African Centre for School Leadership Grants 2026: Apply for Up to $35,000 in School Leadership Research Funding
The African Centre for School Leadership (ACSL), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is offering research grants of up to $35,000 for African education researchers. The funding supports action-oriented research focused on strengthening school leadership and improving learning outcomes.
Overview
The African Centre for School Leadership (ACSL), alongside the Mastercard Foundation, has launched a call for applications for its Cohort II School Leadership Research Grants. The initiative aims to support action-oriented, descriptive, and comparative research designed to address critical challenges in school leadership across African education systems and translate findings into practical improvements.
A total of 23 researchers will receive funding through two distinct categories:
- Descriptive Action Research Grants: Provides up to US$15,000 per grant for research conducted within one educational context over a 12-month period. Sixteen grants are available.
- Comparative Action Research Grants: Provides up to US$35,000 per grant for research conducted across two or more educational contexts over a 24-month period. Seven grants are available.
Successful participants will also join the School Leadership Community of Learning and take part in the Blended Exchange and Learning Trajectory (BELT) to connect with other researchers and stakeholders.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be citizens of an African country and based in Africa, with proposed projects focusing on school leadership practice within the continent.
- The Principal Investigator must hold a doctorate in education, educational leadership, educational management, or a closely related field earned within the past five years.
- Proposals must feature multidisciplinary research teams consisting of three to five members. Diversity within teams—including female researchers, young researchers under 35, and varying academic backgrounds—is strongly encouraged.
- Research proposals must adopt an action-research approach, demonstrating meaningful collaboration with policymakers, practitioners, school leaders, and implementing institutions.
- Proposals addressing gender equality, disability inclusion, rural and underserved communities, and marginalised groups are strongly encouraged.
How to Apply
Prospective applicants should prepare their multidisciplinary teams and detailed research proposals early. An information webinar will be hosted on 20 August 2026 from 12:00 to 1:30 pm GMT (3:00 to 4:30 pm EAT) to guide applicants through the procedures, eligibility criteria, and expectations.
Applications must be submitted online before the closing date.
Deadline
Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, 30 September 2026 at 11:59 pm GMT.