The Center for African Studies Visiting Fellowship is fully funded, ensuring that selected fellows can focus entirely on their research and academic engagement without financial constraints. One of the major benefits of this program is the provision of a round-trip economy airfare from the fellow’s home country in Africa to California, covering all essential travel costs associated with participation.

Accommodation is fully provided at UC Berkeley’s International House, a vibrant and diverse residential community that hosts scholars and students from around the world. This environment not only offers comfortable living arrangements but also fosters cross-cultural exchange and networking opportunities with individuals from various academic and professional backgrounds.

Fellows will receive a monthly subsistence allowance to cover daily living expenses, including meals, transportation, and personal needs throughout the duration of the fellowship. This financial support allows participants to dedicate their time and energy fully to research and academic engagement.

In addition, fellows are provided with office space at the Center for African Studies, along with access to computing facilities and administrative support. They also gain full access to UC Berkeley’s extensive academic resources, including world-class libraries, specialized research centers, and digital databases. These resources significantly enhance the quality and depth of their research work.

Beyond material support, the fellowship offers invaluable academic and professional benefits. Fellows have the opportunity to collaborate with leading scholars and faculty members, participate in conferences and seminars, and present their research findings to an international audience. They also build long-lasting professional networks that can lead to future collaborations, joint publications, and career advancement opportunities.

To qualify for this fellowship, applicants must be citizens and residents of an African country and must be currently affiliated with an African-based institution. This includes universities, research organizations, policy think tanks, or non-governmental organizations. The fellowship is specifically designed for scholars who are actively contributing to knowledge production and development within the African continent.

Applicants are required to hold a PhD (or equivalent doctoral degree) at the time of application, demonstrating that they have already achieved a high level of academic training and are capable of undertaking independent and advanced research. In addition to academic qualifications, candidates should have a strong record of research, publications, or professional contributions within their respective fields.

The program particularly encourages applications from scholars whose research focuses on critical issues affecting Africa today and in the future. These may include, but are not limited to, themes such as youth empowerment, employment and labor markets, governance and public policy, migration and mobility, digital transformation, climate change, innovation, and sustainable development. However, scholars from all academic disciplines are welcome to apply, provided their work demonstrates relevance and impact.

Applicants must also show a clear research plan outlining what they intend to accomplish during their stay at UC Berkeley. This includes demonstrating how access to Berkeley’s academic resources, faculty mentorship, and research environment will contribute to the successful completion of their project. Strong communication skills and the ability to engage in academic discussions and mentorship activities are also essential qualities expected from candidates.

This fellowship is open to applicants from all African countries. There is no restriction to specific regions, meaning scholars from East Africa, West Africa, Central Africa, North Africa, and Southern Africa are all eligible to apply.

To qualify, applicants must be citizens and current residents of an African country and must also be affiliated with an institution based on the African continent, such as a university, research center, or policy organization.

The program is specifically designed to support scholars who are actively contributing to research and development within Africa, regardless of their country, as long as they meet the academic and institutional requirements.

Click the official link below to apply for this opportunity