About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
Women in AI Fellowship
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are rapidly transforming industries and research fields worldwide, influencing everything from healthcare and climate action to education, economics, governance, and public policy. Despite these advances, women continue to be significantly underrepresented in AI-related disciplines and leadership positions.
The Women in AI/ML Doctoral Fellowship seeks to address this gap by empowering outstanding women scholars who are integrating AI and machine learning methodologies into their doctoral research.
The fellowship is designed to strengthen women’s participation in computational and data-driven research while supporting innovative projects that generate societal, scientific, and development impact.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to women who meet the following criteria:
Currently enrolled in or admitted to a PhD programme at an accredited institution in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Conducting research in social sciences or related disciplines.
Demonstrating a clear intention to integrate AI and machine learning methodologies into their doctoral research.
Eligible fields include:
Computer Science
Engineering
Economics
Public Health
Environmental Science
Sociology
Demography
Development Studies
Political Science
Data Science
Other related disciplines
Applicants must create a profile on the KAIA Network platform and submit their fellowship application through the network to be considered eligible.
Fellowship Benefits
The Women in AI Fellowship offers comprehensive support designed to strengthen both research capacity and professional development.
1. Research Grant of USD 5,000
Selected fellows will receive a one-time research grant worth USD 5,000.
Funding may be used for:
Tuition expenses
Computing resources and software
Data acquisition and analysis
AI/ML mentorship support
Research-related travel and fieldwork
Other approved doctoral research expenses
Technical AI/ML Support Through the KAIA Network
The fellowship goes beyond financial support by connecting participants with a growing interdisciplinary AI research ecosystem.
Through the KAIA Network, fellows will receive:
Matching with AI/ML collaborators.
Access to AI engineers, data scientists, and social science researchers.
Capacity-building workshops and seminars.
Technical training opportunities.
Increased visibility for their research projects.
This collaborative model helps researchers strengthen technical skills while expanding the impact of their work.
Professional Development and Global Networking
Fellows will become part of an international community of researchers working at the intersection of AI, machine learning, and social impact.
Participants will benefit from:
Global networking opportunities.
Interdisciplinary knowledge exchange.
Research presentation opportunities.
Participation in KAIA-hosted seminars and events.
Engagement with universities, UN agencies, development organizations, and civil society partners.
The fellowship aims to support both academic excellence and long-term leadership development in emerging AI fields.
Knowledge Sharing and Research Impact
As part of the fellowship, successful candidates will contribute to open and accessible knowledge creation.
Fellows will be expected to:
Produce at least one open-access research output.
Publish a reflective article or blog through the KAIA Network.
Present findings through webinars or seminar series.
Contribute to broader discussions on ethical and inclusive AI innovation.
Eligible outputs may include:
Working papers
Datasets
Software packages
Technical reports
Research publications
This component ensures that fellowship-supported research contributes to public knowledge and broader societal impact.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The rapid growth of AI technologies presents enormous opportunities for solving complex social, economic, and environmental challenges. However, ensuring that women are represented in shaping these technologies remains a critical global priority.
By investing in women researchers across Sub-Saharan Africa, the Women in AI Fellowship seeks to build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive AI ecosystem while strengthening research capacity across the continent.
The fellowship also provides a valuable platform for women scholars to develop technical expertise, establish international collaborations, and contribute innovative solutions to pressing development challenges.
Application Details
Fellowship: Women in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) Doctoral Fellowship 2026
Eligibility: Women PhD Students in Sub-Saharan Africa
Funding Amount: USD 5,000
Application Deadline: 31 July 2026
Host Organizations: The New School and KAIA Network
Application Requirement: Applicants must create a KAIA Network profile and submit their application through the platform.
Final Thoughts
The Women in AI Fellowship 2026 represents an outstanding opportunity for women doctoral researchers seeking to integrate AI and machine learning into their research while gaining access to funding, mentorship, technical support, and global professional networks. For aspiring leaders in AI-driven research across Africa, this fellowship offers the tools, resources, and connections needed to make meaningful contributions to science, society, and sustainable development
How to apply