How to Explore Postgraduate Research Grants for African Students

Postgraduate education is a level of education where most innovations are birthed. It’s a platform where you can specialize, pursue a clear goal while being supervised by a qualified personnel and build a solid foundation for your career. As a result of this, you can carve a career niche for yourself, address pressing societal challenges and drive economic growth.

If you have been doing your research on postgraduate studies in an African country like Nigeria, you would have found out that it is so expensive, securing funding can be difficult, and it takes a lot of courage to embark on it. Due to this constraint, most students have settled for their first degree but if you are the persistent type that believes, when there is a will, there is a way, do not scroll, this article is for you. Numerous postgraduate research grants are available specifically to support African scholars in their academic pursuits.

In this article, we will be exploring the few examples of available postgraduate research grants for African students, the eligibility criteria, and the application processes.

Research Grant Opportunities for African Students

1. African Union Research Grants:

These research grants are for African researchers and postgraduate students whose research projects align with the African Union’s development priorities which is promoting development, peace and prosperity across the continent. The aim of these grants is to encourage innovation, address regional challenges and promote collaborations among African researchers. Check their website (http://au.int/) for more details.

2. African Development Bank’s Africa Education Fund:

The Africa Education Fund is offered by African Development Bank. Their aim is to improve education across Africa. They provide grants and scholarships to African students, including postgraduates, for education and research in various fields, with a focus on promoting sustainable development. Check their website (http://wwwafdb.org/) for more details.

3. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship:

This foundation offers scholarships for African citizens at MSc and PhD levels in the field of governance and development at selected partner institutions in the UK and Africa. It supports individuals who demonstrate strong leadership potentials and commitment to contributing to the governance and development of their countries. Check their website (http://mo.ibrahim.foundation/) for more details.

4. Carnegie Corporation of New York’s African Diaspora Fellowship Program:

This program provides fellowships to African-born scholars presently residing in the United States and Canada for collaborative research projects with African universities and research institutions. Selected fellows, spend up to three months conducting research, teaching or engaging in professional development activities at universities and research institutions in Africa. Check their website (http://www.iie.org/Proggrams/Carnegie-Africans-Diaspora-Fellowship-Program) for more details.

5. The International Foundation for Science (IFS) Research Grants:

The foundation offers research grants to early-career researchers in developing countries, including African countries, to conduct research in the natural sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and social sciences. The aim is to enable researchers to conduct relevant research that addresses local development needs. The beneficiaries of these grants receive financial support, mentoring and capacity building opportunities to improve their research skills and ultimately, contribute to sustainable development in their countries. Check their website (http://www.ifs.se/) for more details.

6. The Wellcome Trust’s International Master’s Fellowships:

This program offers fellowships to students from low and middle income countries, including African countries, to pursue master’s degree programs and research projects in courses related to  health and biomedical sciencesat eligible institutions in the UK and Republic of Ireland. This fellowship covers tuition, stipends, and other allowances for one year of study. Once the program is completed, the fellows are expected to return to their home countries and use the skills they have gained in developing their health sectors. Check their website (http://wellcome.org/grant-funding/schemes/international-masters-fellowships) for more details.

7. The Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme:

This programme offers scholarships and grants to outstanding students from developing countries, including African countries, for postgraduate studies in various fields, including architecture, education, health sciences, and development studies. Candidates who have no other means of financing their education and are committed to improving the quality of life in their communities are prioritized. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses and travel costs for study at reputable institutions worldwide. Check their website (http://www.akdn.org/our-agencies/aga-khan-foundation/international-scholarship-programme) for more details.

How to Apply

Applying for postgraduate research grants for African students typically involves several steps. Here’s a general guide on how to apply:

1. Research Grant Opportunities:

Start by researching grant opportunities available for African students pursuing postgraduate research. Explore the grant databases, funding portals, university websites, and reputable scholarship directories to identify relevant opportunities that align with your research interests and academic goals.

2. Review Eligibility Criteria:

Carefully review the eligibility criteria for each grant program to determine if you meet the requirements. The eligibility criteria sometimes include academic qualifications, citizenship or residency status, research focus areas, and career stage (e.g., early-career researchers, postgraduate students).

3. Prepare Application Materials:

Gather all the necessary documents and information required for the grant application. Common application materials includes:

• Research proposal: Develop a detailed research proposal outlining your research objectives, methodology, significance, and expected outcomes. Make sure your proposal address the specific requirements and objectives of the grant program.
• Academic transcripts: Provide official transcripts of your academic qualifications, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as applicable.
• Letters of recommendation: Request for letters of recommendation from your academic supervisors, mentors, or professional colleagues who can attest to your academic abilities, research potential, and suitability for the grant.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume: Prepare a comprehensive CV or resume highlighting your academic achievements, research experience, publications, presentations, awards, and relevant professional experience.
• Budget justification: Prepare a detailed budget outlining the expected expenses associated with your research project, including travel, accommodation, research materials, and other relevant costs.
• Any additional materials specified by the grant provider.

4. Complete the Application Form:

Fill out the grant application form accurately. Follow the instructions provided by the grant provider and ensure that all required information and documents are included in your application package.

5. Submit Application:

Make sure you submit your grant application on or before the specified deadline. Pay attention to any submission guidelines, formatting requirements, and supporting documentation requested by the grant provider. Double-check for any errors or omissions before finalizing your submission.

6. Follow Up:

After submitting your application, monitor your email and other communication channels for updates from the grant provider. Be prepared to respond promptly to any requests for additional information, clarification, or interviews.

7. Prepare for Interviews (if applicable):

Some grant programs may require applicants to participate in interviews as part of the selection process. Prepare for interviews by familiarizing yourself with the grant program objectives, articulating your research proposal effectively, and highlighting your qualifications and research potential.

8. Await Notification:

Wait for the grant provider to announce the results of the selection process. Be patient and remain optimistic while you are waiting for the notification. If you are selected as a grant recipient, follow the instructions provided for accepting the award and fulfilling any additional requirements.

9. Explore Alternative Funding Options:

In addition to applying for grants, consider exploring alternative funding options such as scholarships, fellowships, research assistantships, and institutional funding opportunities to support your postgraduate research pursuits.

By following these steps and being proactive in your grant application process, you can increase your chances of securing funding for your postgraduate research has an African student.

Best of luck!