The AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Programme (VFP) 2027 is open to PhD students enrolled at universities in Africa and working on Innovation and Development research. The programme combines a funded study visit to the University of Johannesburg with mentorship, online courses, seminars, and research networking opportunities.
In this post, we’ll further detail the fellowship programme available to eligible and interested candidates.
Application Deadline:
2 October 2026 at 23:00 hrs East Africa Time
Tell Me About The Award:
The AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Programme (VFP) 2027 supports PhD students enrolled at African universities whose research focuses on Innovation and Development (I&D).
Selected fellows will participate in online training, mentoring, research activities, and a three-month study visit at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), South Africa.
The programme is designed to strengthen research capacity, improve PhD dissertations, provide international research exposure, and support academic and professional networking.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Research from a wide range of disciplines is eligible, provided it focuses on the relationship between innovation and economic, social, or environmentally sustainable development.
Relevant backgrounds include:
- Economics
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Science and Technology Policy
- Geography
- History
- Development Studies
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
- Manufacturing, particularly from a social science perspective
Research areas may include:
- Innovation and sustainable development
- Energy and sustainable energy transition
- Health
- Gender
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing and work organisation
- Big data
- The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)
- Global Value Chains and industrialisation
- STI measurement
- Climate resilience and agricultural innovation
Type:
PhD Visiting Fellowship
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to PhD students who:
- Are citizens of African countries classified by the OECD/DAC as low-income or lower-middle-income countries.
- Are currently enrolled in a PhD programme at a university in Africa.
- Are actively researching a topic related to Innovation and Development.
- Have preferably completed their first year of PhD studies by December 2026.
- Have a relevant academic background in social sciences, STEM, or related fields.
- Have adequate literacy in English.
- Have already secured basic funding for their PhD studies from another source.
Female PhD students and applicants from low-income African countries are particularly encouraged to apply.
Applicants should also demonstrate that their research fits within the AfricaLics Innovation and Development research agenda.
How Are Applicants Selected?
Applications are assessed based on:
- Relevance of the proposed research to Innovation and Development studies in Africa.
- Clarity of the research questions.
- Strength of the theoretical and conceptual framework.
- Methodological clarity and rigor.
- Suitability of the applicant’s stage of PhD study for the fellowship.
- Availability of suitable AfricaLics mentors.
Female applicants and applicants from low-income African countries receive special consideration as part of the programme’s efforts to increase diversity in Innovation and Development research.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
The programme is open to PhD students enrolled at universities in African countries classified by the OECD/DAC as low-income or lower-middle-income countries.
Where Will the Award Be Taken?
The three-month study visit will take place at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), South Africa.
The fellowship also includes online activities before and after the study visit, as well as face-to-face meetings and research activities in Africa.
The 2027 study visit is scheduled for 6 September to 3 December 2027.
How Many Awards?
The number of fellows is not fixed. The final number will depend on the quality and relevance of applications, available funding, and the availability of suitable mentors.
What Is the Benefit of the Award?
The AfricaLics VFP provides:
- Three-month study visit at the University of Johannesburg.
- Return economy-class flight from the nearest international airport to Johannesburg.
- Accommodation in Johannesburg.
- Approximately US$600 per month for living expenses and local transportation.
- Travel insurance/health coverage through the travel insurance issued with the ticket.
- Mentoring from AfricaLics and Globelics scholars.
- Academic writing and research training.
- Participation in paper presentation seminars.
- Opportunity to participate in the AfricaLics PhD Academy.
- Funding for joint courses and mentorship activities.
- Limited funding for a relevant short course where appropriate.
- Support for the two planned face-to-face meetings between students, supervisors and mentors.
- Access to the AfricaLics research and alumni network.
How Long Will the Award Last?
The fellowship includes a three-month study visit at the University of Johannesburg from 6 September to 3 December 2027, alongside online activities beginning in February 2027 and continuing through December 2027 and early 2028.
How to Apply:
Applicants must submit their application through the official AfricaLics online application form.
Required documents include:
- A one-page/500-word statement explaining your background, motivation and expected outcomes.
- Brief outline of your current PhD project and training plan, maximum 5 pages.
- Curriculum Vitae, including PhD courses attended.
- Letter of support from your main PhD supervisor.
- Letter of support from your university administration.
- Copies of academic certificates, including Bachelor’s and Master’s certificates.
- One writing sample, such as an article or chapter from your current PhD programme.
Applicants do not need to submit a passport copy at the application stage.
