The AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Programme (VFP) 2027 is now accepting applications from PhD students enrolled at African universities whose research focuses on Innovation and Development (I&D). Organised by the African Network for Economics of Learning, Innovation, and Competence Building Systems (AfricaLics), the fellowship offers a fully funded three-month research stay at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), South Africa, alongside year-long mentorship, academic training, and international networking opportunities. Established in 2015 with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the programme has already supported more than 50 doctoral researchers from low- and lower-middle-income African countries. The 2027 cohort aims to strengthen the next generation of African scholars working at the intersection of innovation, technology, sustainability, industrial development, agriculture, energy, and social transformation. About the AfricaLics Visiting Fellowship Programme The AfricaLics VFP is designed to strengthen the research capacity of African PhD students by providing exposure to leading international scholars, structured mentorship, advanced academic writing support, and participation in a vibrant continental research community. The programme combines online learning with an intensive residential research period at the DSI-NRF Trilateral Research Chair in Transformative Innovation, the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Sustainable Development (TRCTI) at the University of Johannesburg. Fellows will work closely with senior researchers from the AfricaLics and Globelics networks while advancing their doctoral dissertations. The fellowship begins with online activities in February 2027, followed by the residential visit from 6 September to 3 December 2027, and concludes with additional online mentorship extending into early 2028. Fully Funded Fellowship Benefits Selected fellows will receive comprehensive financial and academic support throughout the programme. The fellowship includes: Fully funded return economy airfare to Johannesburg Accommodation near the University of Johannesburg Monthly living stipend of approximately US$600 Health and travel insurance during the fellowship period Mentorship from internationally recognised scholars Academic writing and systematic literature review courses Participation in paper presentation seminars and the AfricaLics PhD Academy Access to AfricaLics alumni activities, webinars, conferences, and research networks AfricaLics also provides funding for the two face-to-face supervision meetings involving fellows, mentors, and home supervisors. Research Areas AfricaLics welcomes applications from doctoral students whose work examines how technological and social innovation contribute to sustainable development in Africa. The programme is multidisciplinary and encourages applicants from both social sciences and STEM disciplines, provided the research has a strong Innovation and Development perspective. Priority research themes include: Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Measurement Global Value Chains, Innovation and Industrialisation Agricultural Innovation and Climate Resilience Sustainable Energy Transitions Digital Economy and Fourth Industrial Revolution Manufacturing and Work Organisation Health Innovation Gender and Inclusive Development Technology Policy and Sustainable Development Applicants from economics, sociology, political science, geography, development studies, history, science and technology policy, engineering, manufacturing, and related disciplines are encouraged to apply. Who Can Apply? The fellowship is open to PhD students enrolled at African universities located in countries classified as low-income or lower-middle-income by the OECD/DAC. Applicants must: Be enrolled in a PhD programme at an African university Have research focused on Innovation and Development Preferably have completed the first year of PhD studies by December 2026 Demonstrate adequate English proficiency Have secured primary funding for their PhD studies from another source Female PhD students and applicants from low-income African countries are particularly encouraged to apply as part of AfricaLics’ commitment to strengthening diversity within the Innovation and Development research community. Fellowship Structure The programme extends over approximately one year and combines online and in-person learning. Key components include: ActivityTimelineOnline orientation & coursesFebruary 2027AfricaLics PhD AcademyApril 2027Residential fellowship at UJ6 Sept – 3 Dec 2027Final mentorship & online activitiesDec 2027 – Early 2028 During the residential period, fellows will focus on data analysis, article writing, dissertation chapters, research seminars, and collaborative engagement with scholars at UJ. Each participant will be matched with one or two mentors whose expertise aligns with their research topic. These mentors complement—but do not replace—the student’s official PhD supervisors. Required Application Documents Applicants must submit the online application together with the following supporting documents: One-page motivation (maximum 500 words) PhD project outline (maximum five pages) Curriculum Vitae Letter of support from the main PhD supervisor Letter of support from the university administration Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates One writing sample (article or dissertation chapter) Passport copies are not required during the application stage. Successful candidates will receive visa support after selection. Selection Criteria Applications will be assessed through a rigorous academic review based on: Relevance to Innovation and Development research Clearly defined research questions Strong theoretical and conceptual framework Methodological rigour and feasibility Potential to benefit from the fellowship and available mentorship The programme also considers diversity and aims to strengthen research capacity across different African regions. How to Strengthen Your Application Competitive applicants should clearly demonstrate how their doctoral research contributes to solving African development challenges through innovation. The motivation statement should explain why participation in the fellowship will strengthen the dissertation, expand international collaboration, and contribute to future academic or policy impact. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the fellowship with their supervisors before applying to ensure the programme is fully integrated into their doctoral work plan. Important Dates EventDateInformation Session (Zoom)17 September 2026Application Deadline2 October 2026Shortlisted Interviews27 & 30 November 2026Notification of ResultsMid-Dec 2026 / Early Jan 2027Fellowship BeginsFebruary 2027Study Visit6 Sept – 3 Dec 2027 Applications must be submitted through the official AfricaLics online application portal no later than 2 October 2026 (23:00 East Africa Time). Global South Opportunities does not participate in the selection process. Applicants should submit all materials directly through the official AfricaLics application system. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.