AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Programme 2025 – Develop Your Research Skills in Innovation

The AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Programme is now open for applications.

This programme provides PhD students from African universities the chance to grow in the field of Innovation and Development.

The AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Programme aims to help you strengthen research skills and improve the quality of your dissertation.

If selected, you will prepare for a career in Innovation and Development, either in academia, government, or the private sector.

The fellowship gives African PhD students exposure to international research knowledge.

It is part of the broader AfricaLics effort to build a lively research community across Africa in this growing field.

The Swedish Development Agency, Sida, supports this initiative to improve research capacity on Innovation and Development in Africa.

AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Programme: Costs Covered

The programme may cover several costs related to the study visit.

AfricaLics may provide return flights from the nearest international airport to Johannesburg if fundraising efforts succeed.

If fundraising is unsuccessful, you may need to secure funds independently.

Living costs during the study visit are usually covered by a stipend of about $600 per month.

This stipend should cover living expenses in Johannesburg, including travel to and from the University of Johannesburg (UJ).

You are encouraged to seek funding for living costs as collective fundraising may not always succeed.

The fellowship also covers joint course participation costs.

Mentoring is offered voluntarily unless additional fundraising allows for nominal payments.

Visits by home supervisors to Johannesburg depend on successful fundraising.

If AfricaLics funds the three-month visit, only your expenses will be covered.

Costs for spouses, children, or additional travel in South Africa are not included unless part of approved programme activities.

Eligibility for AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Programme 2025

To apply, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be enrolled in a PhD programme at a university in Africa.
• Have completed the first year of studies by December 2024.
• Have a background in subjects like Economics, Sociology, Political Science, Science and Technology Policy, Geography, History, or Development Studies.
• Applicants from STEM fields are also considered if working from a social science perspective.
• Possess adequate English skills (proof may be required).
• Work on a subject related to Innovation and Development.
• Submit a brief application of one page (500 words) outlining background, motivation, and expected outcomes from the fellowship.

Application Requirements for AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Programme

The following documents need to be submitted with the application:

• Outline of the current PhD project with training plans (maximum 5 pages)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) including details of PhD courses taken
• Letter of support from the main PhD supervisor, confirming completion of upgrade or probation by December 2024
• Letter of support from the University Administration at your enrolled university
• Copies of academic certificates, including Bachelor’s and Master’s certificates
• One writing sample (article or chapter) from the current PhD programme

You do not need to submit a passport copy at the application stage.

Visa issues will be addressed later, with support from AfricaLics and UJ.

Personal data collection will be limited and stored safely.

All application materials should be sent to visitingphd@africalics.org by 23.00hrs East Africa time on October 7, 2024.

You can download the AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Programme application form.

For more details, visit the AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship information page.

The AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Programme offers a valuable opportunity to advance research skills and contribute to Africa’s development.