Center for African Studies Visiting Fellowships, 2027 | University of California

Center for African Studies Visiting Fellowships, 2027 | University of California

University of California, Berkeley

Fully Funded Research Fellowship for Africa-Based Scholars

The Center for African Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, with the support of the Mastercard Foundation, is pleased to announce two Visiting Fellowships for Africa-based researchers. These fellowships provide a unique opportunity to spend one semester conducting independent research at one of the world’s leading public universities.

Programme Overview

About the Fellowship

The Visiting Fellowship provides scholars based in Africa with the opportunity to pursue independent research, complete a major article or book, foster academic ties with UC Berkeley faculty, and enrich the life of the Center by mentoring Mastercard Foundation Scholars during their stay.

Fellows become part of a vibrant intellectual community and gain access to Berkeley’s world-class resources while contributing their expertise to the Center’s activities.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows receive comprehensive support, including:

Travel

• Return economy class airfare to Berkeley, California

Accommodation

• Housing at UC Berkeley’s International House

Financial Support

• A subsistence allowance to cover everyday living costs

Office Space

• Dedicated desk space and access to a computer at the Center for African Studies

Access to Resources

• Full access to UC Berkeley’s world-renowned libraries, collections, and online resources

• Connection to the extraordinary intellectual community at Berkeley

Academic Events

• Access to seminars and events organized by the Center for African Studies

• Participation in activities across all departments on campus

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this fellowship, applicants must meet all the following requirements:

• Reside in an African country at the time of application

• Be affiliated with an African institution, which can be a university, think tank, or non-governmental organization

• Hold a PhD received on or before January 2022

• Demonstrate potential to contribute meaningfully to their field of study

Preferred Research Areas

While the fellowship is open to various fields of study, preference will be given to research projects that focus on:

• Youth

• Labor and livelihoods

• Mobility and displacement

• Technology

• Democracy and governance

• Futures studies

• Related themes

Application Requirements

Interested candidates must submit the following documents through the provided online link:

1. Two-Page Curriculum Vitae

   • Highlight your academic background, publications, and relevant experience

2. Research Proposal (Maximum 2 Pages, excluding references)

   • Clearly outline your research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes

   • Explain how the fellowship at Berkeley will advance your work

   • Include a timeline for completion of your project

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted through the official online portal. Use the link provided in the original announcement to access the application form.

Visit the Official Webpage of the University of California Berkeley Visiting Fellowship

Important Dates

About the Mastercard Foundation

The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion, enabling young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work.

Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organization separate from the company. It has offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa.

Website: www.mastercardfdn.org

About the Center for African Studies at UC Berkeley

The Center for African Studies at the University of California, Berkeley is a hub for interdisciplinary research, teaching, and public engagement on Africa. It brings together faculty and students from across the campus to advance knowledge about African societies, cultures, and economies.

Contact Information

For questions about the fellowship, please refer to the contact details provided on the official UC Berkeley Center for African Studies website.

Final Tips for Applicants

• Start preparing your research proposal early. A clear, focused proposal strengthens your application.

• Ensure your CV highlights your most relevant achievements and publications.

• Demonstrate how your research connects to the preferred themes of youth, labor, technology, or democracy.

• Explain clearly what you hope to accomplish during the four-month residency.

• Proofread all materials before submission.

Visit the Official Webpage of the University of California Berkeley Visiting Fellowship

Good luck with your application

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