Discover 10 travel grants for African Master’s and PhD students in 2026–2027. Explore funding opportunities covering conference travel, research visits, international collaborations, accommodation, and research expenses.
Travel grants play an important role in helping graduate students and early-career researchers participate in conferences, conduct field research, collaborate with international institutions, and build global academic networks. Many organizations offer funding that covers airfare, accommodation, conference registration, research costs, and living expenses for Master’s and PhD students across Africa.
Below are ten notable travel funding opportunities available to African scholars and researchers.
1. WARC Travel Grant
The West African Research Association (WARC) supports African scholars and graduate students undertaking research visits within Africa.
Funding
- Travel support of up to $1,500
- Research stipend of $1,500
Funding Covers
- Airfare
- Research travel
- Fieldwork
- Academic collaboration
- Research-related expenses
Eligible Applicants
- African researchers
- Graduate students
- Scholars conducting research in Africa
2. Connect Africa Scholarships
Supported by the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, the Connect Africa Scholarships help early-career African researchers strengthen their scientific careers.
Funding
- $2,000–$10,000
Funding Covers
- Research travel
- Professional development
- Scientific collaboration
- Academic networking
Eligible Applicants
- Early-career scientists
- Graduate students
- African researchers
3. DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) supports postgraduate education within Africa through regional scholarship programs.
Funding May Include
- Tuition support
- Travel expenses
- Living allowance
- Research support
- Academic mobility
Eligible Applicants
- Master’s students
- PhD candidates
- Students studying within eligible African universities
4. African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards
The African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards recognize outstanding African scientists while supporting scientific excellence and collaboration.
Award Value
- Up to $100,000 (Continental Awards)
- Up to $20,000 (Regional Awards)
Supports
- Scientific research
- Research collaboration
- Professional recognition
- International engagement
5. Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program
The Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program supports collaborations between African-born scholars in North America and higher education institutions across Africa.
Funding Covers
- Round-trip airfare
- Ground transportation
- Visa costs
- Health insurance
- Daily stipend of approximately $150
Eligible Applicants
- African-born scholars residing in the United States or Canada
- African universities hosting collaborative projects
6. TWAS Research Grants Programme
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) supports scientists in developing countries undertaking research in science and technology.
Grant Value
- Up to $30,000
Funding Covers
- Research travel
- Laboratory equipment
- Scientific consumables
- Research activities
Fields Supported
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
7. African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD)
The AWARD program empowers women scientists working in agricultural research across Africa.
Funding Supports
- Conference attendance
- Professional training
- Workshops
- Leadership development
- Scientific networking
Eligible Applicants
Women researchers working in agriculture and related scientific disciplines.
8. Royal Society Africa Prize
The Royal Society Africa Prize supports scientific collaboration between researchers in Africa and the United Kingdom.
Funding May Support
- International travel
- Accommodation
- Collaborative meetings
- Workshops
- Scientific conferences
Objectives
- Strengthen research partnerships
- Promote scientific excellence
- Foster international collaboration
9. Wellcome International Training Fellowships
The Wellcome International Training Fellowships support researchers from low- and middle-income countries pursuing advanced health research training.
Funding Value
- Approximately £150,000–£300,000
Funding Covers
- International travel
- Research expenses
- Living costs
- Training
- Career development
Eligible Applicants
Researchers from eligible low- and middle-income countries pursuing postgraduate or postdoctoral training in health-related fields.
10. Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future
The Faculty for the Future program supports women from developing countries pursuing advanced STEM education.
Funding
- $25,000–$50,000 per year
Funding Covers
- Tuition
- Research
- Living expenses
- International study
- Academic travel
Eligible Applicants
Women pursuing PhD or postdoctoral studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Bonus Resource
Advance Africa Travel Grants
Advance Africa regularly publishes funding opportunities for African students and researchers, including travel grants, scholarships, fellowships, internships, and academic awards from organizations around the world.
Benefits of Travel Grants
These funding opportunities help researchers:
- Attend international conferences
- Present research findings
- Build global academic networks
- Conduct field research
- Access specialized laboratories
- Collaborate with international experts
- Enhance publication opportunities
- Advance academic careers
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility varies by program, but applicants commonly include:
- Master’s students
- PhD candidates
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Early-career scientists
- University faculty
- Academic researchers
- Women in STEM
- African scholars
Application Tips
To improve your chances of success:
- Prepare a strong research proposal.
- Develop a realistic travel and research budget.
- Request recommendation letters early.
- Highlight the impact of your research.
- Demonstrate how the travel will contribute to your academic or professional development.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
Conclusion
Travel grants provide African Master’s and PhD students with valuable opportunities to engage in international research, attend conferences, and build lasting academic partnerships. Whether your field is science, agriculture, health, engineering, or the social sciences, these programs can help reduce financial barriers and accelerate your research career. Regularly checking funding announcements and preparing application materials in advance can improve your chances of securing support.
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