Learn about the Connect Africa Scholarships, which provide travel grants of $2,000–$10,000 to support African Master’s students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career scientists with research training, conferences, and international collaborations.
Connect Africa Scholarships (CAS) are designed to strengthen the careers of Africa’s next generation of scientists by providing funding for research travel, professional training, scientific conferences, and collaborative learning opportunities. Administered through the Sub-Saharan African Network for TB/HIV Research Excellence (SANTHE) and supported by the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, the scholarships help emerging researchers expand their knowledge, build international partnerships, and contribute to scientific innovation across Africa.
Although the scholarships are currently not accepting new applications, prospective applicants can prepare for future funding rounds by understanding the eligibility requirements and application process.
About the Connect Africa Scholarships
The Connect Africa Scholarships were established to support the professional development of early-career African researchers working in health sciences. By funding travel and skills-building opportunities, the program enables researchers to gain exposure to new technologies, collaborate with international experts, and participate in scientific events that advance their careers.
The scholarships are generously supported by the Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), MIT and Harvard. Previous funding has also been provided by the Mark and Lisa Schwartz Foundation through the Ragon Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital.
Scholarship Objectives
The Connect Africa Scholarships aim to:
- Support research career development for African scientists.
- Build scientific leadership across Africa.
- Promote international and intra-African research collaboration.
- Enhance technical and laboratory skills.
- Strengthen research networks.
- Increase participation in global scientific conferences and training.
- Foster partnerships among leading African research institutions.
Scholarship Value
Successful applicants may receive travel grants ranging from:
- $2,000 to $10,000
The award amount depends on the purpose, scope, and budget of the proposed travel.
What the Scholarship Covers
Funding may be used for approved travel-related expenses, including:
- International airfare
- Domestic airfare
- Accommodation
- Ground transportation
- Visa fees
- Conference registration fees
- Training course fees
- Other approved travel expenses
Applicants must submit a detailed budget explaining how the funds will be used.
Types of Awards
Global Awards
Global awards support researchers affiliated with SANTHE institutions who wish to:
- Attend international scientific conferences.
- Participate in specialized training.
- Join key scientific meetings.
- Build international research collaborations.
- Visit research institutions anywhere in the world.
Intra-Africa Awards
Intra-Africa awards support researchers traveling within Africa to:
- Attend conferences.
- Receive specialized scientific training.
- Learn new laboratory techniques.
- Participate in teaching opportunities.
- Develop collaborative research partnerships.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be an African national.
- Be a student or researcher at a SANTHE-affiliated institution, or
- Be seeking to travel to a SANTHE-affiliated institution for an eligible activity.
Eligible applicants include:
- Master’s students
- PhD candidates
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Early-career research scientists
Applicants should be involved in research related to:
- HIV
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- SARS-CoV-2
- Related infectious diseases and associated health conditions
Participating Institutions
The scholarship supports researchers affiliated with SANTHE partner institutions and associated organizations across Africa, including:
- Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership (BHP)
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme
- Rwanda Zambia Health Research Group
- Uganda Case Research Collaboration
- University of Botswana
- University of Rwanda
- University of Zambia
- University of Zimbabwe
- Makerere University
- CAPRISA
- KRISP
- And several additional partner institutions across Sub-Saharan Africa
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- The scientific value of the proposed travel.
- The applicant’s qualifications and career stage.
- The expected impact on the applicant’s research career.
- The quality and feasibility of the proposed activities.
- The overall need for funding.
Applications are reviewed by a committee of scientists from the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) and the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard.
Application Requirements
Applicants are generally required to submit:
- Completed application form
- Detailed travel itinerary
- Budget and budget justification
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Supporting documentation
- Letters of recommendation (where required)
- Evidence of conference acceptance or training invitation, if applicable
Important Information
Applicants should note that:
- The review process typically takes approximately three weeks.
- Scholarship funds are transferred to the applicant’s institution—not directly to personal bank accounts.
- Funding is released only after proof of full trip funding has been secured.
- Recipients must submit a two-page travel report and at least one photograph after completing the funded activity.
- Publications or presentations resulting from the supported travel must acknowledge the Connect Africa Scholarships.
- Individuals may receive only one Connect Africa Scholarship per year.
Benefits of the Scholarship
Recipients gain opportunities to:
- Learn advanced scientific techniques.
- Present research internationally.
- Expand professional networks.
- Build collaborations with leading researchers.
- Strengthen academic and research careers.
- Improve scientific leadership skills.
- Access world-class training and mentorship.
Current Application Status
The Connect Africa Scholarships are currently closed to new applications. Future funding opportunities may be announced by AHRI and SANTHE, and interested applicants are encouraged to monitor official updates for the next call.
Conclusion
The Connect Africa Scholarships have become an important source of support for African Master’s students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career scientists seeking to advance their research careers. By funding travel, training, conferences, and collaborative research, the program strengthens scientific capacity across Africa while fostering global partnerships that contribute to improved health research and innovation.
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