The University of California (UC) Berkeley Visiting Fellowships 2026 for African Scholars (Fully Funded)

The Center for African Studies, with the support of the Mastercard Foundation, is pleased to announce two Visiting Fellowships to be hosted at the University of California, Berkeley. Eligible applicants must be residents of an African country and currently hold an academic/research position at an African university, or affiliated to a research institution, think tank, or Non-Government Organization.

The purpose of the Fellowship is to provide Fellows with the opportunity to pursue independent research, complete a major article or book, foster academic ties with existing UC Berkeley faculty, and enrich the life of the Center by mentoring Mastercard Foundation Scholars during their stay. (Read more on Mastercard Foundation Scholars). The Fellowship is one semester (four months) in duration, commences no later than Tuesday, 20 January 2026, and is non-renewable.

ELIGIBILITY

  • Reside in an African country, and affiliated with an African institution (University, Think Tank, or Non-Governmental Organization).
  • Be in possession of a PhD at the time of application.
  • Have demonstrated potential to contribute meaningfully to their field of study.
  • Although the field of study is not restricted to the following areas of research, preference will be given to projects that focus on issues of youth, labor, livelihoods, mobility, displacement, technology, democracy, futures, among others.

DEADLINE: September 5, 2025

To apply and for more information, visit here

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