CEGA Fellowship Program 2027–2028: Fully Supported Research Fellowship Opportunity for African Researchers at UC Berkeley

Overview

The Center for Effective Global Action at the University of California, Berkeley offers a professional development experience designed to strengthen quantitative research capabilities and evidence-informed policymaking among African researchers, academics, and development practitioners. The programme spans sixteen weeks and supports research interests across sectors such as agriculture and food security, financial inclusion, gender equality, technology for development, energy and climate change, economic development and public policy, and public health. Participants can choose between a Resident Fellowship at UC Berkeley or a Non-Resident virtual programme.

Who can apply

Applicants must originate from an eligible East or West African country, have completed at least secondary school education in an institution in Africa, and possess fluency in written and spoken English. Candidates must hold at least a Master degree, be currently enrolled in a PhD programme, or have completed a PhD within the past eight years, with an academic background in economics, political science, statistics, epidemiology, public health, or another social science discipline. Applicants must also plan to return to an institution in East or West Africa following the fellowship. Those currently studying outside Africa may qualify if they meet the educational and institutional affiliation criteria. Resident Fellowship applicants must additionally originate from a country eligible for a J-1 visa under the programme requirements, specifically listed as Djibouti, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, and Uganda.

What you get

Selected participants receive access to specialised coursework, personalised academic mentorship from a dedicated faculty mentor, a PhD peer partner, and an international network of development researchers. Resident Fellows receive round-trip international flights, accommodation at International House at UC Berkeley, meals during the fellowship period, visa fees, health insurance, and a monetary stipend for miscellaneous expenses. Non-Resident Fellows receive a monetary stipend for miscellaneous expenses while participating virtually for approximately fifteen to twenty hours per week. The programme does not provide a salary for fellows time, and participants must arrange leave with their employers.

Requirements

Applicants can apply through two distinct tracks. The Practitioner Track targets professionals in African government ministries, non-governmental organisations, and think tanks who want to strengthen their research capabilities and evidence utilization, with seven fellows intended for selection. The Academic Track is designed for emerging academics, including doctoral students or current staff at universities and research institutions, who intend to develop an independent research proposal or contribute to a faculty research project, with four fellows intended for selection. Resident Fellows complete their sixteen-week term in person during either Fall 2027 or Spring 2028, while Non-Resident Fellows participate online from their home countries or institutions.

Key dates

The application deadline is 17 January 2027 at 5:00 PM GMT. Resident fellowships take place during Fall 2027 covering August through December or Spring 2028 covering January through May.