CEGA Fellowship Program 2027–2028 for African Researchers and Practitioners

The Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) at the University of California, Berkeley, is inviting applications for its 2027–2028 Fellowship Programme.

The fellowship is designed to strengthen research capacity in Africa by equipping researchers and development practitioners with skills in impact evaluation, quantitative research and evidence-based policymaking.

Nigerians are eligible, with the non-resident fellowship option being particularly relevant to applicants based in Nigeria.

Category: Research Fellowship

Host Institution: University of California, Berkeley

Duration: 16 weeks

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows receive:

• Training in quantitative development research and impact evaluation.
• Academic coursework.
• Mentorship from faculty members and PhD researchers.
• Opportunities to develop research proposals.
• Access to research networks across Africa.
• A monetary stipend.
• Resident fellows may also receive support for flights, accommodation, meals, visa fees and health insurance, subject to the programme's eligibility and visa requirements.
• Non-resident fellows participate remotely and receive a stipend.

Available Fellowship Tracks

1. Practitioner Track

For professionals working in government ministries, NGOs and think tanks who want to strengthen their research skills and use evidence to improve development outcomes.

2. Academic Track

For doctoral students and researchers affiliated with universities or research institutions who intend to pursue academic careers.

Both tracks offer resident and non-resident formats.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be from an East or West African country.
• Have completed at least secondary education at an African institution.
• Be fluent in written and spoken English.
• Hold at least a Master's degree, be enrolled in a PhD programme or have completed a PhD within the last eight years.
• Have an academic background in economics, political science, statistics, epidemiology, public health or another social science discipline.
• Plan to return to an institution in East or West Africa after the fellowship.

Nigeria-specific consideration: Nigerians are prioritised for the non-resident fellowship because of the programme's stated US visa restrictions. Applicants should review the official visa eligibility information before choosing a track.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• Personal statement of no more than one page.
• CV of no more than two pages.
• Policy statement of no more than two pages for the Practitioner Track.
• Research proposal of no more than two pages for the Academic Track.
• Contact details for two referees.
• Evidence of leave approval or institutional support.
• Optional working paper or publication.

Fellowship Periods

Applicants may choose between:

Fall 2027: August–December.

Spring 2028: January–May.

How to Apply

• Visit the official CEGA Fellowship announcement.
• Review the available fellowship tracks.
• Confirm your academic and professional eligibility.
• Prepare the required documents.
• Complete the online application.
• Submit before the deadline.

Official Announcement:

https://cega.berkeley.edu/article/cega-fellowship-program-2027-2028-request-for-applications/

Application Portal:

https://cega.submittable.com/submit/372266/2027-28-cega-visiting-fellowship-final

Enquiries: global-networks-cega@berkeley.edu

Deadline:

17 January 2027, 5:00 p.m. GMT.

Important: This is a postgraduate-level research opportunity, not an undergraduate fellowship.