University of California (UC) Berkeley Visiting Fellowships For Africans by Mastercard Foundation 2026

Applications for the Mastercard Foundation’s 2026 University of California, Berkeley Visiting Fellowship are now open.

The goal of the fully funded UC Berkeley Visiting Fellowship is to give fellows the chance to work independently on research projects with current UC Berkeley faculty members.

We’ll go over the fellowship’s specifics, requirements, and application process in this post.

When is the deadline for applications?

📅 September 5, 2025

🎓 Describe the award to me:

The University of California (UC) Berkeley Visiting Fellowship is a fully funded program sponsored by the Mastercard Foundation in collaboration with the Center for African Studies. It offers African scholars the opportunity to carry out independent research, collaborate with Berkeley faculty, and mentor Mastercard Foundation Scholars. The fellowship is aimed at supporting high-impact research and fostering academic exchange between Africa and UC Berkeley.

Read Also:

• International Merit Scholarships at the University of Gloucestershire 2025 (Undergrad & Postgrad)
• How to Apply for the Fully Funded Qatar Government Scholarships 2025/2026 (Undergrad & Postgrad)
• UNS International Scholarship in Indonesia 2026 (Undergraduate & Postgraduate)
• Top 20 Scholarships For African Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students July 2025

📚 Which fields qualify?

All fields are welcome, but preference is given to research focusing on:

• Youth
• Labor and livelihoods
• Mobility and displacement
• Technology
• Democracy
• African futures and development

🏷️ The type:

🌍 Fully Funded Visiting Fellowship / Research Residency

👥 Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must:

• Be African nationals and currently reside in an African country
• Be affiliated with an African institution (e.g., university, NGO, think tank)
• Hold a PhD at the time of application
• Have a strong track record and potential to contribute significantly to their field

📊 How do they choose applicants?

Selection is based on:

• Quality and relevance of the proposed research
• Applicant’s academic background and CV
• Potential for collaboration with UC Berkeley faculty
• Impact of the research on African development themes
• Willingness to mentor Mastercard Foundation Scholars at UC Berkeley

🌍 Which nations are qualified?

All African countries

📌 Where will the prize be accepted?

📍 University of California, Berkeley – USA
The fellowship is in-person and lasts one semester (four months) starting no later than January 20, 2026.

🏅 How many honors?

🎯 Two (2) fellowships will be awarded for 2026

🎁 What advantage does the award offer?

• Full sponsorship (travel, visa, and living costs covered)
• Access to world-class research facilities at UC Berkeley
• Mentorship of Mastercard Foundation Scholars
• Opportunity to complete a major research project (e.g., journal article or book)
• Academic collaboration with Berkeley faculty
• Strengthening professional and global academic networks

⏳ What’s the duration of the award?

🕓 4 months (One semester, non-renewable)
Begins no later than January 20, 2026

📝 How do I apply?

1. Prepare your CV and a 2-page research proposal (excluding references)
2. Email your application to: asc@berkeley.edu
3. Submit before September 5, 2025