AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship 2027 in South Africa

AfricaLics is recruiting its 2027 cohort of visiting PhD fellows. Applications close on 2 October 2026 at 23:00 East Africa Time.

The fellowship combines online activities with a study stay of 3 months at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa. Fellows are matched with one or two mentors drawn from the AfricaLics and Globelics research communities, who help shape the work, comment on drafts and advise on career direction. Mentors are not formal supervisors: your own university keeps responsibility for the doctorate.

What is covered. Return flights in economy class from your nearest international airport, accommodation near the host offices, and travel insurance are all covered. Living costs during the stay are covered through a stipend of about USD 600 per month. Course and mentoring costs are covered too, and a small amount is set aside for a short course not available at home.

Who can apply. The scholarship is open to PhD students from African countries classified by the OECD as low and lower-middle-income. You must be enrolled as a PhD student at a university in Africa, working on the relationship between innovation and economic, social or environmentally sustainable development, and already have basic funding for your doctorate from another source. A background in economics, sociology, political science, science and technology policy, geography, history or development studies fits the call, as does STEM work approached from a social science angle. Adequate literacy in English is required.

Women and students from low-income countries are given particular consideration. The application itself is modest: a one-page statement, a short outline of your project, a CV, letters of support from your supervisor and university, certificates and one writing sample.