Hey future innovators! Are you an African PhD student passionate about research in innovation and development? Bursaries Room has some amazing news for you! The AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowships for 2026 are now open, offering a fantastic opportunity to boost your research career and connect with a vibrant academic community. Get ready to dive deep into your studies with support from the University of Johannesburg!
This incredible bursary program, established by AfricaLics, is designed specifically to empower young African PhD students like you. If your studies focus on the fascinating intersection of innovation and development, this fellowship will help you strengthen your academic qualifications, refine your dissertation, and prepare you for a successful career – whether that’s in academia, the private sector, or government policy-making. You’ll get to combine online learning with a three-month study period at the prestigious University of Johannesburg (UJ) in South Africa, from September to November 2026.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowships, here’s what they’re looking for:
- You must be a PhD student from an African country classified by the OECD/DAC as low or lower-middle-income.
- Your research, irrespective of its specific discipline, must focus on the relationship between innovation and economic, social, or environmentally sustainable development.
- You need to be currently enrolled as a PhD student at an African university.
- Ideally, you should have completed your first year of PhD studies by December 2025.
- While you should already have secured basic funding for your PhD studies from other sources, this fellowship provides significant supplementary support.
- AfricaLics especially encourages applications from female PhD students and those from low-income countries, as they are committed to boosting research capacity in these areas.
- A strong academic background (BSc, MSc, etc.) in fields like Economics, Sociology, Political Science, Science and Technology Policy, Geography, History, Development Studies, or even STEM subjects (with a social science perspective) is preferred.
- You’ll also need to possess adequate English communication skills (documentation may be requested).
What Does It Cover?
This fellowship is super generous and covers a lot to make your study period at UJ smooth and productive! Here’s what you can expect:
-
Accommodation and Workspace: You’ll get help arranging accommodation near the University of Johannesburg business school campus, where you’ll also have your dedicated working space.
-
Travel Costs: AfricaLics will cover your return flight costs (economy class) from your nearest international airport to Johannesburg.
-
Living Stipend: You’ll receive a monthly stipend of approximately $600 to cover your living expenses and local travel in Johannesburg, including getting to and from the UJ campus.
-
Health Insurance: Costs for comprehensive health insurance during your study period may be reimbursed by the AfricaLics secretariat if funding allows.
-
Academic Support: All costs for participating in joint courses and mentorship fees will be covered by AfricaLics.
-
Networking: The AfricaLics RCS project will cover costs related to two face-to-face meetings between you, your home supervisor, and mentors.
Important Note: This bursary specifically covers your visit. Any costs for accompanying spouses, children, or additional personal travel within South Africa are not included.
How to Apply?
Ready to take the next step? Applying for the AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowships is straightforward. Make sure you submit all required documents by the **15th of November 2025**!
Here’s what you need to prepare:
- A brief application (one page/500 words) explaining your background, motivation for applying, and expected outcomes from participating in the AfricaLics PhD visiting fellowship programme.
- A detailed outline of your current PhD project, including your PhD training plans (maximum 5 pages).
- Your comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV), including all PhD courses you’ve attended so far.
- A letter of support from your main PhD supervisor, confirming that you will have completed your upgrade/probation by the end of December 2025 (OR reasons why you are deemed suitable for inclusion if this is not the case).
- A letter of support from the University Administration at the university where you are enrolled.
- Copies of your academic certificates (at least Bachelor and Master Certificates).
- One writing sample (an article or chapter) from your current PhD program.
Where to Apply: You can find the official application details and submit your documents via the official AfricaLics website:
Visit the Official Webpage of the AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowships
Successful candidates will be notified by mid-December 2025 or early January 2026 and will be required to sign a study agreement form confirming their participation in the fellowship programme.
This is a brilliant chance to elevate your PhD journey and contribute significantly to innovation and development in Africa. If the AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowships 2026 sounds like your perfect next step, don’t hesitate! Gather your documents and apply before the closing date. While you’re here, make sure to explore more amazing bursary opportunities on Bursaries Room to secure your academic future!
