About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
Applications are now open for the AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme 2027, an opportunity for eligible PhD students enrolled at universities in Africa to strengthen their research skills and gain international academic exposure in the field of Innovation and Development (I&D).
The fellowship combines online activities with a three-month research study visit at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in South Africa. It is designed to support African PhD researchers whose work examines the relationship between innovation and economic, social or environmentally sustainable development.
Application deadline: 2 October 2026
About the AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship
The AfricaLics Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme (VFP) was established in 2015 with financial support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).
Since its establishment, the programme has supported African PhD students from low- and lower-middle-income countries through training and mentorship opportunities.
The fellowship forms part of the wider AfricaLics network's efforts to strengthen research capacity and build a vibrant research community in Africa around innovation and development.
For the 2027 cohort, successful fellows will participate in online activities before and after their study visit, together with a three-month period at the University of Johannesburg.
Fellowship Programme Timeline
The 2027 cohort is expected to follow a combination of online and in-person activities.
Online Activities
The programme will begin with online activities during the first half of February 2027.
Additional online activities will take place after the study visit, including activities in December 2027 and early 2028.
Study Visit in South Africa
The three-month study visit at the University of Johannesburg is scheduled for:
6 September – 3 December 2027
The study period will give selected PhD students an opportunity to gain exposure to academic and research activities relevant to their work in Innovation and Development.
Objectives of the Fellowship
The AfricaLics VFP aims to strengthen the academic and research capabilities of participating PhD students.
The programme seeks to help fellows:
Strengthen their research and academic skills.
Improve the quality of their PhD dissertations.
Gain exposure to international research and knowledge in Innovation and Development.
Develop academic and professional networks.
Increase their research mobility and international exposure.
Prepare for potential careers in academia, the private sector, government and policymaking.
The fellowship is complementary to the PhD studies being undertaken at the student's home university.
Who Is Eligible?
The programme is open to PhD students who meet the specified academic and country eligibility requirements.
Applicants should:
Be enrolled as a PhD student at a university in Africa.
Be working on a research topic related to Innovation and Development.
Be from an African country classified by the OECD/DAC as a low-income or lower-middle-income country.
Preferably have completed the first year of their PhD studies by December 2026.
Have sufficient English-language literacy to participate in the programme.
Have secured basic funding for their PhD studies from another source, such as a government, organisation or personal funding.
The fellowship does not replace the main funding arrangements for a student's PhD programme. Applicants must already have basic financial support for their doctoral studies.
Research Areas
For the 2027 cohort, applicants conducting research related to the four AfricaLics Research Coordination Areas are particularly encouraged to apply.
These areas are:
1. STI Measurement in Africa
This area focuses on science, technology and innovation measurement in African contexts.
2. Global Value Chains, Innovation and Industrialization
This research area examines innovation, industrial development and the role of African economies within global value chains.
3. Innovating Resilience
This area focuses on inclusive agricultural innovation and climate resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa.
4. Innovation and Sustainable Energy Transition in Africa
Known as i-SET Africa, this area focuses on innovation and sustainable energy transitions across the continent.
Academic Background
Applicants may come from a range of academic backgrounds relevant to Innovation and Development.
Relevant backgrounds may include:
Economics.
Sociology.
Political Science.
Science and Technology Policy.
Geography.
History.
Development Studies.
How to apply