UC Berkeley Center for African Studies Visiting Fellowships 2027: Fully Funded for African Scholars

Applications are now open for the University of California Berkeley Center for African Studies Visiting Fellowships 2027 for African Scholars (Fully Funded). The Center for African Studies, backed by the Mastercard Foundation, offers two fellowships for Africa-based researchers who hold PhDs. Fellows can pursue research, build ties with UC Berkeley faculty, and mentor students. The deadline is April 17th, 2026. This article covers eligibility, benefits, application steps, preferred research themes, and related opportunities.

The fellowships aim to help scholars from Africa complete key projects like articles or books. They also build stronger links between African researchers and UC Berkeley experts. During their stay, fellows mentor Mastercard Foundation Scholars and join campus life. This setup lets them focus on work while gaining new ideas. Now, let’s look at who can apply.

Key Takeaways

African scholars with PhDs earned by January 2022 who live and work in Africa can apply for these fully funded fellowships.
Benefits include round-trip airfare, housing at International House, a living stipend, office space, and full access to UC Berkeley resources.
Applications are due by April 17, 2026; submit your PhD proof, CV, and a research proposal focused on themes like youth, mobility, or technology.
Fellows will conduct research, build ties with faculty, mentor students, and join academic events during their stay.

Eligibility:

Reside in an African country and work with an African institution, such as a university, think tank, or NGO.
Hold a PhD received on or before January 2022.
Show clear potential to make strong contributions to your field.
Preference goes to projects on topics like youth, labor, livelihoods, mobility, displacement, technology, democracy, or futures (two fellowships available).

Benefits:

Travel: Return economy class airfare to Berkeley, California.
Accommodation: Stay at UC Berkeley’s International House.
Financial Support: Subsistence allowance for daily living costs.
Office Space: Desk and computer access at the Center for African Studies.
Access to Resources: Full use of UC Berkeley libraries, collections, online tools, and the campus community.
Academic Events: Join seminars and events from the Center and other departments.

To apply, follow these steps:

Review full details on the official webpage.
Gather proof of your PhD, CV, and a research proposal that highlights preferred themes like youth or democracy.
Submit everything by April 17th, 2026. Selection focuses on your potential and how well your work fits the program.

Fellowships favor research in key areas. Here are examples:

Youth: A study on how young people in urban areas build skills for jobs.
Labor: Research on worker rights in changing industries across Africa.
Livelihoods: Projects exploring farming tech to boost rural incomes.
Mobility: Analysis of migration patterns due to climate shifts.
Displacement: Work on support systems for those forced from homes by conflict.
Technology: Ideas on digital tools aiding small businesses.
Democracy: Studies on voter turnout in new elections.
Futures: Visions for sustainable growth in African cities.

Related Opportunities:

SSRC African Peacebuilding Network (APN) Individual Research Fellowships.
Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience (P.R.I.M.E.).
Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) Research Fellowship Program.
TWAS Fellowships for Research and Advanced Training.
Echidna Global Scholars Program at Brookings Institution.

The UC Berkeley Center for African Studies Visiting Fellowships 2027 offer African scholars a fully funded chance to advance their research, connect with experts, and mentor students. With benefits like travel, housing, and full campus access, this program supports key projects in areas like youth, labor, and democracy. Check the official website and submit your application by April 17, 2026, to seize this opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the UC Berkeley African Studies Fellowships 2027?

You must live and work at an African institution, hold a PhD from before January 2022, and show strong potential in fields like youth or democracy.

What benefits do the fellowships provide?

They cover economy class travel, housing at International House, a daily stipend, office space, library access, and event participation.

When is the application deadline?

Submit your application by April 17, 2026, through the official webpage with your PhD proof, CV, and research proposal.

What research themes are preferred?

Focus on youth, labor, livelihoods, mobility, displacement, technology, democracy, or futures for the best fit.