Hey future changemakers! Are you an aspiring African architect or designer ready to make a real impact on the continent? The incredible MASS African Design Centre Fellowship Bursary 2025 is here to help you do just that, and guess what? It’s a paid opportunity in beautiful Kigali, Rwanda!
This isn’t just a program; it’s a twelve-month hands-on residency designed to incubate and empower the next generation of African architects and designers. With support from the Mellon Foundation and Cravens Foundation, the MASS African Design Centre (ADC) Fellowship provides essential tools, mentorship, and resources to help you lead Africa’s urbanisation. The big goal? To develop culturally grounded, community-driven design solutions that tackle the continent’s major infrastructure challenges, all while celebrating and integrating Africa’s rich architectural heritage.
They’re looking for emerging design leaders who are passionate about social justice and environmental responsibility, with a deep connection to African heritage. You’ll focus on impactful areas like Maternal & Newborn Health, Expanding Opportunities, and Building a Climate-Positive Future by conducting culturally rooted design research, engaging in community-based pilot projects, and sharing your valuable insights.
Who Can Apply?
Think you’ve got what it takes? Here’s who the ADC Fellowship is looking for:
- You must be a national of an African country.
- You should be 35 years of age or younger.
- You need to be a built-environment professional with a degree in architecture, urban design, landscape, engineering, or a related field.
- You must be able to relocate to Kigali, Rwanda, from September 2025 to August 2026 for the residency period.
What Does It Cover?
This is where it gets really exciting! This is a paid fellowship, meaning you’ll receive financial support while gaining invaluable experience. Beyond that, the fellowship covers:
- Your relocation to Kigali, Rwanda, for the 12-month in-person residency (September 2025 – August 2026).
- Ongoing remote mentorship and regular check-ins with the MASS team during your second year (September 2026 – August 2027), forming part of the ADC Fellowship Network.
- Potential eligibility for funded support to pursue your own independent research initiatives in that second year.
How to Apply?
Ready to jump in? The application process is a simple three-stage journey:
- Stage 1: Expression of Interest. You’ll need to submit your resume/CV, references, an impressive portfolio of your work, and a statement explaining how your vision aligns with the fellowship’s goals.
- Stage 2: Essay Submission. If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be asked to submit pre-fellowship essays and confirm your full availability to participate in the program.
- Stage 3: Interviews. Candidates with successful essays will move on to an interview round.
All applications must be completed online. Don’t wait!
For more details and to submit your application, visit the official webpage: MASS African Design Centre Fellowship Official Webpage
This is more than just a fellowship; it’s a chance to shape Africa’s future with your design skills! If you’re an eligible African architect or designer eager to make a difference, don’t miss this incredible opportunity. Click the link above to apply by 13 July 2025 and start your journey towards transformational change. And while you’re here, why not explore more amazing bursaries on Bursaries Room?
