Deadline: June 30, 2026
Calling young researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa who are committed to improving education to apply for the Africa Fellows in Education Program (AFEP) 2026/2027. AFEP offers two-year, fully supported research fellowships for young African researchers to build expertise in education policy and evidence-based decision-making.
AFEP supports a network of local policy Fellows with enhanced skills in evaluating educational research, developing and using performance data to make better decisions, and introducing rigorous evidence into the decision-making process. This research and policy development fellowship introduces the Fellows to relevant research and analytical experiences as well as international networks of researchers and policy advisers.
The proposed program is organised around a combination of in-country activities and network/training opportunities regionally and abroad. Fellows will have the opportunity to attend two of the most prominent international conferences on the economics of education. They will participate in a series of short courses designed to be most suitable to their needs – covering topics such as evaluation methods, communications, incentive structures – and a series of lectures on testing and performance measurement.
While in their home countries, the Fellows will develop a research/evaluation project to be carried out under program supervision and with local scientific mentors. During and after the fellowship period, a team of advisors from Stanford University and other African and international organisations will provide direct support and supervision.
Funding
- Each fellow receives a $25,000 research grant, plus up to $25,000 in covered expenses for mentorship, conference travel, and in-country workshops.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be nationals of a Sub-Saharan African country,
- Be 35 or younger,
- Hold a Master’s or PhD in a relevant field with strong quantitative focus,
- Demonstrate experience with quantitative data analysis,
- Demonstrate interest in education policy research and analysis,
- Be affiliated with a government, research, or higher education institution,
- Be proficient in English.
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application
The Africa Fellows application process is managed by GEAI in collaboration with PEP. The applications will be assessed based on several factors, including prior preparation and the quality of an essay. The expression of interest by the applicants should include:
- A two-page statement of interest;
- A two-page essay. The essay must be prepared in English. In this essay, the applicant must think and write about a specific educational problem in their home country and how it could be scientifically evaluated using quantitative methods.
- A detailed and updated CV with at least two (2) referees that the selection committee can contact.
For more information, visit Africa Fellows in Education Program.
