The Center for African Studies at the University of California, Berkeley has just announced its prestigious Visiting Fellowships for Spring 2026, and this is your final chance to apply. If you are an African-based scholar with a PhD and an active research agenda, this is your exclusive chance to spend a transformative semester at one of the world’s top institutions—completely free of charge.
This life-changing fellowship provides African scholars with an exceptional opportunity to advance their academic research, collaborate with international scholars, and engage in meaningful mentorship with Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Berkeley. Fellows are expected to pursue independent research aligned with critical African development themes, including youth empowerment, migration, mobility, technology, governance, and displacement.
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During the program, fellows will gain unmatched access to world-class academic resources, libraries, seminars, archives, and direct collaboration with leading faculty members. This isn’t just a visit—it’s a transformational academic experience that opens the door to long-lasting academic partnerships and policy impact on the African continent.
With only a few slots available, this opportunity is highly competitive and time-sensitive. If you’re a dedicated scholar aiming to elevate your career, publish high-impact research, and shape Africa’s future through rigorous academic work, then this fellowship is for you.
The fellowship covers travel costs, monthly stipends, and provides full access to UC Berkeley’s academic infrastructure. The program will run for four months starting in January 2026, giving fellows a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in an intellectually vibrant environment that fosters innovation, interdisciplinary research, and mentorship.
Name of Organizer
University of California, Berkeley – Center for African Studies
Requirement/Eligibility
To be eligible for the 2026 UC Berkeley Center for African Studies Visiting Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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1. Must currently reside in an African country and be affiliated with an African university, research institute, think tank, or NGO.
2. Must hold a PhD degree from a recognized institution by the time of application.
3. Must be actively engaged in academic or policy research related to African development, governance, migration, youth, mobility, or related themes.
4. Must have a strong research proposal, clearly outlining the objectives and intended outputs of their project.
5. Must be committed to mentoring undergraduate Mastercard Foundation Scholars at UC Berkeley throughout the duration of the fellowship.
6. Must demonstrate academic excellence, with a track record of publications or impactful research relevant to the fellowship’s focus.
7. Must be available to attend the program in person in Berkeley for the Spring 2026 semester (beginning no later than 20 January 2026).
8. Must provide a 2-page research proposal outlining the focus and goals of the intended project (excluding references).
9. Must submit an updated curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting academic and professional experience.
10. Must take responsibility for obtaining a US visa and securing health insurance for the duration of the fellowship, with support from UC Berkeley if needed.
Duration/Stipend
The UC Berkeley Visiting Fellowship for African Scholars is a single-semester program, lasting for approximately four months during the Spring 2026 term. All fellows are expected to arrive at the university and begin the program no later than January 20, 2026.
The fellowship package includes the following:
- Round-trip international airfare from your home country in Africa to California, USA
- A monthly stipend to cover housing, meals, and day-to-day living expenses during the fellowship stay
- Access to UC Berkeley facilities, including research libraries, academic departments, faculty advisors, and student groups
- Participation in seminars, workshops, and conferences hosted by the university
- Research support and access to archival materials
- Mentorship opportunities with Mastercard Foundation Scholars and participation in community engagement activities
- Opportunities for public lectures and presentations to the UC Berkeley community
This fully funded program is designed to allow scholars to focus entirely on advancing their research, networking with faculty, and contributing to the intellectual life of the campus—all at zero personal cost.
Deadline
5 September 2025
Apply Now
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