Applications are open for the AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grant 2026, which offers doctoral researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa up to €3,000 to undertake a short research stay at a university or research institution in another Sub-Saharan African country.
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) funds the programme, and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH) supports it. Applications close on 16 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT. Pasted markdown
About the AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grant 2026
The African-German Network of Excellence in Science (AGNES) established the mobility programme to strengthen scientific capacity and research collaboration among young researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Successful applicants undertake a one- to two-month research stay at a university or research institute in a Sub-Saharan African country apart from their own. During the visit, each researcher works with an experienced scientific host.
Importantly, the programme welcomes applications from all disciplines, not just STEM. Eligible fields include:
- Natural and life sciences
- Engineering
- Humanities
- Law
- Social sciences
This approach makes the grant relevant to doctoral researchers from a wide range of academic backgrounds.
Two AGNES Mobility Grant Categories
For 2026, AGNES offers two categories of Intra-Africa Mobility Grants.
General Mobility Grant
The general mobility grant is available to eligible male and female doctoral researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa.
Special Mobility Grant for Female Researchers
AGNES also offers a separate grant category specifically for female researchers.
Eligible women may apply for either or both categories. However, each successful applicant can receive a maximum of one grant. Male applicants can apply only for the general mobility category.
How Much Funding Is Available?
The amount available depends on the duration of the proposed research stay:
| Research Stay | Maximum Funding |
|---|---|
| 1 month | €2,300 |
| 1.5 months | €2,650 |
| 2 months | €3,000 |
The grant contributes to expenses associated with the research visit, including travel and subsistence costs.
A research allowance for the host institution may also form part of the grant where applicable. Applicants must arrange valid health insurance for the duration of their research stay.
Therefore, researchers planning the maximum two-month visit may receive funding of up to €3,000.
Who Can Apply for the AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grant 2026?
Applicants must satisfy several important requirements.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be nationals of a Sub-Saharan African country
- Be officially registered for a doctoral degree at a university or tertiary institution in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Undertake the proposed research visit in another Sub-Saharan African country
- Have at least one published article from earlier thesis work
- Propose a research stay lasting between one and two months
- Secure an eligible scientific host at the proposed host institution
- Submit the complete application in English
One particularly important condition concerns the applicant’s publication record.
AGNES requires the relevant publication to appear in a non-predatory journal indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. Applicants should confirm that they meet this requirement before beginning the application.
Can Cameroonians, Nigerians and Ghanaians Apply?
Yes.
The programme targets eligible doctoral researchers who are nationals of Sub-Saharan African countries.
Therefore:
🇨🇲 Cameroonians can apply.
🇳🇬 Nigerians can apply.
🇬🇭 Ghanaians can apply.
Eligible researchers from other Sub-Saharan African countries can also apply.
Moreover, AGNES states that there is no geographical quota for awarding the grants. It particularly encourages applications from countries that have historically been under-represented in the programme, including Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Your Research Stay Must Be in Another African Country
A central objective of the programme is to encourage intra-African research mobility.
Consequently, applicants cannot use the grant simply to continue their research at their current institution or another institution within their own country.
Instead, the proposed host university or research institute must be located in another Sub-Saharan African country.
For example, an eligible doctoral researcher studying in Cameroon could potentially arrange a research stay at a suitable institution in Ghana, Kenya, South Africa or another qualifying Sub-Saharan African country.
The applicant must also identify an experienced researcher willing to serve as the scientific host.
Scientific Host Requirements
Securing a suitable host researcher is an important part of the application process.
Applicants need a letter of invitation from the scientific host, written in English.
The invitation should confirm that the researcher will have access to appropriate facilities or a suitable place to work during the proposed research period.
Where applicable, the host institution must also provide the required declaration concerning research costs.
Therefore, applicants should contact potential supervisors or host researchers well before the deadline. Waiting until the final days could make it difficult to obtain all the required documentation.
Documents Required
Applicants should follow the official application instructions carefully because incomplete applications may be rejected.
The application package covers the applicant’s academic background, doctoral research, proposed mobility period, budget and host arrangements.
