Just announced! The FRIAS Sustainable Governance Senior Fellowship Programme for Researchers from Africa (academic year 2026/27) is an elite, fully‑funded six‑month residential fellowship at the University of Freiburg, Germany. If you’re a senior researcher based in an African institution—with a PhD, extensive post‑doctoral experience, and a focus on governance questions in the Humanities or Social Sciences—this is an irresistible, time‑sensitive opportunity to elevate your research on the global stage.
This transformational fellowship offers comprehensive support, including a monthly living stipend of up to €1,500, a research cost contribution, mobility allowance, and round‑trip travel expenses, depending on your status with the University. There is no salary, but the total package effectively covers all living and academic expenses in Freiburg. Fellows also enjoy access to modern office space, library resources, and tailored support including family accommodation and childcare where needed. Full‑time residency in Freiburg from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027 is mandatory.
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Eligibility is strict and merit-based: you must hold a completed doctoral degree and have at least eight years post‑doctoral experience, along with a record of five peer‑reviewed publications since 1 January 2016, including at least one co‑authored work. Your Master’s or PhD must have been awarded by an African university, and you must have completed at least six months of study or research abroad outside the country where you earned your first academic degree. You will also need to provide a letter of cooperation from a University of Freiburg professor who will support your project during your fellowship. The selection process is competitive, with an expected acceptance rate of around 10 %.
This is an epic opportunity—from unmatched academic infrastructure to interdisciplinary exchange in a top‑ranked German university. Your presence at Freiburg will immerse you in a stimulating international intellectual community focused on advancing sustainable governance research. Whether your proposal explores climate governance, social policy, public finance, resource allocation, transitional justice, or institutional reform, this fellowship offers the academic freedom and visibility to drive impactful knowledge creation.
This exclusive, high‑impact Senior Fellowship is your opportunity to transform your sustainable governance research into a global academic contribution. With full funding, a vibrant scholarly environment, and world-class mentorship, this fellowship is the perfect springboard for advancing policy-relevant scholarship.
Name of organizer
Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg
Requirement/Eligibility
1. Must hold a completed PhD and have at least eight years of post‑doctoral experience.
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2. Must be based at an academic institution in Africa, regardless of nationality.
3. Must have at least five peer‑reviewed publications since 1 January 2016, including at least one co‑authored work.
4. Must have completed minimum six months of research or study experience abroad, in a country other than where your first academic degree was awarded—and your Master or PhD must be obtained in an African country.
5. Research project must fall within Humanities or Social Sciences and demonstrate a clear thematic focus on sustainable governance.
6. Must submit a letter of cooperation from a University of Freiburg professor supporting your project during the fellowship.
7. Only online applications submitted via the FRIAS portal will be accepted—no email or paper-based submissions.
8. Applications must include: Project proposal (max 3000 words + up to 4 graphs), CV (template), publication list, PhD diploma, and letter of cooperation.
9. Full-time presence in Freiburg is mandatory for the duration of the fellowship, from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027.
10. Must be prepared to engage in a highly competitive, strictly merit-based selection process, with an expected success rate of ~10%.
Duration/Stipend
Duration: Six‑month residential fellowship—from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027, full-time at FRIAS in Freiburg.
Stipend & financial support: Fellows will receive a monthly living allowance of up to €1,500, research cost contribution, mobility allowance, and travel expense coverage for inbound/outbound journeys. For those without employment at their home institution, a full contract (W2 level) may be provided. Family support allowances are possible for accompanying children.
Deadline
12 September 2025
Apply Now
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