The Center for African Studies at the University of California, Berkeley has announced the 2027 Visiting Fellowships for Africa-based researchers. Supported by the Mastercard Foundation, this prestigious fellowship programme offers scholars from African institutions the opportunity to conduct independent research while engaging with the academic community at UC Berkeley. The fellowship is designed to strengthen academic collaboration between African scholars and global research networks. It provides fellows with the resources, time, and intellectual environment necessary to advance major research projects, publish scholarly work, and contribute to knowledge exchange within the field of African studies. The programme will host two visiting fellows for a one-semester residency at UC Berkeley, allowing them to engage with faculty, participate in academic events, and mentor Mastercard Foundation Scholars during their stay. Fellowship Objectives The Visiting Fellowship aims to support Africa-based researchers in advancing their academic work while strengthening connections between African institutions and international research communities. Through this programme, fellows will have the opportunity to: Conduct independent academic research Complete a major journal article, policy paper, or academic book manuscript Collaborate with faculty members and researchers at UC Berkeley Contribute to academic dialogue within the Center for African Studies Mentor students in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program The fellowship also enriches the intellectual life of the center by integrating diverse perspectives from African scholars working across multiple disciplines. Duration and Start Date The fellowship is offered for one academic semester, which is equivalent to approximately four months. The programme is non-renewable and must commence no later than 19 January 2027. During the fellowship period, visiting researchers will be expected to actively participate in the academic environment at the Center for African Studies and across the UC Berkeley campus. Fellowship Benefits The Visiting Fellowship offers a comprehensive support package designed to ensure that fellows can focus fully on their research and academic engagement. Key benefits include: Return economy class airfare to Berkeley, California Accommodation at UC Berkeley’s International House A subsistence allowance to cover daily living expenses Dedicated office space and desk access at the Center for African Studies Access to a computer and essential academic resources In addition to financial and logistical support, fellows will gain access to UC Berkeley’s world-renowned libraries, research collections, and digital resources. Fellows will also benefit from participation in seminars, lectures, workshops, and academic events organized by the Center for African Studies and other departments across the university. Academic Engagement Opportunities The fellowship offers a vibrant academic environment that encourages collaboration and intellectual exchange. Fellows will have opportunities to engage with scholars across multiple disciplines and contribute to ongoing research conversations. Academic engagement activities include: Participating in seminars and scholarly discussions Attending conferences and public lectures on campus Collaborating with faculty and research groups Mentoring students in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program These interactions provide fellows with the opportunity to expand their professional networks and strengthen partnerships between African and international institutions. Eligibility Criteria Applicants interested in the Visiting Fellowship must meet several eligibility requirements. These criteria ensure that the programme supports established researchers who are actively contributing to academic and policy debates related to Africa. Eligible applicants must: Be residents of an African country Be affiliated with an African institution such as a university, research institute, think tank, or non-governmental organization Hold a PhD at the time of application Have received their PhD on or before January 2022 Applicants should also demonstrate strong potential to contribute meaningfully to their field of study through research, publications, or policy engagement. Preferred Research Areas The fellowship is open to researchers from a wide range of academic disciplines. However, preference will be given to research projects that address critical issues shaping the future of African societies and economies. Priority research themes include: Youth and employment Labor markets and livelihoods Migration and mobility Displacement and humanitarian challenges Technology and digital transformation Democracy and governance Future development pathways in Africa Projects that explore emerging social, economic, and political dynamics within African contexts are particularly encouraged. Application Requirements Applicants must submit a concise set of documents outlining their academic background and proposed research project. Required application materials include: A two-page Curriculum Vitae (CV) A research proposal not exceeding two pages (excluding references) The research proposal should clearly outline the objectives, methodology, and expected contributions of the proposed research project. All applications must be submitted through the official online application portal provided by the Center for African Studies. Application Deadline The deadline for submission of applications for the 2027 Visiting Fellowships is: 17 April 2026 Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to ensure that all required documents are successfully uploaded. About the Mastercard Foundation The fellowship programme is supported by the Mastercard Foundation, one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the world. Established in 2006, the foundation works to advance education and financial inclusion for young people. Through partnerships with educational institutions, governments, and development organizations, the foundation seeks to enable African youth and Indigenous youth in Canada to access meaningful and dignified employment opportunities. The Mastercard Foundation operates globally and maintains offices in several cities, including Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa. Conclusion The Center for African Studies Visiting Fellowship at UC Berkeley represents a significant opportunity for Africa-based scholars to advance their research within one of the world’s leading academic environments. By providing financial support, research resources, and access to a vibrant intellectual community, the programme enables fellows to strengthen their academic work while contributing to important conversations about Africa’s future. Researchers who meet the eligibility requirements and are engaged in impactful research related to African development are strongly encouraged to apply. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY 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 organization offering the visiting fellowship. 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.