Deadline: August 20, 2025
The Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) PhD Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications. This prestigious fellowship provides African scholars with the opportunity to pursue doctoral studies in public and population health while benefiting from comprehensive research support and training.
With 22 fellowship slots available, CARTA is seeking motivated academics committed to advancing health research across the continent.
Application Deadlines
Applicants must carefully note the timelines:
- Initial submission (application form + reference letters): 20 August 2025, 23:59 EAT
- Full application (for nominated candidates only): 21 September 2025
Number of Awards
- A total of 22 fellowships will be awarded under the CARTA PhD Fellowship 2026 programme.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered, applicants must:
- Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field.
- Be full-time teaching or research staff at one of the CARTA partner institutions in Africa.
- Secure institutional support, which includes:
- Continued salary payment,
- Tuition waiver,
- A supportive work environment that enables full participation in CARTA activities.
- Present a PhD research proposal focusing on public and population health.
- Be either not yet registered for a PhD or only in the very early stages without a defined proposal.
- Not be seeking to complete or add a second PhD.
- Commit to joining residential Joint Advanced Seminars (JASes) and engaging in inter-seminar activities.
- Obtain admission into a PhD programme at a participating African university within 12 months of receiving the award.
- Meet the age limit requirements:
- Male applicants: under 40 years,
- Female applicants: under 45 years.
Eligible Institutions
Applicants must be affiliated with one of the following CARTA African partner institutions:
- African Population and Health Research Center (Kenya)
- Agincourt Health and Population Unit (South Africa)
- Ifakara Health Institute (Tanzania)
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences & Associates (Malawi)
- Makerere University (Uganda)
- Moi University (Kenya)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (Nigeria)
- University of Ibadan (Nigeria)
- University of Nairobi (Kenya)
- University of Rwanda
- University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa)
Fellowship Benefits
Successful fellows will enjoy extensive support, including:
- Structured doctoral training programmes tailored to strengthen research capacity.
- Provision of a laptop for academic use.
- A modest stipend, provided for up to 28 months.
- Research funding of up to US$10,500, depending on the budget and research needs.
Application Process
- Initial Stage (by 20 August 2025):
- Submit application forms and reference letters via your institution’s CARTA focal person.
- Nomination Stage:
- Only shortlisted candidates will move to the full application stage.
- Full Application (by 21 September 2025):
- Submit a refined research proposal.
- Complete three timed tasks: critical review, numeracy, and critical thinking.
- Complete two mandatory online courses:
- Understanding Plagiarism,
- Basic Health Research Ethics.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Application deadlines | 20 August 2025 (initial), 21 September 2025 (full) |
| Total awards | 22 fellowships |
| Eligibility | Master’s degree, early-stage PhD, CARTA partner institution staff |
| Focus area | Public and population health |
| Fellowship benefits | Training, laptop, stipend (28 months), research funds (up to $10,500) |
| Special requirements | Institutional support, JAS participation, institutional nomination |
| Age limit | Male: <40 years, Female: <45 years |
Final Thoughts
The CARTA PhD Fellowship 2026 is an excellent opportunity for African scholars dedicated to advancing public and population health research. It provides financial support, training, and institutional collaboration, making it one of the most impactful doctoral fellowship programmes on the continent.
If you are eligible, begin preparing your documents and liaise with your institution’s CARTA focal person immediately to meet the strict application deadlines.
👉 Click here to apply
👉 Read more about the programme
(Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining, and review.)
