FRIAS Sustainable Governance Senior Fellowship Programme for Researchers from Africa 2026/27

Omran Aburayya
Jul 28
3 min read

If you are...a distinguished African-based researcher with a PhD and significant post‑doctoral experience, the FRIAS Sustainable Governance Senior Fellowship Programme 2026/27 is now open. Applications close on 12 September 2025 at 13:00 CET. This fully funded, six-month residential fellowship (1 Sept 2026 – 31 Aug 2027) at the prestigious University of Freiburg offers unparalleled opportunities for research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global networking.

🎓 Fellowship Summary

Location: University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Host Institution: Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS)
Level: Senior fellowship (6‑month residential research stay)
Target Group: Researchers based at African institutions, any nationality
Fields/Focus: Humanities & Social Sciences with thematic focus on sustainable governance
Duration: 6 months (between 1 September 2026 and 31 August 2027)
Application Deadline: 12 September 2025, 13:00 (CET)
Eligible To: Holders of a PhD and at least eight years of post‑doctoral experience, based in Africa

✨ Fellowship Overview

The Sustainable Governance Senior Fellowship supports experienced African scholars to undertake independent research in sustainable governance within the global academic community at FRIAS. As part of the University of Freiburg—founded in 1457 and consistently ranked among Germany’s top institutions—FRIAS fosters interdisciplinary interaction, innovation, and scholarly exchange.

🧩 Structure & Activities

Full-time in‑residence fellowship at FRIAS in Germany
Dedicated workspace, academic infrastructure, and participation in seminars, colloquia, and interdisciplinary roundtables
Research is undertaken in collaboration with the University of Freiburg’s academic community, with cross‑disciplinary ties encouraged

🎁 Benefits

Financial Support: Either a fellowship contract with the University or financial compensation
Monthly Living Allowance: Up to €1,500 per month for accommodation and subsistence
Research Cost Contribution: Funds to support project requirements
Mobility Allowance & Travel: Round-trip journey covered
Facilities & Support: Office space, library access, family support (e.g. childcare accommodation as needed)

✅ Eligibility Criteria

You must satisfy all of the following:

Hold a completed doctoral degree and have a minimum of 8 years post‑doctoral experience
Be based at an institution in an African country
Have at least 5 peer‑reviewed publications since 1 January 2016, including at least one with or as a co‑author
Hold a Master’s or PhD obtained in an African country
Have at least 6 months’ academic experience abroad (outside the country of your first degree) before application
Propose a research project in the Humanities or Social Sciences focused on sustainable governance
Include a letter of cooperation from a professor at the University of Freiburg supporting your project.

The review process is rigorous and merit-based; only around 10% of eligible applicants are expected to be selected.

📝 Application Procedure

Online Application Form: personal and project information, including abstracts, motivation statement, and an ethical issues table.
Attach the following PDFs:
- Project proposal (max. 3,000 words, with up to 4 graphs)
- CV in a tabular format (using the mandatory template)
- Publication list (no more than 8 publications; at least 5 must be peer‑reviewed since 2016)
- Copy of your PhD diploma
- Letter of cooperation from a Freiburg professor (must hold professorship status)(

What to Do Now?

Visit the official FRIAS programme page and download the Application Manual for full details
Identify a professor at the University of Freiburg willing to write your letter of cooperation
Begin preparing your project proposal, CV, and publication list, and collect your PhD diploma
Plan for your at least six months of academic experience abroad, if not already completed
Mark the 12 September 2025, 13:00 CET application deadline in your calendar