Applicants should be prepared to provide materials such as:
- Academic and personal information
- Evidence of current doctoral registration
- Research proposal or project information
- Evidence of the required scientific publication
- Proposed research-stay schedule
- Budget for the research visit
- Information about the host researcher and institution
- Letter of invitation from the scientific host
- Other supporting documents specified in the official call
All applications must be submitted in English.
How to Apply for the AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grant 2026
The application process is completed online.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
First, confirm that you are currently registered for a doctoral degree in Sub-Saharan Africa and that you hold an eligible nationality.
You should also ensure that you satisfy the publication requirement before proceeding.
Step 2: Identify a Host Researcher
Identify an experienced researcher at a university or research institution in another Sub-Saharan African country.
Ideally, the research interests and expertise of your proposed host should align closely with the work you intend to undertake during the mobility period.
Step 3: Obtain the Host Invitation
Contact the prospective host and request the required invitation letter.
Ensure that the host understands the conditions of the AGNES mobility programme and can provide the necessary institutional support.
Step 4: Prepare Your Research Plan and Budget
Explain what you intend to accomplish during the proposed one- or two-month research visit.
Your budget should also account for relevant expenses such as accommodation, meals, transportation and health insurance.
Step 5: Complete the Online Application
Complete the official AGNES application form and provide all required information and supporting documents.
Please review your application carefully before submitting it.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
Applications must reach AGNES by 16 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
16 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT
Applicants should avoid waiting until the deadline day. Incomplete applications or submissions that fail to follow the official guidelines may be rejected.
When will the research stay take place?
AGNES plans to conduct its selection process in December 2026, after which successful candidates will receive notification.
Selected researchers can begin their mobility periods on 1 March 2027.
Furthermore, all funded research stays must be completed by 31 July 2027.
Applicants should therefore design their proposed research activities around this implementation period.
Why the AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grant Is Worth Considering
One of the most attractive features of this opportunity is its emphasis on research collaboration within Africa.
Instead of requiring African doctoral researchers to travel to Europe or North America, the programme encourages them to access expertise, facilities and academic networks elsewhere on the African continent.
Furthermore, researchers from several academic disciplines can participate.
For doctoral candidates who already have the required publication and can identify an appropriate host researcher, the grant can provide valuable financial support for research collaboration, data collection, specialised training or other activities that strengthen their doctoral work.
The dedicated funding category for women also provides an additional opportunity for eligible female doctoral researchers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grant 2026?
Successful applicants can receive up to €3,000. The maximum amount is €2,300 for a one-month stay, €2,650 for 1.5 months and €3,000 for a two-month research stay.
Is this program a master’s scholarship?
No. This opportunity targets researchers who are currently registered for a doctoral degree at an eligible institution in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Can Cameroonian PhD students apply?
Yes. Eligible Cameroonian doctoral researchers can apply.
Can Nigerian and Ghanaian researchers apply?
Yes. Eligible doctoral researchers from Nigeria and Ghana can apply.
Are female researchers eligible?
Yes. Female researchers can apply for the general mobility grant and also have access to the special mobility grant category reserved for women.
Do I need a publication?
Yes. Applicants must have at least one article from earlier thesis work published in an eligible non-predatory journal. AGNES specifies Scopus and Web of Science indexing as part of the publication requirement.
Can I conduct the research in my own country?
No. The purpose of the programme is to promote intra-African mobility. Therefore, the research stay must take place at an institution in another Sub-Saharan African country.
How long can the research visit last?
The funded research stay can last between one and two months.
When can successful applicants begin their research stays?
Successful researchers can begin their stays from 1 March 2027, and funded visits must be completed by 31 July 2027.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 16 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Final Thoughts
The AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grant 2026 provides an important opportunity for African PhD researchers seeking short-term funding to collaborate with researchers and institutions elsewhere in Sub-Saharan Africa.
With funding of up to €3,000, eligibility across several academic disciplines and a dedicated funding stream for female researchers, the programme can support meaningful research collaboration without requiring scholars to leave the African continent.
Eligible researchers should prioritise identifying a suitable scientific host, obtaining the required invitation letter and preparing a strong research plan well before the deadline.
Application deadline: 16 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Official Links
AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grant – Official Call:
https://agnes-h.org/2026-agnes-intra-africa-mobility-grants-for-junior-researchers/
AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grant – Programme Page:
https://agnes-h.org/intra-africa-mobility-grant/
