University of California Berkeley Center for African Studies Visiting Fellowships 2026 (Fully Funded)
The University of California, Berkeley, has long been a hub for innovation, research, and academic exchange. For 2026, the university arranged scholarship namely Center for African Studies (CAS) at UC Berkeley, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is offering two fully funded Visiting Fellowships designed exclusively for African scholars.
These fellowships represent more than a short-term research opportunity. The fellowship covers travel, accommodation, financial support, and full access to UC Berkeley’s rich academic environment, ensuring that fellows can dedicate themselves entirely to research and mentorship.
This comprehensive guide will help you to conveniently know about the UC Berkeley Center for African Studies Visiting Fellowships 2026—starting from eligibility criteria and benefits to the application process, deadlines, and what you can expect as a participant.
About the Fellowship
The UC Berkeley Visiting Fellowship is actualy a four-month residential program hosted by the Center for African Studies (CAS). It is designed for African scholars to give them following opportunities:
Chance to conduct independent research in their chosen academic field.
Complete a major publication project such as an article or book.
Build academic partnerships with UC Berkeley faculty members.
Mentor Mastercard Foundation Scholars, contributing to the development of younger African leaders studying at Berkeley.
Participate in seminars, workshops, and academic events across the university.
The fellowship will start tentatively by January 20, 2026, and please remember that it is non-renewable, meaning scholars have one semester to maximize their academic and professional growth.
Fellowship Benefits (Fully Funded Package)
The UC Berkeley Center for African Studies Visiting Fellowship 2026 offers following facilicites:
Travel Support
Students will receive a round-trip economy class ticket to Berkeley, California.
Accommodation
Housing is provided at UC Berkeley’s International House, where students and scholars from around the world live together.
Financial Stipend
A subsistence allowance will be provided to cover daily living expenses during the fellowship.
Office and Research Facilities
Desk space and access to a computer at the Center for African Studies.
Access to UC Berkeley’s world-class libraries, archives, and digital resources.
Academic and Social Engagement
Participation in CAS academic events, seminars, and lectures.
Opportunities to engage with UC Berkeley’s global intellectual community.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the UC Berkeley Visiting Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Residency: It will be applicable to only residents of an African country.
Institutional Affiliation: Applicants must be affiliated with an African university, research institution, think tank, or NGO.
Educational Qualification: A PhD degree is required which must been awarded on or before December 2020.
Research Potential: Applicants should demonstrate the ability to make a significant contribution to their academic field.
Research Themes: While applications are open to all disciplines, preference will be given to projects focusing on:
Youth and employment
Labor and livelihoods
Mobility and displacement
Technology and innovation
Democracy and governance
African futures
Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
Applying for the UC Berkeley Center for African Studies Visiting Fellowship 2026 is straightforward but requires careful preparation.
Step 1: Prepare Application Documents
You will need:
A CV (Curriculum Vitae) with academic and professional details.
A research proposal (maximum 2 pages, excluding references).
Your proposal should clearly outline:
Research topic and objectives
Methodology and significance
Expected outcomes (e.g., article, book chapter)
Step 2: Email Submission
Send your complete application package to: [email protected]
Step 3: Deadline
Please remember to submit applicaiton by September 5, 2025 being a last date. Late applications will not be considered.
Step 4: Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee at UC Berkeley.
Preference is given to candidates who show originality, scholarly excellence, and potential for collaboration.
Successful applicants will be communicated directly via email.
About the Mastercard Foundation
The Mastercard Foundation is one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the world, with a mission to advance education, financial inclusion, and dignified work opportunities for young people.
Key Initiatives:
Africa: The foundation plans enable 30 million young Africans in a long run to secure meaningful employment by 2030 specially for the young women, refugees, displaced persons, and people with disabilities.
Canada: The foundation plans for employment systems to ensure that 100,000 Indigenous youth can access post-secondary education and build successful livelihoods by 2030.
Why Choose UC Berkeley?
UC Berkeley is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. It offers:
World-class faculty: Home to vaarious Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and global thought leaders.
Rich academic resources: Over 30 libraries and one of the largest academic research collections in North America.
Diverse community: An inclusive campus culture with thousands of international students and scholars.
Innovation hub: Proximity to Silicon Valley makes Berkeley a breeding ground for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Timeline at a Glance
Application Opens: July 23, 2025
Application Deadline: September 5, 2025
Fellowship Start Date: No later than January 20, 2026
Duration: One semester (4 months)
Practical Tips for Applicants
Start Early and Stay Focused– Make a strong research proposal to ensure your project addresses a relevant issue with global and African significance.
- Show Impact – Highlight how your work can contribute to African development and knowledge.
Proofread – A well-structured and error-free application stands out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for the UC Berkeley Visiting Fellowship 2026?
African scholars who hold a PhD (awarded before December 2020) and are affiliated with a university, research institute, think tank, or NGO in Africa.
2. Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes. The fellowship covers travel, housing, living stipend, office space, and full access to Berkeley’s academic resources.
3. How long is the fellowship?
The fellowship lasts four months (one semester). It is non-renewable.
4. How do I submit my application?
Email your CV and 2-page research proposal (excluding references) to [email protected] before September 5, 2025.
Conclusion
The UC Berkeley Center for African Studies Visiting Fellowships 2026, supported by the Mastercard Foundation, is an good opportunity for African scholars to engage in world-class research, form international collaborations, and mentor future African leaders.
By offering full financial support, housing, access to resources, and integration into Berkeley’s intellectual community, the fellowship ensures that participants can maximize their potential without distraction.
Deadline: September 5, 2025
Submit your application to: [email protected]. You may visit the official website for further details.
