The AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme is a distinguished initiative designed to provide outstanding African researchers with the opportunity to establish international networks and collaborate with scholars at the University of Oxford. This programme allows fellows to focus on a research project of their choice while benefiting from Oxford’s vast academic resources and multidisciplinary collaborations.
Building Global Research Partnerships
Fellows selected for the programme will be affiliated with the University of Oxford for a total of 12 months. This includes ten months of virtual engagement and a two-month in-person visit to Oxford, which takes place between April and June (Trinity term). During their time at Oxford, AfOx Fellows are associated with both a Department and a College within the university.
To apply, candidates must have an Oxford-based researcher as a collaborator. This partnership ensures that fellows can work closely with an expert in their field, fostering meaningful academic exchange and long-term research impact.
Diverse Fellowship Opportunities
AfOx fellowships are available through several key partnerships across the University of Oxford. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the available partnerships and align their proposals with the relevant programmes.
For instance, those applying for the Improving Equitable Access to Healthcare Fellowship can collaborate with researchers from any Oxford department. However, their project must focus on enhancing healthcare access in low- and middle-income countries.
The programme strongly encourages applications from female scholars and researchers from underrepresented backgrounds. Previous AfOx fellows have established long-term collaborations with Oxford colleagues, leading to joint publications, new research projects, engagement with African policymakers, and substantial research funding.
Through this fellowship, African scholars not only contribute to Oxford’s intellectual and social landscape but also gain access to its world-class libraries, research facilities, and academic networks.
Application Deadline and Process
Applications for the AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme are open until 11:59 AM (UK time) on 6th June 2025.
Interested candidates can apply online HERE.
More details, including guidance from past fellows and Oxford collaborators on building strong research partnerships, are available here.
Testimonials from Past Fellows
Several past fellows have shared their experiences of how the programme has significantly advanced their research and professional development.
“During my tenure, I conducted a structured study on the feasibility of implementing genomic research in Liberia— the first of its kind for the country. Collaborating with a colleague at Oxford, I successfully submitted two grant applications focusing on public health emergencies and outbreak response. More importantly, I identified common research priorities and capacity-strengthening opportunities among my colleagues from Sub-Saharan Africa.”
— Dr. Stephen B. Kennedy, Senior AfOx Visiting Fellow
“My time at Oxford allowed me to access invaluable archival materials at the Bodleian Library, deepening my research into South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle. As part of the Oxford Department of International Development and Wolfson College, I engaged with a supportive academic community. A key highlight was launching my book, Sisters in the Struggle: Women of Indian Origin in South Africa’s Liberation Struggle, at St Cross College, where I connected with publishers, students, academics, and fellow South Africans.”
— Prof. Kalpana Hiralal, Senior AfOx Visiting Fellow
AfOx Visiting Fellowship Partners
AfOx fellowships are offered in collaboration with several renowned departments and centres at the University of Oxford, including:
- The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities (TORCH)
- Oxford Department of International Development
- Faculty of Law
- Mathematical Institute
- Refugee Studies Centre
- African Studies Centre
- Improving Equitable Access to Healthcare Initiative
- Global Centre on Healthcare and Urbanisation (GCHU)
Frequently Asked Questions
To assist prospective applicants, the programme provides a comprehensive FAQ section addressing common queries, such as:
- Eligibility criteria (e.g., whether a PhD is required)
- The role of the Oxford collaborator
- How to find a collaborator at Oxford
- Application submission process
- Visa support for selected fellows
- Programme structure and duration
A full list of frequently asked questions and detailed answers can be found on the AfOx website.
Join the AfOx Fellowship Programme
The AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme is a unique opportunity for African researchers to engage with Oxford’s academic community, access world-class resources, and contribute to impactful research collaborations.
For more information and to apply, visit AfOx’s official website.
Continue to stay on www.opportunitiesforyouth.org for more opportunities