By Nneka Nwogwugwu
The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) has opened its applications for its 2025 Early-Career Research Fellowships, supported by the Mastercard Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York.
The initiative will support 42 young researchers to undertake globally competitive research in the host and affiliated institutions at Arua’s 13 Centres of Excellence.
Each fellowship will run for six months, between July 2025 and June 2026, with all positions expected to be filled by December 2025. A cohort of four fellows maximum will be assigned to each CoE.
Eligibility Criteria
Interested applicants must:
– Be African nationals with a PhD in a relevant discipline or be close to completing a PhD in not later than 5 years.
– Be part of the research staff at ARUA-affiliated universities.
– Not be more than 35 years old at the time of application.
– Demonstrate a solid track record and commitment to developing international standing.
Fellowship Benefits
– Monthly stipend of $2,000.
– Modest accommodation allowance.
– Return travel support to the host institution.
– Conducive office space at the host Centre of Excellence.
– Additional financial support for eligible women requiring adjustment assistance.
Selected fellows will:
– Conduct research under the supervision of a mentor.
– Publish at least one academic paper in a high-impact journal.
– Deliver presentations and participate in technical workshops.
– Assist in creating partnerships and disseminating research findings.
Application Requirements
– Cover letter outlining research experience and proposed project.
– CV with details of doctoral degree and research output.
– Letter of Support from home institution.
– Evidence of PhD award.
– Brief Concept Note (max 1,500 words) outlining the research project and its relevance to the host institution.
– Two academic writing samples.
Application Deadline
The first batch of placements will end by May 15, 2025, with the remaining positions filled by December 2025.
Fellows will be placed in any of the following ARUA’s Centres of Excellence:
- Energy
- Unemployment and Skills Development
- Non-Communicable Diseases
- Inequality Research
- Notion of Identity in Africa
- Migration and Mobility
- Sustainable Food Systems
- Urbanization and Habitable Cities
- Climate and Development
- Good Governance
- Post-Conflict Societies
- Water
- Materials, Energy & Nanotechnology
How to apply: Follow the link to start your application.
The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) is accepting applications for its 2025 Early-Career Research Fellowships, supported by the Mastercard Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York. A total of 42 young researchers will participate in competitive research at ARUA's 13 Centres of Excellence. Each fellowship lasts six months, with placements occurring between July 2025 and June 2026, and positions filled by December 2025. Eligible applicants are African nationals with a relevant PhD, aged 35 or younger, having a strong research track record.
Fellowship benefits include a monthly stipend of $2,000, accommodation allowance, travel support, office space, and further support for women requiring adjustments. Fellows will conduct supervised research, publish in high-impact journals, participate in workshops, and help disseminate findings. Applications must include a cover letter, CV, Letter of Support, evidence of PhD, concept note, and two writing samples. The application deadline is May 15, 2025, with placements across various Centres of Excellence focusing on key areas such as Energy, Sustainable Food Systems, and Climate Development. Applicants can apply through the ARUA website.
