The Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies, BIGSAS, invites outstanding African women scholars based on the continent to join an international community of early career researchers working in the field of African Studies. BIGSAS provides a centre for creative and innovative doctoral training based on the inter- and multi-disciplinary research environment of the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence at the University of Bayreuth. In 2026, BIGSAS is awarding two scholarships within the Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP) provided by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). For these, BIGSAS will nominate candidates who have successfully passed the BIGSAS application procedure. The final selection on the scholarship will be made by the DAAD. The scholarship periods begin in October 2026 at the earliest (including a German language course starting in summer 2026, if applicable). The scholarships are awarded for a total scholarship period of up to four years. The Bayreuth International Graduate School for African Studies (BIGSAS) at the University of Bayreuth, in partnership with the DAAD German Academic Exchange Service, is offering two fully funded scholarships starting October 2026. This initiative targets outstanding African women scholars based on the continent. Programme Highlights Fully funded scholarships covering tuition, living expenses, and research costs Start date: October 2026 Join a vibrant international African Studies community Engage in innovative, interdisciplinary research with global impact Receive structured mentorship and guidance from leading scholars Who Should Apply? Early career African women scholars based on the continent Researchers with a strong interest in African Studies Candidates pursuing interdisciplinary doctoral research Scholars whose research aligns with the expertise of BIGSAS academic members Why BIGSAS? Offers a well-organized framework for successful doctoral studies Provides close mentorship and support throughout the PhD journey Access to a diverse pool of expertise across African Studies disciplines Opportunity to collaborate with international researchers Participation in workshops, conferences, and networking opportunities Eligibility Criteria Applicants must: Have a very good Master’s or equivalent degree. The last Master’s or equivalent degree must have been obtained within the last six years at the time of nomination by BIGSAS. Your application must be accompanied by two reports (letters of recommendation) from academic teachers in your past study programme(s) that know you reasonably well. Please use the DAAD template or make sure that the reports cover the points listed in the DAAD template (https://www2.daad.de/medien/deutschland/stipendien/formulare/recommendation.pdf). This is a unique opportunity to join a vibrant international community of early career researchers in African Studies, pursue innovative doctoral research, and engage in interdisciplinary work with global impact. BIGSAS provides a structured doctoral framework, close mentorship, and access to a wide range of academic expertise, ensuring scholars are fully supported throughout their research journey. The scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and research costs, offering the financial freedom to focus entirely on academic excellence. Applicants should have a strong research focus in African Studies, demonstrate academic excellence, and show how their project aligns with BIGSAS faculty expertise. The programme encourages scholars to contribute to cutting-edge research that advances understanding of Africa and its diverse societies. Don’t miss this chance to advance your research, connect with an international scholarly network, and shape your future as a leader in African Studies. How to Apply Step-by-Step Guide to Application Step 1 – Check if you fulfill the basic application requirements Step 2 – Find a supervisor for your doctoral research project at BIGSAS Step 3 – Complete your application The application deadline is 04 January 2026 Visit Official Website Here For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.