ARUA Early Career Research Fellowship 2026 is a competitive program designed to support early career researchers from African Universities. It provides fellows with protected research time away from teaching duties to collaborate with senior scholars at ARUA centre of Excellence or Africa-Europe centres of Research Excellence, thereby strengthening research capacity and international collaboration across Africa.
About ARUA Early Career Research Fellowship 2026
ARUA Early Career Research Fellowship 2026 is administered by the African Research Universities Alliance.It enables early career academics to spend up to 6 months at a host CoE or CORE outside their home country , working on a defined research project aligned with the host centre’s thematic focus . The program promotes cross institutional collaboration, mentorship and high quality research output . The application process of the program is open to all applicants. However, the deadline of the Application is 22 January 2026 .
Objective of ARUA Early Career Research Fellowship 2026
The Scholarship aims :
To strengthen the research capacity of early career scholars at African Universities by allowing them dedicated time away from teaching responsibilities at their home institutions. During this period , fellows will work closely with experienced and leading researchers at ARUA Centres of Excellence or Africa – Europe Centres of Excellence. Each CoE and CoRE is required to host research fellows from countries other than its own .
Key Highlights of ARUA Early Career Research Fellowship 2026
| Scholarship Name | ARUA Early Career Research Fellowship 2026 |
| Scholarship Host | ARUA CoE or Africa – Europe CoRE |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Rewards | Monthly strip-end of USD 2000 |
| Target Group | Early Career Researcher |
| Application End | 22 January 2026 |
| Article Category | Scholarship |
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be an African nationals who have a PHD in a discipline or sub discipline related to the thematic area of the centre of excellence or cluster of Research Excellence .
- Must be within 5 years of completing their PHD.
- Applicants must be a young faculty or research members at the Aura University. Even Eligible cans from non aura university can apply.
- Female postdoctoral fellows will be considered on a limited basis.
- Applicants must be 35 years of age or younger at the time of application.
- Applicants should demonstrate an outstanding academic and research record relevant to the opportunity and show strong potential to build an international research profile and reputation .
- Applicants must be able to spend 6 months away from their home institution and must return to their home university after the fellowship period .
- Applicants must be actively engaged in an ongoing project related to the CoE or CORE and have sufficient existing data to successfully carry out the required roles and responsibilities.
- Eligible women are strongly encouraged to apply . A minimum of 70 % of the fellowships will be awarded to female applicants .
Assessment Process
- Administrative Screening for eligibility and completeness.
- Academic review of concept note and research alignment .
- Assessment of Applicant’s research record and potential.
- Consideration of host CoE/ CoRE fit and supervision .
- Final Selection by ARUA -appointed review panel .
Financial Assistance
- Selected candidates will be engaged by AURA for a period of 6 months. The fellowship provides a monthly strip-end of USD 2000 , limited accommodation support and a return airfare to the host institution. No relocation cost will be covered.
- Eligible women fellows may access additional financial assistance for adjustment needs such as childcare. The host CoE will also provide office space for the research fellow.
Important Dates
- Application Open: Open
- Application Deadline: 22 January 2026
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Full CV or Resume
- Letter of Support from home institution
- Evidence of PHD award
- Brief concept note ( Max 1500 words)
- Two academic writing Samples
- Passport Biodata Page
Features of ARUA Early Career Research Fellowship 2026
The Key features includes :
- Perfect research time
- International research collaboration
- Senior researcher mentorship
- Capacity building for African universities
- Strengthening Africa -Europe research partnership
Application Process of ARUA Early Career Research Fellowship 2026
- Identify a suitable ARUA CoE or Africa- Europe CoRE
- Prepared required documents
- Submit Application through the official ARUA application portal
- Await review and selection outcome
Helpline Number
- Website: aura.org
FAQs – ARUA Early Career Research Fellowship 2026
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