The Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx) Visiting Fellowship Programme is now open, offering an outstanding opportunity for African researchers to engage in high-level, global academic collaboration with the University of Oxford. This prestigious fellowship provides a 12-month affiliation designed to strengthen research partnerships, promote multidisciplinary collaboration, and support the development of independent and impactful scholarship across Africa.
Hosted by the Africa Oxford Initiative, the programme connects African scholars with Oxford-based researchers, departments, and colleges, creating a platform for sustained academic exchange and long-term research impact.
Fellowship Structure and Duration
The AfOx Visiting Fellowship runs for 12 months, combining both virtual and in-person engagement to ensure flexibility while maintaining strong academic collaboration. Fellows will spend:
- Ten months in virtual collaboration, working closely with Oxford academics through online research meetings, seminars, and joint project development.
- Two months in residence at Oxford, scheduled between April and June (Trinity Term), allowing fellows to conduct in-person research, access Oxford’s world-class facilities, and participate in academic and social life at the University.
During the fellowship period, AfOx Fellows are formally affiliated with one Oxford Department and one Oxford College, giving them full academic recognition and access to institutional resources throughout their stay.
Collaboration Requirement
A key requirement for the AfOx Visiting Fellowship is collaboration. All applicants must identify and name an Oxford-based researcher as a collaborator at the time of application. This collaboration forms the foundation of the proposed research project and ensures meaningful engagement between African institutions and Oxford researchers.
Applicants are expected to develop research proposals that align clearly with their chosen Oxford partner and the specific fellowship stream they are applying to.
For more opportunities >>>>
Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) Future Leaders Accelerated Program (FLAP) 2026
Fellowship Partnerships and Research Areas
AfOx fellowships are offered through a wide range of academic partnerships across Oxford. Applicants must carefully review the partner descriptions and align their research proposals accordingly. Fellowship opportunities span leading research centres and departments, including:
- Oxford Department of International Development
- Mathematical Institute
- Faculty of Law
- African Studies Centre
- Refugee Studies Centre
- Pandemic Sciences Institute
- Oxford Cancer
In addition to these core partnerships, AfOx offers specialised fellowship streams, such as AfOx–OCIS, AfOx Ethox, Oxford EARTH, AfOx–RAIN, and other thematic collaborations.
One notable stream focuses on Improving Equitable Access to Healthcare. Applicants to this stream may work with collaborators in any Oxford department, provided their research project directly addresses healthcare equity challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Projects may explore access to healthcare systems, policy reform, innovation in service delivery, or health equity outcomes across African contexts.
Advance Africa’s Development: Fully Funded Program for Early-Career Scholars and Professionals
Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity
The AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme is strongly committed to inclusion and diversity. Applications are highly encouraged from female researchers and scholars from underrepresented groups across Africa. AfOx recognises the importance of amplifying diverse voices and perspectives within global research and actively supports equitable participation in academic opportunities.
Research Impact and Long-Term Benefits
AfOx Fellows have consistently developed long-term partnerships with Oxford colleagues that extend well beyond the fellowship year. These collaborations have resulted in:
- Joint academic publications in leading journals
- The launch of new international research projects
- Breakthrough engagement with African and global policy-makers
- Access to substantial external research funding
Through the programme, African scholars make meaningful contributions to the intellectual, cultural, and social life of Oxford, while also benefiting from exposure to advanced research methodologies, extensive academic networks, and cutting-edge resources available at the University.
Why Apply?
The AfOx Visiting Fellowship is more than a short-term academic visit. It is a transformative opportunity for African researchers seeking to expand their global research footprint, build sustainable collaborations, and enhance the real-world impact of their work. Fellows gain access to Oxford’s expertise, libraries, laboratories, and scholarly communities while maintaining strong connections with their home institutions.
Applications Now Open
Applications for the Africa Oxford Initiative Visiting Fellowship Programme are currently open. Interested candidates are advised to carefully review the fellowship streams, partner descriptions, and eligibility requirements before submitting their application.
👉 Official application details and guidelines:
https://www.afox.ox.ac.uk/research/afox_visiting_fellowship_programme