Deadline: november 30, 2025
Are you a researcher or postgraduate student in the humanities or social sciences? Applications are now open for the IFRA-Nigeria Research Grant 2026. This opportunity supports emerging and established researchers conducting innovative studies across West Africa. Successful applicants will receive up to €1,000 to fund their research projects between January and October 2026.
About the IFRA-Nigeria Research Grant 2026
The IFRA-Nigeria Research Grant 2026 aims to promote cutting-edge research in the humanities and social sciences by supporting individual researchers, Master’s students, PhD candidates, post-doctoral fellows, and independent scholars. The grant encourages original and field-based research that contributes to a deeper understanding of social, cultural, and political issues within the West African sub-region.
Each selected project will receive funding of up to €1,000, depending on the nature and scope of the proposal. Research projects funded under this grant must be implemented between January 2026 and October 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
The IFRA-Nigeria Research Grant 2026 is open to:
- Master’s students, PhD candidates, post-doctoral researchers, and scholars in the humanities and social sciences.
- Applicants conducting research in one of the following countries: Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Niger, Chad, and Togo.
- Projects strictly within humanities and social sciences. Applications from other disciplines are not eligible.
Research Axes and Themes
Applicants must ensure that their proposed project aligns with at least one of IFRA-Nigeria’s thematic research axes:
- Beliefs, Bodies and Health
- Citizenship, Gender and Mobilisation
- Heritage Dynamics and Environment
- Transversal Axis: Digital Humanities
Language of Application
Applications may be submitted in English or French. Applicants are advised to ensure clarity, coherence, and proper formatting according to the submission guidelines.
Grant Value
- Each selected project will receive up to €1,000, depending on the project’s scope and proposed budget.
- The grant is designed to cover essential research expenses such as fieldwork, data collection, or archival research.
Application Requirements
All applicants must compile and submit a single PDF document containing the following materials:
1. Motivation Letter
- Maximum of 1 page (Arial 12, automatic margins).
- Clearly explain your motivation, research relevance, and alignment with one of the research axes.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Maximum of 3 pages.
- Include academic background, research experience, and institutional affiliation.
3. Research Project Description
- Maximum of 4 pages (excluding bibliography and budget).
- Must include:
- The scientific project description
- A work plan (dates, itinerary, objectives)
- Details of institutional partnerships (if any)
- Valorisation – how the research outcomes will be utilised or applied
- A comprehensive bibliography
4. Detailed Budget
- Indicate the total cost of the project.
- Provide a detailed breakdown of the requested IFRA-Nigeria funding and any additional funds (applied for or received).
- Use the official budget template provided by IFRA-Nigeria.
Duration and Timeline
- Application Deadline: 30 November 2025
- Project Implementation: January – October 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Selection and Evaluation
Projects will be assessed based on:
- Academic quality and relevance of the research question
- Feasibility and clarity of the proposed work plan
- Alignment with at least one of IFRA-Nigeria’s research axes
- Budget justification and value for money
Successful applicants will be notified via email and published on IFRA-Nigeria’s official communication channels.
Why Apply for the IFRA-Nigeria Research Grant 2026?
This research grant provides a unique platform for researchers in West Africa to:
- Advance academic knowledge and field-based inquiry.
- Collaborate with institutions and scholars across the region.
- Contribute to policy discussions, development insights, and digital innovation within the humanities.
Whether you’re an early-career scholar or an experienced researcher, the IFRA-Nigeria Research Grant 2026 offers the opportunity to deepen your research impact and build academic visibility.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must compile their application as one PDF file and submit it according to the instructions on the IFRA-Nigeria website.
- Deadline: 30 November 2025
Quick Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | IFRA-Nigeria |
| Funding Amount | Up to €1,000 |
| Eligible Fields | Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Eligible Countries | Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Niger, Chad, Togo |
| Application Language | English or French |
| Deadline | 30 November 2025 |
| Project Period | January – October 2026 |
Application Links
🔗 Read more about the IFRA-Nigeria Research Grant 2026 Programme
Need help with your proposal?
👉 Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
