrolled at universities in eligible African countries.
Applicants can come from different academic disciplines, provided their research looks at the relationship between innovation and economic, social or environmentally sustainable development.
Also, the programme particularly encourages applications from female PhD students and researchers from low-income African countries.
It is important to note that this is a visiting PhD fellowship, rather than funding for an entire PhD programme. Applicants should already be enrolled in a PhD programme at an African university.
Deadline: October 2, 2026
Study level: Current PhD students
Field: Innovation and Development
Programme type: Visiting PhD Fellowship
Eligibility: Eligible African PhD students
Who Can Apply for the AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship 2027?
To be considered, applicants generally need to:
- Be enrolled in a PhD programme at an eligible African university.
- Be from an African country classified by the OECD/DAC as a low- or lower-middle-income country.
- Have research related to Innovation and Development.
- Be able to meet the requirements of the visiting fellowship programme.
- Have the support required from their home institution.
What the Fellowship Offers
The fellowship provides doctoral researchers with an opportunity to develop their research in an international academic setting.
Successful candidates can benefit from academic interaction, research development and exposure to researchers working on innovation and development issues.
The programme can also help PhD students expand their academic network beyond their home university.
Benefits of the AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship 2027
- Three-month study visit at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Return economy-class airfare to Johannesburg.
- Accommodation during the study visit.
- Approximately US$600 monthly stipend for living expenses and local transport.
- Travel insurance.
- Academic mentorship from experienced researchers.
- Access to research seminars, workshops and academic training.
- Opportunities to present research and receive feedback.
- Networking with African and international researchers.
- Access to the AfricaLics and Globelics research communities.
- Support for selected research-related activities and short courses, subject to available funding.
Important Documents to Prepare
Applicants should carefully review the current call for applications and prepare the documents requested in the application form.
It is important to follow the instructions closely because applications that do not meet the stated requirements may not be considered.
How to Apply for the AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship 2027
Here are the general steps to apply for the program;
- Read the official AfricaLics call for the 2027 cohort.
- Confirm that your country, university, and PhD research meet the eligibility requirements.
- Review the application requirements.
- Prepare the requested supporting documents.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload all required attachments.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Meanwhile, applications must be submitted by 23:00 East Africa Time on October 2, 2026.
AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship Official Page
Applicants should not confuse this opportunity with a full PhD scholarship. The AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship is intended for researchers who are already undertaking doctoral studies and want to participate in a visiting fellowship programme.
Well, for more information and understanding of the programme, you can visit the official page with the link below.
AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship 2027
FAQs
Who can apply for the AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship 2027?
The fellowship is for PhD students enrolled at universities in African countries classified by the OECD/DAC as low- or lower-middle-income countries. Their research must focus on the relationship between innovation and economic, social, or environmentally sustainable development.
Do I need to already be a PhD student?
Yes. Applicants must already be enrolled in a PhD programme at an African university. Applicants should preferably have completed their first year of PhD studies by December 2026.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
It provides substantial funding for the three-month study visit, including accommodation, return airfare, and an approximately US$600 monthly stipend. However, it does not provide funding for the entire PhD programme. Applicants must already have basic funding for their PhD studies from another source.
Where will the study visit take place?
The study visit will take place at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa.
How long is the study visit?
The 2027 study visit is scheduled for September 6 to December 3, 2027.
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