The AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme 2025–2026, organized by the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx) at the University of Oxford, offers an extraordinary opportunity for African researchers to engage in scholarly work in collaboration with world-leading academics at Oxford. The program aims to nurture equitable partnerships and long-term research collaborations between African institutions and Oxford, empowering scholars across Africa to drive innovation and transformation in their home countries.
This fully funded fellowship allows selected candidates to work on a research project of their choice alongside Oxford faculty members. The fellowship includes a 12-month engagement, comprising 10 months of virtual collaboration and a 2-month in-person residency at Oxford University. During the residency, fellows are hosted by a department and an Oxford college, gaining full access to the University’s academic resources, research networks, and intellectual community.
The AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme supports researchers from a wide range of academic disciplines, including sciences, humanities, engineering, health, policy, social sciences, and more. It is particularly focused on supporting postdoctoral scholars and those in the early to mid stages of their research careers.
This initiative contributes to AfOx’s broader mission of fostering strong and equitable academic partnerships between African and UK institutions and strengthening the research capacity of African universities.
Name of Organizers
Requirement/Eligibility
To be considered for the AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme 2025–2026, applicants must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
1. Nationality
Must be a citizen of an African country.
Applicants should be currently residing in Africa and working at a research or academic institution located on the continent.
2. Academic Affiliation
Must be affiliated with an African academic or research institution at the time of application.
Applicants are expected to have a track record of academic or professional achievement.
3. Academic Level
The fellowship is open to postdoctoral researchers or those with equivalent experience in academia, policy, or practice.
4. Discipline
The programme welcomes applicants from all academic disciplines, including:
- Natural and physical sciences
- Health and medical sciences
- Social sciences
- Humanities
- Engineering and technology
- Business and economics
- Law and public policy
5. Oxford Collaborator
Applicants must have identified a potential Oxford collaborator.
A letter of support from the Oxford collaborator, on official letterhead, is required at the time of application.
The project proposal should demonstrate synergy with the collaborator’s field of research and a clear plan for mutual academic engagement.
6. Language Requirement
Applicants must be proficient in English, with the ability to effectively participate in academic discussions, write research proposals, and engage in collaboration.
7. Diversity & Inclusion
Female scholars and underrepresented groups in academia are particularly encouraged to apply.
Duration
The fellowship consists of a 12-month structured engagement, broken down as follows:
Fellowship Structure
10 Months Virtual Engagement:
- Fellows will begin working remotely with their Oxford collaborators.
- This includes regular virtual meetings, research planning, access to online academic resources, and skill-building sessions hosted by AfOx.
2 Months in-person Residency at Oxford:
Fellows will spend May and June 2026 in Oxford (Trinity Term). During this period, fellows will:
- Be affiliated with an Oxford academic department
- Join an Oxford college
- Participate in academic events, workshops, and interdisciplinary forums
- Network with scholars and researchers across Oxford
Stipend
The AfOx Visiting Fellowship is fully funded, covering:
- Round-trip airfare from Africa to Oxford
- Accommodation in a private en-suite room at the host college Weekly living allowance of up to £250 during the in-person visit
- Visa costs reimbursement and administrative support
- Temporary University card, giving access to libraries, laboratories, and other resources
- College membership, including access to the Senior Common Room
Fellows are also supported with:
1. Mentorship
2. Research development support
3. Opportunities to present and publish academic work
Deadline
6th June 2025
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