Applications are now open for the 2027 University of California, Berkeley Center for African Studies Visiting Fellowship, a fully funded programme supported by the Mastercard Foundation. The opportunity is designed for Africa-based researchers to undertake a residency at UC Berkeley, USA, with applications closing on April 17, 2026.
The University of California, Berkeley’s Center for African Studies has announced the opening of applications for its 2027 Visiting Fellowship Programme. The initiative aims to support high-level academic research and strengthen collaboration between African scholars and global research institutions.
The fellowship is being delivered in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and will host selected African researchers at the University of California, Berkeley in the United States for a fully funded research residency in 2027.
The programme will take place at UC Berkeley, USA, where successful applicants will conduct advanced research, engage with leading academics, and participate in seminars and intellectual activities.
Applications are currently open and will close on April 17, 2026.
The fellowship is organised by the UC Berkeley Center for African Studies and is targeted at experienced African scholars working in universities, research institutions, think tanks, and non-governmental organisations across Africa.
According to programme details, the initiative is designed to promote academic excellence, global collaboration, and research that contributes to development-focused solutions in Africa.
Selected fellows will receive full support for their research residency, including return economy-class airfare to Berkeley, California, accommodation at UC Berkeley International House, monthly subsistence allowance for living expenses, office space and computer access at the Center for African Studies, full access to UC Berkeley libraries, academic resources, and research networks, as well as participation in academic seminars, workshops, and campus events.
To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must be resident in an African country, affiliated with an African university, research institution, think tank, or NGO, possess a PhD obtained on or before January 2022, and demonstrate strong research potential and academic contribution. Preference will be given to research proposals focused on youth development, labour and livelihoods, migration and mobility, technology and innovation, democracy, governance, and future-oriented studies.
This fellowship provides African scholars with the opportunity to conduct advanced research at a world-class institution, access global academic networks and research resources, gain international exposure and collaboration opportunities, contribute to policy-relevant research on African development, and strengthen academic and professional growth.
Interested applicants are advised to visit the official application page, review eligibility requirements carefully, prepare their CV, research proposal, and supporting documents, and submit applications before the deadline.
Deadline April 17, 2026.
Source: YouthHubAfrica Opportunities Website.