The African Graduate Fellowship Program (AGFP) is a joint initiative of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS). The program provides up to 40 fellowships each year to graduate students from African countries who wish to pursue a doctoral degree at a university in the United States. The goal of the program is to increase the number of African scholars who are conducting high-quality research in the social sciences and humanities.
The African Graduate Fellowship Program is a very competitive program, with a rigorous selection process. Applicants must have a strong academic record, as well as a commitment to returning to Africa and contributing to its development. The program is open to students in a wide range of fields, including anthropology, economics, history, political science, and sociology. The program also supports interdisciplinary research and encourages applicants to consider innovative approaches to their research. Successful applicants will receive full funding for their studies, as well as travel and living expenses.
Benefits of the African Graduate Fellowships
The African Graduate Fellowships provide a number of benefits to fellows. These include:
- Full funding for tuition and fees.
- A stipend for living expenses.
- Travel costs to and from the United States.
- Language training, if necessary.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Access to an academic mentor.
The fellowship also provides a unique opportunity to network with other African scholars and academics from around the world. This is a valuable experience that can help fellows build their careers and expand their research networks.
Eligibility Criteria for African Graduate Fellowships
To be eligible for the African Graduate Fellowships, applicants must:
- Be citizens of an African country.
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.5 or equivalent.
- Be accepted to a doctoral program in the United States.
- Have a strong commitment to returning to Africa after completing their studies.
In addition to these criteria, applicants must submit a research proposal that addresses an important topic in the social sciences or humanities. The proposal must be well-written and demonstrate the applicant’s ability to conduct high-quality research.
How to Apply for African Graduate Fellowships
Some of the required documents for the African Graduate Fellowships application are:
- A completed online application form.
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
- A current CV or resume.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- A statement of purpose.
- A writing sample (optional).
- A research proposal (up to five pages).
It is important to note that some documents, such as transcripts and letters of recommendation, must be submitted by the deadline. Other documents, such as the statement of purpose and research proposal, may be submitted after the deadline.