SSRC 2025 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Fellowship ($3,000 Grant): Apply Now!

About the SSRC 2025 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Fellowship

Applications are now open for the prestigious Social Science Research Council (SSRC) 2025 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Fellowship, designed to support researchers from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. This fellowship provides up to $3,000 in funding to assist PhD students and recent master’s graduates in developing their doctoral dissertation proposals in the fields of peacebuilding, security, and development.

The SSRC fellowship aims to cultivate research that addresses pressing global and regional challenges, fostering a deep understanding of peace, security, governance, and socio-economic development in Africa. Fellows will have the opportunity to refine their research questions and methodologies, connect with mentors, and become part of an influential network of scholars committed to impactful research in Africa.

Eligible Fields

The fellowship covers a wide range of topics within the social sciences, with a focus on:

Climate, Environment, and Resources: Investigating the intersection of environmental change, resource management, and socio-political stability.
Justice, Peace, and Regional/International Stakeholders: Researching legal, social, and institutional frameworks that contribute to justice and peace.

Nationalism, Identity, Religion, and Culture: Exploring issues of identity, nationalism, religious influence, and cultural dynamics.
State and Non-state Stakeholders, Governance, and Conflict: Examining the roles of governments and non-state actors in governance, security, and conflict resolution.
Technology, Media, and Arts: Understanding the impact of technology, media, and the arts on societal development and conflict transformation.

Researchers whose interests align with these areas are encouraged to apply, especially those with innovative approaches to resolving complex socio-political issues in Africa.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the SSRC 2025 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of any African country.

Enrollment: They must be enrolled (or intend to enroll by the time of the award) in a PhD program at an accredited university or be affiliated with an institution in one of the following countries: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda.
Educational Background: Applicants must hold a master’s degree at the time of application.
Commitment to Higher Education in Africa: While the fellowship prioritizes individuals holding faculty positions or those demonstrating a long-term commitment to higher education in Africa, this is not a strict requirement.

The fellowship seeks to nurture the next generation of African scholars by supporting both emerging academics and those already working within the higher education sector.

Required Documents

Applicants are required to submit the following documents as part of their application:

A draft dissertation proposal outlining the proposed research topic, research questions, methodology, and expected contributions to the field.

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing academic and professional achievements, as well as relevant research experience.
A copy of the applicant’s master’s degree.
A proposed research timeline, outlining key milestones and deadlines for completing the dissertation proposal.

A proposed research budget indicating how the fellowship funds will be used to support the development of the dissertation proposal.

Eligible Countries

The fellowship is open to applicants from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. These countries represent key regions where the SSRC seeks to promote research excellence and foster development-oriented scholarship.

Benefits of the Fellowship

Successful applicants will receive a range of benefits to help them advance their academic careers and contribute to critical research in Africa:

Up to $3,000 in Funding: This grant is designed to cover short-term research costs, such as fieldwork, data collection, and other expenses related to developing the doctoral dissertation proposal.
Six Months of Focused Research: Fellows will have six months to concentrate on developing their dissertation proposals, ensuring they can fully prepare their research for a PhD program.
Participation in Workshops: Fellows will participate in two mandatory workshops (one in July and another in January) aimed at refining their research questions, methodologies, and overall proposals. These workshops will also offer opportunities for networking and peer-to-peer learning.

Digital Platform Engagement: Fellows will be encouraged to contribute to the African Peacebuilding Network (APN) and Next Gen digital forums, enhancing the visibility of their research among a global audience.
Access to a Network of African Scholars: The fellowship provides access to a dynamic community of scholars and practitioners working in peacebuilding, security, and development across Africa.
Mentorship: Fellows will receive guidance from senior scholars in their field, providing invaluable mentorship that will help shape their research and academic careers.

Professional Development: In addition to research support, the fellowship provides opportunities for professional development, equipping fellows with the skills needed to pursue academic or practitioner careers in peace and security.

How to Apply

To apply for the fellowship, candidates must complete the following steps:

Access the Online Application Portal: All applications must be submitted through the SSRC’s official Online Application Portal.

Prepare and Submit Required Documents: Ensure all required documents (dissertation proposal, CV, master’s degree, research timeline, and budget) are prepared and uploaded in the correct format (typically PDF).
Submit Before the Deadline: Applications must be submitted before January 31, 2025.

The Social Science Research Council’s 2025 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for emerging African scholars to receive the funding and support needed to develop impactful research proposals. Apply now to take the next step in your academic journey and contribute to peacebuilding and development across Africa.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY