Study in Kenya: Apply for the 2018 Mawazo PhD Scholars Programme for African Women

When is the application deadline?

2nd February 2018

Is the scholarship/opportunity offered annually?

Yes

Which countries are eligible for the scholarship?

Citizens from any African country

In which host country will I be studying?

Kenya

Field of Study:

Any field of study, at the PhD level

What is the scholarship about?

The goal of this programme is to build a strong pipeline of future researchers who are prepared to ask insightful questions about African development, and effectively communicate their results to both government and industry leaders and the general public.  We welcome applications from women in any academic discipline, with a preference for research projects focused on development-related topics, and using social science research methods. Mawazo PhD Scholars are expected to achieve the following goals during their fellowship year:

• Make substantial progress in collecting data for and/or writing up their current research project
• Develop a plan for identifying suitable journals and submitting their article for publication once it’s complete
• Identify outside research grants or post-docs, and submit at least two grant applications
• Participate in at least one academic conference
• Regularly attend training sessions and networking events in Nairobi (travel funding is available for Scholars who are based outside Nairobi)
• Publicise their work by speaking at public lectures arranged by Mawazo, writing blog posts and op-eds, and (if possible) making radio or TV appearances

What is the course level?

PhD

Selection/How do I know if I’m eligible for the scholarship? Criteria

You should apply for the Mawazo PhD Scholars programme if you are:

• A woman under the age of 40 (as of 1 January 2018)
• A citizen of an African country
• Enrolled in a PhD programme at a Kenyan university, in any department
• Working on or about to begin working on an academic research project which is related to African development, and which is intended for publication
• Predominantly using social science research methods, rather than carrying out lab-based research.  (“Social science research methods” include archival research, interviews, surveys, quantitative analysis, machine learning, etc.   We draw this distinction for purely logistical reasons, as Mawazo is not equipped to support laboratory research)
• Currently living in Kenya, or otherwise able to travel to Nairobi at least two times per month for the rest of 2018

What are the benefits of the scholarship?

Mawazo PhD Scholars receive the following benefits:

• A research grant worth Ksh 500,000 on average (precise value will vary depending on the amount needed for each Scholar’s research)
• Training in research methods, academic writing, grant writing, public engagement, and the publication process
• Research and editorial support from the Mawazo staff
• Travel grants for participation in regional or international conferences
• Connections to mentors, and industry and government leaders, in their field
• A dedicated desk at Mawazo’s office at Ikigai, Spring Valley, Nairobi

How long will the scholarship last?

One year

How to Apply for the Scholarship

The application for the 2018 PhD Scholars cohort is now open. All applications must be submitted through the online portal.

Visit Scholarship Webpage

Please Note:

Applications are only accepted through our online portal