Fully Funded: Apply for Center for African Studies Visiting Fellowship, 2026

This is a fully funded opportunity for you to study at the Center for African Studies at the University of California. The University of California, Berkeley’s Center for African Studies, supported by the Mastercard Foundation, is pleased to announce the availability of two Visiting Fellowships for the year 2026.

This fellowship provide a unique opportunity for scholars residing in Africa to engage in independent research while fostering academic connections within one of the world’s leading research institutions. The program is designed for individuals currently holding academic or research positions at African universities, research institutions, think tanks, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Fellowship Overview

The Visiting Fellowship spans one semester (approximately four months), beginning no later than January 20, 2026. This non-renewable fellowship is intended to support scholars in advancing their research projects, completing significant publications such as major articles or books, and engaging with UC Berkeley’s vibrant intellectual community. Fellows will also have the opportunity to mentor Mastercard Foundation Scholars, thereby contributing to the academic life and mentorship culture at the Center.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected Fellows will receive comprehensive support designed to facilitate their stay and maximize their academic productivity. This includes:

• Travel: Economy-class round-trip airfare to Berkeley, California, will be provided.
• Accommodation: Fellows will be housed at UC Berkeley’s International House, a welcoming residential community for international scholars.
• Financial Support: A subsistence allowance will be offered to cover daily living expenses during the fellowship period.
• Work Space: Dedicated desk space and computer access will be made available within the Center for African Studies.
• Access to Resources: Fellows will enjoy full access to UC Berkeley’s world-renowned libraries, collections, and online academic resources.
• Academic Engagement: Fellows are invited to participate in seminars, lectures, and events organized by the Center and across various departments on campus.

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship is open exclusively to scholars who meet the following criteria:

• Residency in an African country.
• Affiliation with an African academic institution, think tank, or NGO.
• Possession of a PhD at the time of application.
• Demonstrated potential for meaningful scholarly contribution within their field of study.

While the Center welcomes research proposals across a broad range of disciplines, priority will be given to projects addressing contemporary and critical themes such as youth, labor, livelihoods, mobility, displacement, technology, democracy, and future-oriented studies related to Africa.

Application Process

Applicants are required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV) and a research proposal not exceeding two pages in length (excluding references). The proposal should clearly articulate the project’s objectives, significance, and how the fellowship at UC Berkeley will contribute to the applicant’s academic goals.

All application materials must be sent electronically to asc@berkeley.edu by September 5, 2025. Only complete applications will be considered for review.

About the Mastercard Foundation

The Mastercard Foundation is a major global philanthropic organization committed to expanding educational and economic opportunities for young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada. Founded in 2006 as an independent charity, it supports visionary organizations to foster financial inclusion and access to dignified work. The Foundation maintains offices in several African cities, including Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa, as well as in Toronto, Canada. For more information, visit the Mastercard Foundation website at www.mastercardfdn.org.

Cultural Engagement

The call for applications is highlighted on the Center’s homepage by a painting of Ghanaian writer Ama Ata Aidoo, created by curator, artist, and researcher Joseph Oduro-Frimpong. This artwork symbolizes the Center’s commitment to African cultural and intellectual heritage, inspiring fellows to contribute to this rich tradition.

Conclusion

The UC Berkeley Center for African Studies Visiting Fellowship represents an exceptional opportunity for African scholars to enhance their research, build international academic networks, and contribute to intellectual exchange on the Berkeley campus. The program’s robust support framework and interdisciplinary environment are designed to nurture scholarly excellence and impactful research on African issues.

Prospective applicants with a commitment to advancing African studies and addressing pressing societal challenges are encouraged to apply. This fellowship will not only enable them to deepen their research but also to engage with a global community of scholars dedicated to the advancement of knowledge about Africa.

For further details, prospective candidates are invited to visit the Center’s website or contact the Center for African Studies directly.