CODESRIA has opened applications for its 2027 Research Grants on University Ecosystems, a funding call for researchers in African universities and research institutions. The programme, backed by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, supports studies on higher education, gender, academic freedom and associational life in African universities. The deadline is 16 January 2027.
Key facts
- The grants are open to researchers affiliated with recognized African higher education or research institutions.
- Funding ranges from US$5,000 to US$15,000.
- Selected fellows will take part in a 15-month research programme.
- Applicants may submit individual or collaborative proposals, with teams of 3 to 5 members.
- Proposals should include a CV, a synopsis of up to 4,000 words, a draft budget and an institutional affiliation or endorsement letter.
What this means for researchers in African higher education
The call is aimed at academics and research teams working in African universities and research institutions. CODESRIA says it especially encourages applications from women scholars, early-career academics and researchers based in less well-resourced universities. African scholars in the diaspora may also apply if they collaborate with colleagues from an African-based institution.
Successful applicants will be expected to produce original research, join knowledge-exchange workshops and peer-learning forums, and submit at least one publishable manuscript, along with policy-oriented output or an equivalent. Research teams should plan around the 16 January 2027 deadline and prepare the required application materials in advance.
- Who can apply: researchers affiliated with recognized African institutions
- What to study: higher education, gender, academic freedom and associational life
- Grant size: US$5,000 to US$15,000
- Programme length: 15 months
- Deadline: 16 January 2027
What does CODESRIA want researchers to study?
CODESRIA is seeking proposals that examine the changing landscape of African universities, including gender relations, academic and intellectual freedom, university governance and the conditions that support or constrain associational life on campus. The call also highlights work with gender and policy implications, especially research that can inform higher education debates and institutional reform.
How much funding is available?
The grant budget must fall between US$5,000 and US$15,000. CODESRIA says selected fellows will receive research support for 15 months, during which they are expected to conduct original research, take part in exchange activities, and produce outputs suitable for publication and policy dialogue.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be affiliated with a recognized African higher education or research institution. Individual proposals and collaborative proposals are both allowed, and collaborative teams should have 3 to 5 members. The call also encourages interdisciplinary, inter-institutional and multi-country research teams.
Applicants with outstanding or pending deliverables from ongoing or previous CODESRIA-funded projects are not encouraged to apply.
What documents are required for the application?
Applications must include a recent CV, a proposal synopsis of no more than 4,000 words, a draft budget and a formal letter of affiliation or endorsement from a recognized higher education or research institution. The synopsis should set out the research question or problem statement, relevant literature, the study’s framework, methodology, work plan, timelines and proposed outputs.
Why does the grant matter for African universities?
The programme is designed to support knowledge production on issues that shape the daily life and governance of African universities. That includes questions of equity, institutional autonomy, campus safety, student and faculty participation, and the role of universities in public debate. CODESRIA says the research should help strengthen gender-sensitive scholarship, academic freedom and evidence-based policy discussions across the continent.
Frequently asked questions
When is the deadline?
The application deadline is 16 January 2027.
How much can successful applicants receive?
Successful applicants can request a draft budget between US$5,000 and US$15,000, and selected fellows will receive research support within that range.
