UAE Africa Institute Fellowships 2027 in UAE

The UAE Africa Institute Fellowships 2027 are now open for applications from senior academics, postdoctoral researchers, independent authors, and public intellectuals worldwide. Hosted by the Africa Institute at Global Studies University in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, the fellowship program offers fully funded residential research opportunities focusing on African studies, African diaspora studies, literature, visual culture, social sciences, and the humanities.

The program provides researchers with the opportunity to pursue independent research, collaborate with leading scholars, and contribute to academic discussions in a vibrant intellectual environment.

Fellowship Summary

• Host Country: United Arab Emirates
• Host Institution: The Africa Institute, Global Studies University
• Fellowship Name: UAE Africa Institute Fellowships 2027
• Fellowship Type: Research Fellowship
• Fellowship Categories: Senior Fellowships and Postdoctoral Fellowships
• Duration:

1. Senior Fellowships: 1 Year
2. Postdoctoral Fellowships: 2 Years

• Eligible Nationalities: All Nationalities
• Application Deadline: 30 September 2026

Selected fellows will receive:

• Residential research appointment at the Africa Institute
• Access to research facilities and academic resources
• Opportunities to collaborate with internationally recognized scholars
• Professional networking and academic engagement
• Participation in seminars, workshops, and public lectures
• Dedicated time to conduct independent research

The fellowship announcement confirms residential appointments; applicants should consult the official fellowship guidelines for detailed information regarding salary, accommodation, travel support, and other benefits.

Fellowship Categories

Senior Fellowships

• Toni Morrison Senior Fellowship in African Diaspora Literature and Cultural Studies
• Ali A. Mazrui Senior Fellowship in Global African Studies

Postdoctoral Fellowships

• Okwui Enwezor Postdoctoral Fellowship in Visual Culture, Performance Studies and Critical Humanities
• Fatema Mernissi Postdoctoral Fellowship in Social and Cultural Studies

Applicants may conduct research in fields including:

• African Studies
• African Diaspora Studies
• Global African Studies
• Literature
• Cultural Studies
• Critical Theory
• Visual Culture
• Performance Studies
• Art History
• Curatorial Studies
• Gender Studies
• Feminist Studies
• Sociology
• Anthropology
• Political Science
• Social Sciences
• Humanities
• International Studies
• Religion and Society
• Black Intellectual Traditions

The fellowship is open to:

• Applicants from all countries

There are no nationality restrictions.

Senior Fellowship Applicants

Applicants must:

• Be Associate Professors, Full Professors, or hold equivalent senior academic positions.
• Independent authors and recognized public intellectuals may also apply.
• Demonstrate a strong research record in relevant disciplines.

Postdoctoral Fellowship Applicants

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD awarded within the five years preceding the fellowship start date.
• Demonstrate research excellence in relevant fields.
• Be able to undertake full-time residential research in Sharjah.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Research abstract (maximum 300 words)
• Research project statement (1,000–2,000 words)
• Optional bibliography (one page)
• Two writing samples (published or unpublished)
• Letter of interest
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Contact details of three academic or professional referees

Application Process

To apply for the UAE Africa Institute Fellowships 2027:

1. Choose the fellowship category that matches your qualifications.
2. Prepare the required research proposal and supporting documents.
3. Complete the online application through the official fellowship portal.
4. Upload all required documents.
5. Submit your application before the deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their research proposals well in advance due to the comprehensive application requirements.

Fellowship Duration

• Senior Fellowships: September 2027 – June 2028
• Postdoctoral Fellowships: September 2027 – June 2029

Why Apply for the UAE Africa Institute Fellowships?

The fellowship provides scholars with dedicated research time, access to an internationally respected research institute, and opportunities to collaborate with experts in African and African diaspora studies. Researchers can expand their academic networks, publish high-quality research, and contribute to interdisciplinary scholarship while working in the UAE.

Application Deadline

The last date to apply for the UAE Africa Institute Fellowships 2027 is 30 September 2026.