APPLY NOW: CODESRIA Research Grants 2027 Offer Up to $15,000 for African University Research
ONYINYECHI NWAIGBA 
The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) is inviting researchers affiliated with African universities and research institutions to apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. The 15-month programme will support research on gender, academic freedom, governance and the changing landscape of higher education in Africa. Applications close on January 16, 2027.
African researchers interested in improving higher education, promoting gender equality and strengthening academic freedom can apply for the 2027 CODESRIA Research Grants on University Ecosystems.
The programme seeks to support original research examining the challenges and opportunities shaping universities across Africa. With funding support from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, the initiative aims to generate research that can contribute to academic knowledge, institutional development and evidence-based policy decisions.
Selected researchers will receive funding between $5,000 and $15,000 to conduct their research over a period of 15 months. The programme will also provide opportunities for knowledge exchange, peer learning and engagement with policy discussions across the continent.
The initiative is designed to support research that examines how universities can become more inclusive, protect intellectual freedom and contribute to wider social transformation.
About the CODESRIA Research Grants 2027
The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa is a pan-African organisation that supports social science and humanities research across the continent.
Through this funding opportunity, CODESRIA is inviting researchers to investigate issues affecting the quality, accessibility and governance of African higher education institutions.
The programme focuses on two interconnected themes: gender and associational life in African universities, and academic and intellectual freedom.
Research proposals are expected to explore relevant institutional challenges and offer insights that could inform policy development, advocacy and improvements in university practices.
Successful applicants will be expected to produce at least one publishable research output, such as an academic journal article and a policy brief or equivalent. They will also participate in knowledge-exchange activities, contribute to policy engagement and submit progress reports during the programme.
What the Grant Offers
Successful applicants will receive:
- Research funding: Between $5,000 and $15,000 to support eligible research projects.
- 15 months of research support: Time to conduct original studies and develop findings.
- Knowledge-sharing opportunities: Participation in workshops and peer-learning forums.
- Publication opportunities: Support for producing research outputs suitable for academic and policy audiences.
- Policy engagement: Opportunities to contribute evidence and perspectives to discussions about higher education across Africa.
The amount awarded will depend on the proposed research budget and the programme’s selection process. Applicants should not assume that every project will receive the maximum funding available.
Research Areas of Interest
CODESRIA is particularly interested in proposals addressing the following themes:
1. Gender and associational life in African universities
This theme explores how gender, institutional culture and social relationships influence university life. Relevant research areas include gender inequalities in academic leadership, barriers to women’s participation and career progression, the experiences of minority groups, campus safety, gender-based violence and student wellbeing.
Researchers may also examine how university governance and campus associations influence inclusion, participation and the ability of different groups to contribute to academic life.
2. Academic and intellectual freedom
This theme focuses on the conditions that enable or restrict independent thinking, research and the exchange of ideas within African universities.
Potential areas of study include university autonomy and accountability, political or institutional interference, academic freedom, research funding, knowledge production, digital transitions, artificial intelligence and emerging approaches to teaching.
The call also welcomes research exploring connections between academic freedom, gender equality, social justice and the civic role of universities.
Interdisciplinary studies addressing the relationship between university institutions and wider social, economic and political developments are encouraged.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is open to researchers affiliated with recognised African higher education institutions or research institutions.
Eligibility and application guidance include the following:
- Individual researchers and collaborative research teams may apply.
- Collaborative teams must consist of three to five members.
- Interdisciplinary, inter-institutional and multi-country research proposals are encouraged.
- African scholars living in the diaspora may apply in collaboration with colleagues based at an African institution.
- Women scholars, early-career academics and researchers affiliated with less-resourced universities are particularly encouraged to apply.
Applicants with outstanding or pending deliverables from previous or ongoing CODESRIA-funded projects are not encouraged to submit proposals.
Interested researchers should review the official call carefully to confirm that their proposed study and institutional affiliation meet the requirements.
Application Requirements
Applicants must prepare the following documents for submission:
1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Applicants should provide an updated CV highlighting their academic qualifications, research experience and relevant publications. For collaborative applications, CVs must be included for all team members.
2. Research proposal synopsis
The proposal synopsis must not exceed 4,000 words. It should clearly present the research question or problem, relevant literature, theoretical or conceptual framework, research methodology, work plan, timelines and proposed outputs.
3. Proposed research budget
Applicants must prepare a draft budget ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, reflecting the requirements of their proposed study.
4. Institutional affiliation letter
A formal letter of affiliation or endorsement from a recognised higher education or research institution is required.
Applicants should ensure that their documents are complete and that the proposed research aligns with the programme’s thematic priorities before submitting their applications.
Programme Duration and Expected Outputs
Selected researchers will receive support for 15 months to undertake their studies and develop relevant research outputs.
During this period, participants are expected to conduct original research, participate in knowledge-exchange workshops and peer-learning forums, produce publishable outputs, engage in policy discussions and submit periodic progress reports.
A final consolidated output will also be required.
The programme places emphasis on research that contributes not only to academic scholarship but also to wider discussions about university governance, inclusion, institutional development and the future of higher education in Africa.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the CODESRIA Research Grants on University Ecosystems 2027 is January 16, 2027.
Late applications will not be considered.
Interested researchers should begin preparing their proposals and supporting documents ahead of the deadline. Applicants should consult the official announcement and application portal for the complete submission guidelines.
How to Apply
Eligible researchers can apply online through the CODESRIA grants and subventions application system.
Applicants should review the official call, prepare the required documents and submit their proposals electronically through the designated portal.
For enquiries about the programme, applicants can contact tgf@codesria.org.
Researchers interested in contributing to discussions about gender, academic freedom, governance and institutional development in African universities are encouraged to review the opportunity and submit eligible proposals before the deadline.
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