Deadline: September 12, 2025
Are you a senior researcher based in Africa with a passion for advancing sustainable governance? The FRIAS Sustainable Governance Senior Fellowship Programme 2026/2027 presents a remarkable opportunity to deepen your academic impact within an international research environment at the University of Freiburg, Germany.
Applications are now open for this prestigious fellowship programme, which targets outstanding African scholars in the humanities and social sciences with strong research credentials. If you meet the eligibility requirements, this could be your next big step in shaping sustainable futures.
About the FRIAS Sustainable Governance Senior Fellowship Programme 2026/2027
The FRIAS Sustainable Governance Senior Fellowship Programme 2026/2027 is hosted by the Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg, Germany. It offers senior African-based researchers the chance to carry out a 6-month fully funded research stay, with access to world-class academic facilities and networks.
This fellowship aims to promote high-quality research on sustainable governance, facilitate interdisciplinary exchange, and foster African-European academic collaboration.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive the following support:
- Fellowship contract or equivalent compensation from the University of Freiburg.
- Monthly living allowance of €1,500.
- Monthly accommodation support of up to €1,500.
- Reimbursement of round-trip travel costs.
- Contributions towards research costs, training, and mobility.
- Access to office space, library facilities, and institutional support at FRIAS.
- Family-related support (e.g. childcare, family accommodation) if applicable.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 12 September 2025 at 13:00 CET
- Fellowship Duration: 6 months between 1 September 2026 – 31 August 2027
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this programme, applicants must:
- Hold a PhD with at least 8 years of postdoctoral research experience.
- Be based at an academic institution in Africa at the time of application.
- Have completed at least 6 months of international research experience (outside the country of their first academic degree).
- Present a clear, relevant research proposal related to sustainable governance.
- Submit at least five peer-reviewed publications since January 2016 (including co-authored works with African-based PhD holders).
- Include a letter of cooperation from a University of Freiburg professor who agrees to support the research project.
Required Application Documents
All applications must be submitted through the designated online application portal and must include:
- Research project proposal (maximum 3,000 words, up to four illustrations or graphs).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) following the required format.
- List of at least five peer-reviewed publications since 2016.
- Copy of PhD diploma or certificate.
- Letter of cooperation from a University of Freiburg professor.
Only complete applications submitted before the deadline will be reviewed.
How to Apply
Ready to apply? Use the official links below:
Final Thoughts
The FRIAS Sustainable Governance Senior Fellowship Programme 2026/2027 is a transformative opportunity for senior African researchers in the social sciences and humanities to engage with global academic peers, expand their research horizons, and make impactful contributions to the field of sustainable governance.
This is not just a fellowship; it’s a platform for academic growth, intercultural dialogue, and long-term collaboration.
Need help preparing your application?
📩 Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining and review.
