AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Programme 2025: Apply Now!

About the AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Programme

The African Network for Economics of Learning, Innovation, and Competence Building Systems (AfricaLics) is accepting applications for the 2025 PhD Visiting Fellowship Programme. This opportunity is aimed at PhD students from African universities interested in Innovation and Development. The programme provides mentorship, online courses, and a 3-month research stay at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in South Africa, subject to funding availability.

This fellowship supports PhD students by strengthening their research capacity in the field of Innovation and Development through a combination of online and in-person learning. Successful applicants will engage in research activities and gain international exposure at UJ. However, funding for the study visit is limited, and applicants are encouraged to seek their own funding support alongside efforts made by the AfricaLics Secretariat.

Eligible Fields of Study

This multidisciplinary programme is open to PhD students in the following fields with a focus on Innovation and Development:

Economics
Sociology

Political Science
Science and Technology Policy
Geography

History
Development Studies
STEM subjects (with a social science perspective)

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must:

Be enrolled in an African university.
Have completed the first year of their PhD by December 2024.

Be researching topics related to innovation and sustainable development.
Female students and students from low-income African countries are strongly encouraged to apply.

Selection Process

Applications will be assessed based on:

Relevance of the applicant’s research to the field of Innovation and Development.
The student’s academic performance and progress in their PhD studies.
Support from their PhD supervisor and university.

Eligible Countries

This fellowship is available to PhD students from African countries classified as low and lower-middle-income by the OECD/DAC.

Benefits of the AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Programme

The fellowship offers:

Mentorship from international scholars.

Participation in research seminars and academic writing workshops.
Potential coverage of travel and living expenses (subject to fundraising success).
A monthly stipend (if funding is secured).

Opportunities to network with other researchers in an international setting.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit:

1. A completed application form.

2. A one-page motivation letter.

3. A PhD project outline.

4. Curriculum vitae (CV).

5. Academic certificates.

6. A writing sample.

7. Letters of support from their PhD supervisor and university administration.

The programme runs from February 2025 to December 15, 2025, and includes both online components and a 3-month study visit. The study visit at UJ is scheduled for September 1 to November 30, 2025.

Applications should be sent via email to visitingphd@africalics.org. This fellowship provides a unique opportunity for PhD students to enhance their research and expand their academic networks.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY