ACT-PREP PhD and Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026: Apply for 25 Funded Research Opportunities in Africa

Overview

The ACT-PREP research fellowships are designed to strengthen Africa’s capacity in clinical trials, infectious-disease surveillance, epidemic preparedness, and emergency response. The initiative provides 15 PhD research fellowships and 10 postdoctoral research fellowships. The wider project runs from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2031, and is supported by Global Health EDCTP3 funding.

The programme covers seven priority research themes:

• Clinical Trials and Trial Readiness
• Disease Surveillance, Modelling and Artificial Intelligence
• Ethics and Regulatory Science
• Laboratory and Genomic Surveillance
• One Health
• Health-Systems Resilience
• Epidemic Preparedness and Response

Eligibility

Applicants must be nationals of one of the following eligible countries:

• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Rwanda
• Senegal
• Somalia
• South Sudan
• Tanzania
• Uganda

Additional criteria apply by fellowship category:

• PhD Round 1 (Currently Enrolled): For applicants already enrolled in a relevant doctoral programme at an ACT-PREP partner university who hold a relevant master's degree.
• PhD Round 2 (Seeking Enrolment): For candidates holding a master's degree who are eligible and willing to register at an ACT-PREP partner university.
• Postdoctoral Fellowships: For researchers holding a PhD obtained within the past five years in a relevant health, biomedical, or related field.

Benefits

Selected fellows may receive:

• Partial or full tuition and university fees (for PhD candidates)
• Monthly stipends
• One-time research or clinical-trial grants (or postdoctoral research and mobility support)
• Mentorship from local and international experts
• Core and specialized training courses
• Access to consortium trial sites and real-world datasets
• Professional networking and alumni opportunities

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a complete application package electronically via email to [email protected], copying [email protected] and [email protected]. Applications can be prepared in either English or French.

A complete application must include:

• Completed Application Form (Document D)
• Relevant academic documents, certificates, and transcripts
• Updated curriculum vitae
• Research concept note (two to three pages)
• Motivation letter
• Institutional endorsement letter on official letterhead
• Two reference letters submitted directly by referees

Deadline

Deadlines vary by fellowship category:

• PhD Round 1 Deadline: September 15, 2026
• PhD Round 2 Deadline: September 30, 2026
• Postdoctoral Fellowship Deadline: September 30, 2026