AI-4AI Research Fellowship 2026 in Africa

The AI-4AI Research Fellowship prepares African AI researchers for graduate study and academic publication through a structured six-month cohort programme.

What it offers

• 6-month cohort-based fellowship with 6–10 hours per week commitment.
• Weekly mentor drop-ins, milestones, peer reviews, and application support.
• Practical training in literature review, research design, academic writing, and peer review.
• Real outputs: literature reviews, research proposals, draft papers, or application materials.
• Graduate preparation: support for MSc/PhD applications, statement of purpose development, and securing references.
• Access to AI-4AI Professional Membership benefits for one year, including community channels, resources, events, and peer support networks.

Who can apply

• Early-career researchers, recent graduates, final-year undergraduates, and professionals across Africa.
• Applicants must be passionate about AI research, committed to weekly sessions and independent work, focused on producing real research outputs, and aiming for MSc, PhD, or research careers.

What you'll do

• 1–2 Months: Foundation orientation, literature review, and research design.
• 3–4 Months: Academic writing, graduate preparation, research development, and publications.
• 5–6 Months: Application readiness, final review, and showcase.

How to apply

• Become an AI-4AI Professional Member by completing the membership application on the fellowship website.
• Use your Membership ID to proceed with the fellowship application.
• Application opens 13 July 2026 and closes 03 August 2026.
• Selection is competitive and based on alignment with programme objectives and mentor capacity.

Good to know

• Professional membership does not guarantee selection; applicants not selected may receive priority consideration for future cohorts.
• Membership is valid for one year and renewable annually.
• Participants may co-author publications with mentors or work independently, depending on project and mentor availability.
• Fellowship places are limited to up to 15 participants per cohort.