About this opportunity
African German Network of Excellence in Science (AGNES) has opened applications for its 2026 Intra-Africa Mobility Grants for Junior Researchers. The grant pays for a one to two month research stay at a university or research institute in another sub-Saharan African country, working alongside an experienced scientific host who supervises the project.
Two grants are available. The General AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grant is open to male and female candidates. The Special AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grant is reserved for female candidates only. Women may apply for one or both, and can receive a maximum of one grant. Men may apply for the general grant only. Applications reach AGNES directly, and the programme is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH).
The aim is quiet but ambitious: build scientific capacity and networks inside Africa rather than pulling young talent out of it. AGNES members serve as supervisors for awardees, and alumni of the AvH Foundation mentor high potential junior researchers into international networks of scientific excellence.
The budget ceiling covers all expenses including the host fee. A one month stay is capped at EUR 2,300, a one and a half month stay at EUR 2,650, and a two month stay at EUR 3,000. Applications must be submitted online by 16 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
What you receive
- Funding of up to EUR 2,300 for a one month research stay, EUR 2,650 for 1.5 months, or EUR 3,000 for a two month stay
- Travel costs between your country of residence and the host country, by land or economy class flight
- Subsistence support for the duration of the research stay
- A research allowance to the host institute, on request, to cover some research expenses
- Supervision and collaboration with an experienced scientific host
- Access to the AGNES network of young African researchers and AvH Foundation alumni
Who can apply
- Be officially registered for a doctoral degree at a university or tertiary institute in sub-Saharan Africa at the time of application
- Be a national of a sub-Saharan African country
- Have at least one published paper from your earlier thesis work in a non-predatory journal indexed by SCOPUS or Web of Science
- Come from any academic discipline; AGNES encourages applications across sciences and humanities
- Clearly demonstrate that your work is relevant to development in sub-Saharan African countries
- Show that the work cannot be conducted in your home country
- Already have an identified scientific host and a mutually agreed proposal and work schedule
- Submit all application materials in English
Who should not apply
- Male candidates cannot apply for the Special AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grant, which is for female candidates only
- Candidates may receive a maximum of one AGNES grant even if they apply for both
- Applicants who are not current doctoral students are not eligible
- Publications in journals not indexed by SCOPUS or Web of Science are not counted
- Applications that do not follow the published guidelines are not considered
Documents to prepare
- A short research or project proposal in English of no more than 5 pages, with an outline of the proposed activity and a work schedule at the host institution, agreed in writing by the scientific host
- A standard CV in English using the AGNES template
- Official proof of registration for your postgraduate degree
- Copies of official academic transcripts for undergraduate and any postgraduate studies, with an official English explanation of the grading system if the transcript is in another language
- A list of published articles in non-predatory journals with SCOPUS or Web of Science links, plus the first page of each publication showing title, authors and abstract, merged into a single PDF
- Two quotes for travel, including return, between your country of residence and the host country
- An estimated cost of living at the host institute covering rent, meals, local transport and health insurance
How to apply
- Identify a scientific host at a university or research institute in another sub-Saharan African country and agree the proposal and work schedule in writing
- Download the AGNES CV template and prepare your CV in English
- Prepare the budget for the full stay, including two travel quotes and estimated living costs
- Complete the online application form at https://forms.gle/t57E7k9gTTtd7R7XA and upload the required documents
- Submit before 16 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT, and read the full call at https://agnes-h.org/2026-agnes-intra-africa-mobility-grants-for-junior-researchers/
Selection process
- Applications are reviewed against the published eligibility rules and budget ceilings
- A selection meeting is held in December 2026 and only selected candidates are notified
- Selected research stays begin no earlier than 1 March 2027 and must be completed by 31 July 2027
Sources and verification
- Official source , Discovered by the opportunity automation module.
Questions applicants ask
Who can apply for the two grants?
The general grant is open to male and female doctoral candidates in sub-Saharan Africa. The special grant is for female candidates only. Women may apply for both but can receive a maximum of one grant.
How long can the research stay last?
Between one and two months at a host institution in another sub-Saharan African country.
What is the maximum funding?
Up to EUR 2,300 for one month, EUR 2,650 for 1.5 months, and EUR 3,000 for two months. This covers all expenses including the host fee.
Is there an application fee?
No. The application is free and is submitted through the AGNES online form.
Important disclaimer
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