Apply Now For The Fully-Funded University Of California (UC) Berkeley Visiting Fellowships For African Scholars

Apply Now for the Fully-Funded University of California (UC) Berkeley Visiting Fellowships for African Scholars – 2026. Are you an early- to mid-career academic or researcher based in Africa holding a PhD? The University of California, Berkeley’s Center for African Studies, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is offering two fully-funded Visiting Fellowships for the Spring 2026 semester. This prestigious opportunity allows you to conduct independent research, finalize a major academic project, and contribute to mentoring the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at UC Berkeley. If you’re passionate about African research and strengthening scholarly networks, this is your chance to engage with a world-class academic community! The application deadline is September 5, 2025.

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Background & Job Description

The Center for African Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, is a leading institution for research and scholarship on Africa. In collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, a major philanthropic organization focused on advancing education and financial inclusion in Africa, these Visiting Fellowships aim to support and elevate African scholarship. The program provides a unique platform for early- to mid-career African academics and researchers to deepen their work, foster academic ties with UC Berkeley faculty, and enrich the university’s intellectual environment. Fellows are expected to not only advance their own research but also to contribute actively to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program by mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, embodying the spirit of youth-centered development and empowering the next generation of African leaders.

Tasks

Selected Visiting Fellows will engage in a four-month program focused on research and mentorship. Their primary tasks will include:

Conducting independent research on their chosen topic.
Working towards finalizing a major article or book project.
Engaging with UC Berkeley’s diverse academic community through seminars, events, and networking.
Contributing to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program by mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

Apply Now for the Fully-Funded University of California (UC) Berkeley Visiting Fellowships for African Scholars – 2026

Qualifications

Education and Certification

Applicants must possess a PhD at the time of application.

Experience

Candidates must be residents of an African country and hold a current academic or research position at an African university, think tank, research institute, or NGO. They must demonstrate a strong track record or clear potential to make a meaningful contribution to their field of study. While the fellowship is open to all disciplines, priority will be given to research proposals aligning with themes such as youth and livelihoods, labor and employment, migration, mobility, and displacement, technology and innovation, democracy and governance, and futures studies and sustainable development.

Additional Information

These are two fully-funded, non-renewable fellowships, each lasting one semester (4 months), beginning no later than January 20, 2026. The fellowship provides comprehensive support, including round-trip economy class airfare from the home country to Berkeley, housing at UC Berkeley’s International House, a subsistence allowance to cover living expenses, and desk space with computer access at the Center for African Studies. Fellows will also have full access to UC Berkeley’s world-class libraries, research databases, and academic resources, as well as participation in campus seminars, events, and networking opportunities. This is a significant opportunity for African scholars to access world-class resources and strengthen their academic careers.

Important Dates:

Application Deadline: September 5, 2025.
Fellowship Start: No later than January 20, 2026.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit their Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a research proposal of no more than two pages (excluding references). All submissions should be emailed to: asc@berkeley.edu.

Please Note: As the publisher of this job post, I am not affiliated with the University of California, Berkeley, or the Mastercard Foundation. I am simply sharing this opportunity for the benefit of my audience. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official website of the UC Berkeley Center for African Studies or contact them directly at the provided email address.

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