Apply Now: CARTA PhD Fellowships 2026 for African Scholars

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Application Deadline: August 20, 2025 at 23:59 hours EAT

The Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) is now accepting applications for its 2026 PhD Fellowship Program. This prestigious opportunity is designed to strengthen research capacity across African universities by supporting junior faculty in developing world-class research skills in public and population health.

About CARTA

Established in 2008, the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) was created to cultivate a robust African academic and research ecosystem. CARTA’s mission is to support African universities in becoming self-sustaining research hubs by nurturing future academic leaders through high-quality doctoral training.

CARTA is a partnership of eight African universities, four leading research institutions, and eight international academic collaborators. The initiative is co-led by the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) in Kenya and the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa.

The CARTA PhD Fellowship Program

CARTA’s PhD Fellowship is a collaborative, interdisciplinary training initiative focused on public and population health. The fellowship equips junior faculty with the tools, mentorship, and support they need to become internationally recognized researchers.

In 2026, CARTA will award 22 fellowships to eligible applicants from its African partner institutions. These awards are open to full-time academic or research staff members who demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing research in public and population health.

CARTA strongly encourages women to apply, reinforcing its commitment to gender equity and inclusion in higher education and research.

What the Fellowship Offers

Successful fellows will receive the following support:

  • Participation in a series of structured doctoral training programs, including Joint Advanced Seminars (JAS)
  • A laptop
  • A monthly stipend for 28 months
  • Research funds up to $10,500 (based on availability)

Please note: CARTA will not cover PhD registration fees or support fellows studying outside their home institution. Applicants must secure a fee waiver from their employing institution or register at a trusted partner university.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Be full-time academic or research staff at a CARTA partner institution
  • Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field
  • Be under 40 years (men) or 45 years (women)
  • Have not yet started or be in the first year of their PhD program
  • Submit a research proposal focused on public or population health
  • Commit to active participation in CARTA activities

CARTA Partner Institutions

Applicants must be affiliated with one of the following 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

Application Process

Deadline: August 20, 2025 at 23:59 EAT

  1. Contact your institution’s CARTA focal person to express your interest and obtain the application forms.
  2. Submit completed application forms and references via the REDCap system.

Candidates selected for nomination will be invited to complete a full application by September 21, 2025.

The final selection will be announced by November 15, 2025, and the fellowship will commence in March 2026.

Full Application Requirements

  • Full research proposal
  • Updated CV
  • Institutional letter of support
  • Timed assessments (critical review, numeracy, critical thinking)
  • Completion of two online courses:
    • Understanding Plagiarism
    • Basic Health Research Ethics

Note: Only nominated candidates will receive access to the full application portal.

Why You Should Apply

The CARTA PhD Fellowship is more than just financial support—it’s a transformative academic journey. Fellows become part of a continental network of scholars committed to solving Africa’s pressing public health challenges through rigorous, interdisciplinary research.

For more information and to apply CLICK HERE

Scholarship