UAE Africa Institute Fellowships 2027

The Africa Institute at Global Studies University has launched applications for its 2027 Research Fellowships Program. This opportunity invites senior academics, emerging postdoctoral researchers, independent authors, and public intellectuals to undertake residential research in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Four positions are available across African studies, diaspora studies, literature, visual culture, performance, gender, feminism, social sciences, and critical humanities.

Fellowship Categories

This program targets established scholars rather than students beginning master’s or doctoral degrees. Two distinct categories exist:

• Senior Fellowships: Open to associate professors, full professors, and equivalent positions. Recognised independent authors and public intellectuals may also qualify. Appointments run for one year (September 2027 to June 2028).
• Postdoctoral Fellowships: Available to researchers whose PhDs were awarded within five years preceding the fellowship start. Appointments extend for two years (September 2027 to June 2029).

No nationality restrictions apply, making this opportunity accessible to international researchers whose work connects meaningfully with Africa or the African diaspora.

Four Named Fellowships

Each fellowship honours an influential intellectual and supports distinct research areas:

Toni Morrison Senior Fellowship in African Diaspora Literature and Cultural Studies

This fellowship suits established academics, authors, and intellectuals engaging with African or diaspora literature, cultural studies, critical theory, Black intellectual traditions, and African American experiences.

Ali A. Mazrui Senior Fellowship in Global African Studies

This position welcomes scholars examining Africa and its diaspora through interdisciplinary humanities and social sciences. Suitable fields include African studies, history, politics, sociology, anthropology, and international studies.

• Okwui Enwezor Postdoctoral Fellowship in Visual Culture, Performance Studies and Critical Humanities
• This fellowship targets emerging scholars researching visual culture, performance studies, art history, art criticism, curatorial studies, and cultural studies connecting Africa or the diaspora.

Fatema Mernissi Postdoctoral Fellowship in Social and Cultural Studies

This fellowship supports social-science researchers examining gender studies, feminist studies, cultural studies, visual cultures, sociology, sociopolitical change, Islam and society, and African diaspora studies.

Application Requirements

The selection process heavily emphasises research quality. Generic CVs and cover letters will prove insufficient. Candidates must demonstrate serious, achievable projects fitting their chosen fellowship’s intellectual scope.

Required documents include:

• Research abstract (maximum 300 words)
• Project statement (1,000–2,000 words)
• Optional one-page bibliography
• Two published or unpublished writing samples
• Letter of interest
• Current curriculum vitae
• Contact information for three referees

How to Apply

Click Here to Apply

Critical Deadline

The final submission date for the Africa Institute Senior and Postdoctoral Fellowships Program 2027 is 30 September 2026. Gulf Standard Time. Senior fellowship appointments run September 2027 to June 2028, while postdoctoral fellowships extend September 2027 to June 2029.

This residential research opportunity offers exceptional value for scholars seeking dedicated time and space for intensive research projects within a vibrant intellectual community.

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