The Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Fellowship Program 2026 is a crucial chance for African doctoral students to develop their research in the areas of peace and governance as well as sustainable growth. This fellowship assists both PhD candidates in the present and recent master’s degree graduates who are planning to enter the PhD program.
The initiative offers academic and financial assistance for young researchers who are committed to developing original, policy-relevant research that tackles the most pressing issues facing Africa. In the case of Nigerian as well as African students, it is an exceptional opportunity to gain international mentorship, improve the research proposal, and become part of the community of scholars that shape international academic discussions regarding climate, peace, and development.
Deadline: January 16, 2026
About the Fellowship
The Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Fellowship Program encourages African-led research that encourages evidence-based policymaking, regional cooperation, and inclusive development. Its focus is on empowering PhD candidates with the expertise and tools, as well as guidance, needed to write strong dissertation proposals that align with Africa’s policy agenda for peace and governance.
Fellows commit to a six-month period of research to improve their doctoral dissertation, which culminates with participation in academic seminars, mentorship sessions, or peer exchanges throughout Africa.
Thematic Priorities
The applicants are advised to align their submissions to one or more of the following topics:
- Climate Change, Energy, and Resource Conflicts Investigating sustainability in the environment as well as energy transitions and water politics in conflict-prone areas.
- Food Systems and Natural Resource Management—taking on land use, resilience of agriculture, and food security concerns.
- Governance as well as peacebuilding with a focus on the state’s capacity as well as corruption, elections as well as post-conflict recovery.
- Justice and Human Rights investigating the concept of transitional justice and humanitarian intervention, as well as the role of youth and women in peace-building processes.
- technology, media, and the arts Analyzing the ways in which AI and digital communication and culture affect peace as well as ethics as well as social harmony.
- Identity and Society—looking at nationality, religion, and culture and citizenship as components of the stability of a region.
These themes are designed to encourage Africa-led views on international issues and ensure that African voices are heard in the global discussions on academic and policy issues.
Funding and Support
The fellowship provides the possibility of USD $3000 for each awardee to pay for short-term research and proposal creation expenses. The funds can be used to:
- Preparation for fieldwork and studies with pilots
- Literature, equipment or research equipment, literature, or other
- Travelling to academic conferences
- Analysis or collection of data
- Editing or proofreading charges
Fellows also receive individual mentoring by senior scholars, as well as access to structured training sessions in the months of July and January every year to improve the research plan and academic writing.
| Funding Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding Amount | Up to USD $3,000 |
| Research Duration | Six months |
| Workshops | Two sessions (July & January) |
| Focus | Proposal development, mentorship, and collaboration |
| Target Group | African PhD students and recent master’s graduates |
Eligibility Criteria
The below eligibility requirements:
- You are the citizens or residents from African countries.
- Are in or plan to apply for the PhD program at a recognized school within Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda at the date of the award.
- You must have a master’s-level degree at the moment of applying.
- You do not have an academic degree. PhD.
Candidates must show research interests that are relevant to the themes of their application and have the potential to make a significant contribution to African debates on policy and academics.
How to Apply
Candidates who are interested must follow these steps with care:
- Prepare application materials including a draft dissertation proposal, academic CV, a copy of the master’s degree certificate, and a proposed six-month research plan.
- Develop a detailed research budget (up to USD $3,000) outlining anticipated costs for fieldwork, materials, or conferences.
- Obtain two reference letters: one from a university official (head of department, dean, or supervisor) and another from a senior scholar or practitioner familiar with the applicant’s work.
- Ensure all reference letters are on institutional letterhead, signed, and dated between October 22, 2025, and January 16, 2026.
- Submit the full application online through the official fellowship portal by January 16, 2026 (11:59 PM EST).
Application Documents Checklist
- Online application form completed
- Draft dissertation proposal (5-10 pages)
- Academic CV
- Master’s degree certificates
- Timeline for research over six months
- Budget breakdown
- Two letters of reference signed
Evaluation Criteria
The review process will be in accordance with:
- Alignment with thematic priorities
- Contribution to the knowledge
- Design of research and feasibility
- Academic writing quality
- Importance to governance, peace, and development
Priority will be given to proposals that show the practical implications of policies or multidisciplinary strategies to address the challenges of Africa’s development.
Program Benefits
Fellows will be able to gain:
- Financial assistance to develop proposals and fieldwork preparation
- Professional mentoring from academics with experience
- Exposure to Research Network International
- Participation in workshops collaboratively across Africa
- Opportunities to build a career in both academia and policy development
The program is intended to help strengthen the future generations of African researchers, who will be influential in the global and regional policy debates.
Summary Table
| Program Title | Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Fellowship Program 2026 |
|---|---|
| Funding Amount | Up to USD $3,000 |
| Research Duration | Six months |
| Eligible Countries | Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda |
| Eligible Applicants | African citizens and residents with a master’s degree |
| Deadline | January 16, 2026 |
| Focus Areas | Peace, governance, climate, justice, culture, and technology |
| Workshops | July and January (two sessions) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Nigerians apply for this fellowship?
Yes. Nigerian citizens enrolled or planning to enroll in a PhD program are eligible.
2. Is there an application fee?
No, the application process is entirely free.
3. What does the $3,000 cover?
It covers short-term research expenses, materials, and proposal development costs.
4. Are the workshops mandatory?
Yes, fellows must attend two in-person workshops to complete the program.
5. Can master’s graduates apply without a PhD admission offer?
Yes, if they intend to enroll in a PhD program by the award date.
6. Can the funds be used for travel?
Yes, for academic-related travel such as conferences or research meetings.
7. How are successful candidates notified?
Winners are contacted via the email used during application after evaluation.
8. Is this fellowship renewable?
No, it supports a one-time six-month proposal development period.
9. What is the selection focus?
Innovation, academic rigor, policy relevance, and thematic alignment.
10. When will selected fellows be announced?
Results are expected between March and April 2026.
Conclusion
The Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Fellowship 2026 is an effective platform for African scholars, especially from Nigeria, to develop effective, evidence-based research that addresses governance, peace, and sustainable development. Through the fellowship, applicants not just receive funds but also get mentorship and exposure as well as a voice shaping the future of Africa’s academics and policy.