African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) call for applications for the second cohort of its Early Career Research (ECR) Fellowship Programme 2026.

January 12, 2026

Contact

rid-grantsmgt@ug.edu.gh

Deadline

19th January 2026

The Research and Innovation Directorate (RID) is pleased to announce the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) call for applications for the second cohort of its Early Career Research (ECR) Fellowship Programme 2026.  ARUA with support from Mastercard Foundation and Carnegie Corporation of New York will fund up to forty-two (42) early-career researchers for a 6-months fellowship at ARUA Centres of Excellence (CoEs) or Clusters of Research Excellence (CoREs) to strengthen research capacity among early-career African researchers.

 Fellowship Coverage:

 Monthly stipend: US$2,000.

  • Accommodation support and return travel ticket.
  • Additional support for women (e.g., childcare)

 Eligibility

 Eligible applicants must be:

  • African nationals with a PhD in a discipline related to the thematic area of the Centre of Excellence or Cluster of Research Excellence.
  • Within 5 years of completing their PhD
  • Not older than 35 years at the time of application.
  • Affiliated with an ARUA university (or eligible non-ARUA university).

At least 70% of the fellowships are reserved for female candidates.

 Application Requirements

 Cover letter and CV

  1. Letter of support from home institution.
  2. Evidence of PhD award.
  3. Concept note (max 1,500 words).
  4. Two academic writings.
  5. Passport biodata page.

Deadlines for Applicant

 Applicants have the option either of two Fellowship periods under this cohort:

  • Option 1: March–August 2026 (Deadline: 22 January 2026)
  • Option 2: September 2026–February 2027 (Deadline: 15 July 2026)

 Application Process

Apply via the online portal: https://arua.org/early-career-research-fellowships/.

Information Webinar: Register via the link  https://bit.ly/4qdPgNX  to participate in the ARUA Webinar for prospective applicants to be held on 16th January 2026 @ 11:00AM GMT.

 Further details of this call are available in the attached pdf file to this announcement.

Persons interested in applying for Option1 (22 January 2026) should express their interest through the RID Grants Management Office at rid-grantsmgt@ug.edu.gh  with jaabdulai@ug.edu.gh  in copy by 19th January 2026 for institutional support (Letters of Support).