AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Program 2024

Published: 20 Nov 2023 1,033 views

AfricaLics – the African Network for Economics of Learning, Innovation and Competence Building Systems – is looking for suitable PhD students from universities in African countries to participate in the AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Programme, (2024 cohort) focused on Innovation and Development.

Under this programme successful candidates will be provided with the opportunity to participate in a fellowship programme which ideally combines online pre- and post-activities with a study period of 3 months at University of Johannesburg (UJ) in South Africa. The three months’ study visit to UJ is, however, subject to availability of funding and interested students are expected to help search for funds to finance their study visit at UJ themselves (see section on funding issues).

The 2024 VFP cohort activities will kick off with a range of online activities starting in February 2024 and activities are expected to be completed by the end of November /early December 2024. Activities will include a brief introduction to I&D studies as the AfricaLics network identifies this field, a course on writing skills and a course on ‘How to write an Academic Journal Article as well as 3 – 5 Paper Presentation Seminars. Activities will be online, but if funds permit, a 3-month study visit to UJ will also be incorporated. After engagement in the programme, students are offered the opportunity to continue engaging with the AfricaLics community e.g. through participation in AfricaLics Alumni activities, AfricaLics research conferences and our webinar series. In this way, students and young scholars help each other stay engaged and get a chance to help develop the field of African Innovation and Development studies.

AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Program

Benefits of AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Program

• Return Flight: Costs to Johannesburg may be covered by AfricaLics, subject to successful fundraising. Alternatively, students may fund these themselves.
• Health Insurance: Students should arrange their own, with possible reimbursement from AfricaLics.
• Stipend: If fundraising is successful, a monthly stipend of approximately $600 will be provided for living expenses in Johannesburg.
• Additional Support: Joint courses and online mentoring activities will be covered by AfricaLics through support from Sida.

Additional Information

• Family Expenses: The programme cannot cover costs for accompanying family members.
• Home Supervisors Visit: Potential for a workshop visit by home supervisors and mentors if additional fundraising is successful.

Requirements for AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Program

To be eligible, you should:

• Be enrolled as a PhD student at an African university.
• Have completed your first year of studies by December 2023.
• Have a background in relevant fields like Economics, Sociology, Political Science, STEM subjects, etc., from a social science perspective.
• Possess adequate skills in English.
• Be working on a subject relevant to innovation and development.
• Submit a one-page application explaining your background and motivation.

Selection Process

Programme Timeline and Activities

• Start Date: The program begins with online activities in February 2024.
• End Date: Activities are expected to wrap up by the end of November or early December 2024.
• Components: The program includes an introduction to Innovation & Development (I&D) studies, writing skills courses, academic journal article writing, and 3 – 5 Paper Presentation Seminars.
• Study Visit: If funds allow, there might be a 3-month study visit to the University of Johannesburg (UJ).
• Post-Program Engagement: Opportunities to stay connected with the AfricaLics community through alumni activities, research conferences, and webinars.

Application Documents

• A brief outline of your current PhD project (max. 5 pages).
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) including details of PhD courses attended.
• Letters of support from your main PhD supervisor and University Administration.
• Copies of academic certificates (Bachelor and Master as a minimum).
• One writing sample from your current PhD program.

Application Deadline

How to Apply