AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grants for Junior Researchers 2025

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Applications are open for AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grants for Junior Researchers 2025. The African-German Network of Excellence in Science (AGNES) offers Intra-Africa Mobility Grants for doctoral students in sub-Saharan Africa. Grants support 1–2 month research stays at host institutions in other African countries, fostering collaboration, skill development, and research relevant to regional development. Eligible candidates can apply online by 30 November 2025.

The AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grants strengthen scientific capacity and networking of junior researchers in Africa. The programme enables doctoral students to conduct research at host institutions in other sub-Saharan countries, promoting cross-border collaboration, capacity-building, and development-focused research.

The AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grant enables doctoral candidates from sub-Saharan African countries to spend research stays of 1-2 months at a university/research institute in another sub-Saharan African country (hereafter referred to host institution), where they will be collaborating with an experienced researcher (hereafter referred to as scientific host). The proposed research must be part of the work towards the Doctoral research, including but not limited to bench work, laboratory studies, use of library resources and a write-up of the thesis or part of the thesis. Eligible junior researchers need to demonstrate the relevance of their work for the further development of their home countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Scope of Programmes:

AGNES is operating two Intra-Africa Mobility Grants for Junior Researchers for which application may be submitted directly by interested and qualified candidates from sub-Sahara Africa:

General AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grants for Junior Researchers (Generally for MALE and FEMALE candidates)
Special AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grants for Junior Researchers (For FEMALE candidates ONLY)

FEMALE candidates may apply for any or both grants (but only receive maximum of one of the grants) while MALE candidates can only apply for General AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grants for Junior Researchers (Generally for MALE and FEMALE candidates). AGNES encourages applications from all research fields (Sciences, Humanities, Law and Social Sciences)

AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grants Information

The Grant aims to be as financially comprehensive as is reasonably possible for a short stay outside the borders of the applicant’s country, covering travel and subsistence and includes a research allowance to the host institute on request to cover some of the research expenses.
A maximum Grant amount of EUR 2300 to EUR 3000 is earmarked for 1-2 months stays, respectively depending on the length of stay.

Eligibility Criteria

Nationals of sub-Saharan African countries, with priority to under-represented countries such as Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, DRC, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, and others.
Officially registered doctoral students.
Must have published at least one article from their thesis in a SCOPUS or Web of Science-indexed journal.
Must secure a host institution in another sub-Saharan African country with a mutually agreed research plan.
Female candidates may apply for both grants but can receive only one; male candidates may apply only for the general grant.

How To Apply for AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grants

Interested junior scientists should apply by filling the online application form via the link here: https://forms.gle/UnzYYaFuEQGFYU2n6.

Complete applications MUST include the following:

A short research/project proposal which MUST be in ENGLISH language (not more than 5 pages) from the junior scientist (applicant) with a short outline of the proposed research activity and a work schedule for achieving the aim(s) of the research project at the host institution. The scientific host must agree in writing to the proposal and time schedule.
A standard CV of the applicant which MUST be in ENGLISH language (use the AGNES template). The AGNES CV template can be obtained from here: Download 2025 AGNES Intra-Africal Mobility CV-Template.
Official proof of registration for the postgraduate degree (only current doctoral students are eligible).
A copy of the official academic transcripts of the applicant, reflecting the grades obtained in the undergraduate and any postgraduate studies. If your transcript is in another language, please supply the official explanation of the grading system in English language.
A list of published articles in non-predatory journals (include an e-copy or screenshot of at least the Title/Author page). AGNES will not consider articles that are not indexed in SCOPUS and Web of Science.
Travel costs (by land or economy class flight): supply two quotes for the journey (including return travel) between the applicant’s country of residence and the country of the host institute).
Estimated cost of living (rent, meals, local transport, health insurance) at the host institute. Applicants are expected to conclude a valid health insurance for the research stay. Scientific hosts and host institutes are expected to assist applicants in finding affordable accommodation and advise them on establishing subsistence estimates.
Letter of invitation from the scientific host (MUST be in English language): (i) confirming that a place to work will be available at the indicated period, (ii) a binding declaration from the host institution requesting an amount of the research cost allowance. The amount of EUR 100 per month and EUR 200 per month, respectively, will be deduced from the total grant amount for Humanities & Social Sciences, and Natural & Life Sciences and Engineering Sciences, to cover bench fees.