Applications are now open for the 2026 AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grants for Junior Researchers. The grants enable doctoral candidates from sub-Saharan African countries to spend research stays of one to two months at a university or research institute in another sub-Saharan African country, and all applications must be submitted online by 16 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
About the AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grants
AGNES is operating two Intra-Africa Mobility Grants for Junior Researchers, for which applications may be submitted directly by interested and qualified candidates from sub-Saharan Africa. The two categories are the General AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grant for Junior Researchers, open to both male and female candidates, and the Special AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grant for Junior Researchers, reserved for female candidates only.
The grant aims to strengthen the scientific capacity and networking of young researchers in sub-Saharan Africa through the active cooperation of AGNES and potential AGNES members, who serve as supervisors for the awardees. It further supports the alumni of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in their efforts to mentor high potential junior researchers and help them access international networks of scientific excellence.
Under the grant, doctoral candidates spend a research stay of one to two months at a host institution in another sub-Saharan African country, where they collaborate with an experienced researcher known as the scientific host.
Eligibility Requirements
Direct applications from junior researchers who have published at least one article from their thesis work in a non-predatory journal will be considered for both AGNES Mobility Grants. To qualify, the applicant must meet the following criteria.
First, the applicant may be from any academic discipline but must be officially registered for a doctoral degree at a university or tertiary institute in sub-Saharan Africa at the time of application. Second, the applicant must be a national of a sub-Saharan African country. Third, the applicant must have at least one already published paper from earlier thesis work in a non-predatory journal, and only journals indexed by SCOPUS and Web of Science will be considered.
Applicants must clearly demonstrate that their work is relevant to development in sub-Saharan African countries and cannot be conducted in their home country. Only applicants with an identified scientific host and a mutually agreed proposal and work schedule will be considered for the grant.
Application Requirements
Complete applications must include the following documents.
Research Proposal
A short research or project proposal, written in English and not more than five pages, from the junior scientist, with a short outline of the proposed research activity and a work schedule for achieving the aims of the research project at the host institution. The scientific host must agree in writing to the proposal and time schedule.
Curriculum Vitae
A standard CV of the applicant, written in English and prepared using the AGNES CV template, which can be downloaded from the official grant page.
Proof of Registration
Official proof of registration for the postgraduate degree. Only current doctoral students are eligible.
Academic Transcripts
A copy of the official academic transcripts of the applicant, reflecting the grades obtained in undergraduate and any postgraduate studies. If the transcript is in another language, applicants must supply the official explanation of the grading system in English.
List of Published Articles
A list of published articles in non-predatory journals, with SCOPUS or Web of Science links to each publication, along with an electronic copy of the first page of each publication showing the title, authors, and abstract. Both the list of publications and the first page of each publication should be merged into a single PDF document.
Travel Cost Quotes
Two quotes for the journey, including return travel, between the applicant’s country of residence and the country of the host institute, whether by land or economy class flight.
Estimated Cost of Living
An estimate of living costs at the host institute, covering rent, meals, local transport, and health insurance. Applicants are expected to conclude a valid health insurance policy for the research stay. Scientific hosts and host institutes are expected to assist applicants in finding affordable accommodation and advise them on establishing subsistence estimates.
How to Apply
Interested junior scientists should apply by filling in the online application form available on the official AGNES webpage. All applications must be submitted online by 16 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the 2026 AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grants for Junior Researchers is 16 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grant?
It is a grant that enables doctoral candidates from sub-Saharan African countries to spend a research stay of one to two months at a university or research institute in another sub-Saharan African country, collaborating with an experienced researcher.
What are the two grant categories?
The General AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grant is open to both male and female candidates, while the Special AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grant is for female candidates only.
Who can apply?
Junior researchers who are nationals of a sub-Saharan African country, are officially registered for a doctoral degree at a university in sub-Saharan Africa, and have published at least one article from their thesis work in a journal indexed by SCOPUS or Web of Science.
What is the application deadline?
All applications must be submitted online by 16 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
What documents are required?
A research proposal of not more than five pages in English, a CV using the AGNES template, proof of doctoral registration, academic transcripts, a list of published articles with SCOPUS or Web of Science links merged into a single PDF, two travel cost quotes, and an estimated cost of living at the host institute.
Do I need a scientific host before applying?
Yes. Only applicants with an identified scientific host and a mutually agreed proposal and work schedule will be considered, and the host must agree in writing to the proposal and time schedule.
Is health insurance required?
Yes. Applicants are expected to conclude a valid health insurance policy for the research stay, and the cost should be included in the estimated cost of living.