2026 AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grants for Junior Researchers
About this opportunity
Fully funded research mobility grant for doctoral researchers in sub-Saharan Africa to conduct short-term research stays in another sub-Saharan African country.
The 2026 AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grants for Junior Researchers is a funding opportunity supported by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH). This grant aims to support doctoral-level researchers from sub-Saharan Africa to conduct short research stays abroad, fostering collaboration and scientific capacity-building. The grants are open to both general and female-only applicants, with a focus on research relevant to the development of their home countries. The grants cover travel, subsistence, and research expenses, with a maximum budget of EUR 3,000 for 2-month stays. Applications must be submitted in English and must include a research proposal, CV, academic transcripts, published articles, travel quotes, and a letter of invitation from a scientific host.
What it offers
- Financial support for research stays of 1–2 months in another sub-Saharan African country, covering travel, subsistence, and research expenses.
- Maximum grant amounts: EUR 2,300 for 1 month, EUR 2,650 for 1.5 months, EUR 3,000 for 2 months.
- Research allowance to the host institution (deducted for bench fees, up to EUR 100–200/month).
- Mandatory health insurance for the research stay.
- Mentorship by experienced researchers and networking opportunities with international scientific communities.
- 50% inclusion target for female researchers based on merit.
Who can apply
- Junior researchers from sub-Saharan African countries officially registered for a doctoral degree at a university/tertiary institute.
- Must be national of a sub-Saharan African country and have published at least one article from their thesis work in a SCOPUS or Web of Science-indexed, non-predatory journal.
- Must identify a scientific host at a host institution in another sub-Saharan African country with a mutually agreed research proposal.
What you'll do
- Conduct research at a host institution abroad (1–2 months), collaborating with a scientific host on a project relevant to the development of your home country.
- Engage in benchwork, laboratory studies, library research, or thesis-related writing during the stay.
- Submit a final progress report to AGNES within 6 months of completion.
How to apply
- Submit an online application via the AGNES application form by 16 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
- Provide required documents (research proposal, CV, transcripts, published articles, travel quotes, health insurance, and host invitation letter).
- Ensure all submissions comply with 12MB size limits and follow English-language guidelines.
Good to know
- The grant is once-off and cannot fund retroactive stays.
- Applicants must secure valid health insurance for the research period.
- Female applicants can apply for either grant but receive only one.
- No geographical quota exists, but AGNES encourages applications from under-represented countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Scientific hosts must sign a letter of acceptance and agreement within two weeks of receiving the offer.
Key deadlines: Application submission closes 16 October 2026.
Key details
What you get
- Travel expenses (land/economy class flights).
- Subsistence costs (rent, meals, transport).
- Research allowance to the host institution (up to EUR 100–200/month for bench fees).
- Health insurance for the research stay.
- Access to international scientific networks and mentorship.
Documents needed
- - A research/project proposal (≤5 pages, English) with a work schedule and scientific host agreement. - A standard CV (English, using AGNES template). - Proof of doctoral registration (current official document). - Official academic transcripts (English or with grading system explanation). - List of
How to apply
- Submit an online application via the AGNES application form (https://forms.gle/t57E7k9gTTtd7R7XA) by 16 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
- Include all required documents (max 12MB each).
- Ensure all submissions are in English and follow guidelines.
- Receive and sign a letter of acceptance from the scientific host within two weeks of offer.
- Submit a progress report to AGNES within six months of the research stay completion.
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