CODESRIA Research Grants 2027: Up to $15,000 in Funding for African Researchers

The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) has opened applications for its 2027 Research Grants on University Ecosystems, offering African researchers funding to conduct original studies addressing challenges and developments within African higher education institutions.

With support from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, the programme seeks to strengthen research capacity, promote gender equality and encourage academic freedom across African universities.

Selected researchers will receive funding ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 to undertake their proposed research over a 15-month period. The programme will also provide opportunities for knowledge exchange, peer learning, academic publication and policy engagement.

Research Focus Areas

CODESRIA is inviting proposals that explore issues affecting the development, governance and quality of African universities. The programme particularly focuses on two interconnected themes:

1. Gender and Associational Life in African Universities

This theme examines gender relations, institutional culture, inclusion and participation within African higher education institutions.

Potential research areas include:

• Gender equality and representation in university leadership.
• Barriers affecting women's academic and professional advancement.
• Inclusion of minority groups in university environments.
• Campus safety, gender-based violence and student wellbeing.
• The role of university associations in promoting participation and inclusion.

2. Academic and Intellectual Freedom

This theme explores the conditions that support or restrict independent research, teaching, intellectual expression and knowledge production within African universities.

Potential research areas include:

• University autonomy, governance and accountability.
• Academic freedom and institutional independence.
• Research funding and knowledge production.
• Digital transformation, artificial intelligence and emerging teaching innovations.
• Equity, social justice and institutional development.

Proposals should demonstrate how the proposed research will contribute to academic knowledge, institutional development or policy discussions.

Benefits of the CODESRIA Research Grants

Successful applicants will receive the following support:

• Research funding: Grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 to support eligible research projects.
• 15-month research support: Time and financial resources to conduct original studies and develop research findings.
• Knowledge exchange: Opportunities to participate in workshops and peer-learning forums.
• Academic publication: Support and opportunities to produce publishable research manuscripts and policy briefs.
• Policy engagement: Opportunities to contribute research findings to public discussions and policy development across Africa.

Selected researchers will also be expected to submit periodic progress reports and a final consolidated research output.

Who Can Apply?

The opportunity is open to researchers affiliated with recognised African higher education institutions or research institutions.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Applicants must have an institutional affiliation with a recognised African higher education or research institution.
• Individual researchers and collaborative research teams are eligible to apply.
• Collaborative research teams must consist of three to five members.
• Interdisciplinary, inter-institutional and multi-country research proposals are encouraged.
• African scholars living in the diaspora may apply in collaboration with colleagues based at an African institution.

Women scholars, early-career academics and researchers affiliated with less well-resourced universities are particularly encouraged to apply.

Researchers with outstanding or pending deliverables from previous or ongoing CODESRIA-funded projects are not encouraged to submit applications.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

An updated CV highlighting academic qualifications, research experience and relevant publications. Collaborative applications must include CVs for all team members.

2. Research Proposal Synopsis

A proposal of no more than 4,000 words outlining:

• The research question or problem statement.
• Relevant literature and existing academic discussions.
• The conceptual or theoretical framework.
• Research methodology and work plan, including timelines.
• Proposed research budget.
• Expected scholarly and non-scholarly outputs.

3. Proposed Research Budget

Applicants must prepare a draft budget ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, based on the requirements of the proposed research.

4. Institutional Affiliation Letter

A formal letter of affiliation or endorsement from a recognised higher education or research institution is required.

How to Apply

Interested researchers can apply by following these steps:

1. Visit the official CODESRIA Research Grants announcement.
2. Review the programme's research themes, eligibility requirements and application guidelines.
3. Prepare the required documents, including the CV, research proposal synopsis, draft budget and institutional affiliation letter.
4. Visit the CODESRIA Grants and Subventions Application Portal.
5. Create an account or sign in to an existing account.
6. Complete the application and upload all required documents.
7. Review the submission and submit it before the deadline.

For enquiries about the programme, applicants can contact CODESRIA via tgf@codesria.org.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the CODESRIA Research Grants on University Ecosystems 2027 is January 16, 2027.

Late applications will not be considered. Interested researchers are encouraged to begin preparing their proposals and supporting documents ahead of the deadline.

Apply Here: CODESRIA Grants and Subventions Application Portal

Disclaimer

Edfrica shares research grants and funding opportunities for informational purposes only. Applicants are advised to review the official CODESRIA announcement for complete eligibility requirements, application procedures and funding conditions before applying. Edfrica is not affiliated with CODESRIA or the Andrew Carnegie Foundation and does not guarantee selection or funding.