The Africa Fellows in Education Program 2025/2026: A Call for Applications
In the quest for robust economic growth, a skilled population emerges as a pivotal factor. Yet, many developing nations, especially in Africa, grapple with a pressing challenge: the low quality of education.
The Africa Fellows in Education Program (AFEP) aspires to bridge this capacity gap while enhancing education decision-making across Sub-Saharan Africa.
AFEP aims to cultivate a network of local policy fellows, enriching their capabilities in evaluating educational research, leveraging performance data for improved decision-making, and integrating rigorous evidence into policy processes.
In summary, AFEP’s goal is to foster a cohort of Africa-based leaders equipped to generate evidence and shape educational policies tailored to the needs of their countries.
These leaders will be integrated into a global network of advocates committed to enhancing education.
The Call for Applications
The Global Education Analytics Institute (GEAI), in partnership with PEP, invites motivated young African researchers eager to improve education to submit their expressions of interest for AFEP.
The fellowship offers participants a two-year research and policy development opportunity, introducing them to pertinent research, analytical experiences, and international networks of researchers and policy advisers. Interested candidates can find the application process outlined below.
Structure of the AFEP
AFEP’s framework consists of a blend of in-country activities and regional training opportunities. Successful fellows will attend two prominent international conferences on the economics of education: the CESifo Economics of Education conference and the Association for Education Finance and Policy (AEFP) conference.
While the conference schedule may be adjusted based on prevailing conditions, the program design also includes an extensive series of targeted short courses, covering topics such as evaluation methods, communications, incentive structures, and related areas.
Additionally, fellows will engage in lectures focusing on testing and performance measurement, enabling them to comprehend large-scale testing data from various international assessments and the nuances surrounding standardized testing.
During their fellowship, each fellow will develop a research or evaluation project to be executed primarily in their second year, catalyzed by the guidance of local scientific mentors.
A part-time local mentor will monitor each fellow’s progress, thus consolidating their newly acquired skills.
Throughout the program, advisors from Stanford University and other organizations will provide support and supervision.
The fellows are expected to complete their projects within two years, host in-country outreach workshops to disseminate their findings, and present their work at the GEAI-PEP-organized conference scheduled for June 2026.
Funding Information
Fellows will receive a substantial $35,000 cash grant for research purposes. Additionally, the program will cover up to $25,000 in expenses related to mentorship, study visits, conference travel, and in-country workshops.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this call, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a national of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Hold an MA or PhD in fields such as Economics, education policy, social/public policy, development studies, or international development, with a strong emphasis on education. Even though a PhD is not strictly required, recent graduates are encouraged to apply for the benefits of mentoring and additional training.
- Possess proficiency in quantitative data analysis and familiarity with analytical software such as R and Stata.
- Be 35 years old or younger.
- Exhibit a strong interest in education policy research and analysis.
- Be employed by the government or affiliated with a research or higher education institution in Sub-Saharan Africa, intending to continue in this sphere for the foreseeable future.
- Qualified females are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Process
The application process for the Africa Fellows Program is overseen by GEAI in collaboration with PEP.
Submissions will be evaluated based on prior preparation and the quality of the supporting essay.
Applicants must include the following in their expression of interest:
- A two-page statement of interest.
- A two-page essay prepared in English addressing one of the following:
- A specific education problem in their home country and a discussion on how it could be scientifically evaluated using quantitative methods.
- A response to one of the questions under the five thematic areas of the partner institution, Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) Africa, including an explanation of how such inquiries can be evaluated using quantitative or mixed methods.
- An updated CV with at least two referees.
All applications must be submitted via the PEP intranet system by April 30, 2025, at 23:59 GMT.
Conclusion
The Africa Fellows in Education Program stands as a beacon of hope, aiming to equip the next generation of educational leaders in Sub-Saharan Africa with the required knowledge and skills to drive meaningful change in their respective educational systems.
As they prepare to embark on this transformative journey, the potential for growth, development, and impactful advocacy awaits these aspiring fellows.
Up to ten awards will be announced in June 2025, paving the way for these future leaders to create a lasting impact in the realm of education across Africa.
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