The Africa Institute Senior and Postdoctoral Fellowships in the UAE, 2027
The Africa Institute Senior and Postdoctoral Fellowships provide full-time research residencies in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, for established scholars and emerging researchers focusing on African and African diaspora studies.
Overview
The 2027 The Africa Institute Senior and Postdoctoral Fellowships offer an opportunity for established scholars, emerging researchers, authors, and public intellectuals to undertake advanced research in African and African diaspora studies. Hosted by The Africa Institute, Global Studies University, the fellowships provide a dedicated research environment in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, with opportunities for scholars to develop research projects in the humanities, social sciences, literature, cultural studies, visual culture, performance studies, and related fields.
The 2027 fellowship programme includes four distinct fellowship opportunities:
- Toni Morrison Senior Fellowship in African Diaspora Literature and Cultural Studies: A one-year residency for associate professors, full professors, independent authors, public intellectuals, and established writers whose work focuses on African and African diaspora literature, culture, and humanities.
- Ali A. Mazrui Senior Fellowship in Global African Studies: A one-year residency designed for established scholars, associate professors, full professors, and public intellectuals whose research intersects African and African diaspora studies with the humanities and social sciences.
- Okwui Enwezor Postdoctoral Fellowship in Visual Culture, Performance Studies, and Critical Humanities: A two-year residency for emerging scholars holding a Ph.D. earned within the five years preceding the start of the fellowship, focusing on visual culture, performance studies, art history, art criticism, and critical humanities.
- Fatema Mernissi Postdoctoral Fellowship in Social and Cultural Studies: A two-year residency for emerging scholars with a Ph.D. obtained within the past five years, focusing on gender, feminism, social sciences, cultural studies, and visual cultures in relation to Africa and the African diaspora.
Eligibility
- Senior Fellowships: Open to associate professors, full professors, equivalent levels outside academia, independent authors, and public intellectuals with recognized contributions.
- Postdoctoral Fellowships: Open to emerging scholars who hold a Ph.D. received within the last five years before assuming the fellowship.
How to Apply
Applicants are expected to prepare a research-focused application demonstrating the significance, objectives, and approach of their proposed work. Required application materials include:
- A research abstract of up to 300 words outlining the proposed project.
- A 1,000 to 2,000-word project statement detailing research objectives, approach, importance, and key questions, along with a one-page bibliography.
- Two writing samples, which may be published or unpublished works.
- A letter of interest explaining interest in the fellowship and the proposed research.
- A current curriculum vitae presenting academic, research, professional, and publication background.
- Contact details for three referees who can provide letters of reference.
Interested candidates must submit their application through the official portal before the closing date.
Deadline
The application deadline is September 30, 2026.