UC Berkeley Center for African Studies Visiting Fellowships

About the scholarship

The Visiting Fellowship is designed to support African Scholars currently working at academic institutions, think tanks or NGOs across the African continent. The program aims to provide a space for research, writing collaboration, and reflection while fostering lasting academic connections with UC Berkeley Faculty and Mastercard Foundation Scholars Community.

Eligibility

Applicants for the UC Berkeley Center for African Studies Visiting Fellowships must meet the following criteria:

• Residency and Affiliation: Be a resident of an African country and currently affiliated with a recognized university, research institution, think tank, or non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Africa.
• Academic Qualifications: Hold a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree at the time of application, with a strong academic record demonstrated through publications, conference presentations, or research grants.
• Research Agenda: Present a clear and feasible research proposal that aligns with the fellowship’s goals of fostering academic collaboration and advancing African studies. The proposal should outline objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
• Professional Experience: Demonstrate a minimum of three years of post-Ph.D. research or professional experience in a relevant field, with evidence of contributions to African scholarship or policy development.
• English Proficiency: Provide proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL iBT 90 or IELTS 7.0, with no band below 6.5) if English is not the applicant’s first language or if prior education was not conducted in English.
• Application Requirements: Submit a completed application via UC Berkeley’s online portal, including a CV, research proposal (max. 2,000 words), two letters of recommendation, and evidence of current affiliation. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.
• Commitment to Collaboration: Show a willingness to engage with UC Berkeley faculty and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Community through research seminars, workshops, or co-authored publications.

Priority is given to applicants whose research addresses pressing issues in African development, such as education, public health, governance, or sustainability, and who demonstrate potential for long-term academic partnerships.