If you’re an early-career African academic passionate about public and population health research, this is your moment to step forward. The Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) is offering 22 PhD fellowships for 2026—a golden chance to gain advanced research training, join a multidisciplinary network, and become a future leader in Africa’s academic and research landscape.
Background: Why CARTA?
CARTA, founded in 2008, is a unique collaboration between eight African universities, four research institutions, and eight global partners, co-led by the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Kenya, and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), South Africa.
Its mission? To transform African higher education by:
- Strengthening institutional research capacity.
- Supporting junior faculty to complete doctoral training locally.
- Equipping scholars to lead impactful, world-class research.
What the Fellowship Offers?
CARTA’s 2026 PhD Fellowship goes beyond funding—it’s an immersive academic and professional development experience:
- Structured training programs to guide your doctoral journey.
- Laptop to support research work.
- Stipend for 28 months.
- Research funds up to USD 10,500.
- High-quality mentorship from African and international experts.
- Access to Joint Advanced Seminars (JAS):
- JAS-1 (March 2026): Core research skills & critical thinking.
- Inter-JAS (April–October 2026): Online academic writing program.
- JAS-2 (November 2026): Data management & analysis training.
Note: Fellowship does not cover PhD registration fees. Applicants must be eligible for a fee waiver from their institution.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility Essentials:
- Education: Master’s degree in a relevant field.
- Employment: Must be full-time teaching/research staff at one of the partner institutions (see list below).
- Research Area: Proposal relevant to public/population health.
- PhD Stage: Not yet registered or in the first year with an undeveloped proposal.
- Age: Men ≤ 40 years, Women ≤ 45 years.
- Commitment: Must attend JAS sessions and inter-JAS activities.
Partner Institutions:
African Population and Health Research Center (Kenya), Agincourt Health and Population Unit (South Africa), Ifakara Health Institute (Tanzania), Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (Malawi), Makerere University (Uganda), Moi University (Kenya), Obafemi Awolowo University (Nigeria), University of Ibadan (Nigeria), University of Nairobi (Kenya), University of Rwanda (Rwanda), University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa).
Why This Matters for You?
This fellowship is not just funding—it’s a career accelerator. You’ll join a network of researchers across Africa, gain international exposure, and strengthen your institution’s research capacity. CARTA is also committed to gender equity, meaning women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Apply: https://cartafrica.org/call-for-applications-carta-phd-fellowships-2026/
Key Dates
- Initial Application Deadline: August 20, 2025, 23:59 EAT
- Full Application Deadline: September 21, 2025 (by invitation only)
- Decision Announcement: November 15, 2025
- Fellowship Commences: March 1, 2026.