University of Oxford Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx) Visiting Fellowship 2026 Programme: Apply Now!!

The AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme, hosted by the University of Oxford, is a prestigious opportunity designed to support exceptional African researchers.

The programme enables scholars to build international networks, collaborate with Oxford-based academics, and advance an independent research project of their choice.

By fostering long-term, multidisciplinary partnerships, the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx) strengthens research collaboration between African institutions and Oxford, contributing to impactful global scholarship and policy engagement.

Programme Overview

The AfOx Visiting Fellowship offers a structured 12-month affiliation with the University of Oxford, combining virtual engagement with an in-person residency.

Fellowship structure:

• 10 months of virtual collaboration with Oxford academics.
• 2 months in Oxford (April–June, Trinity Term) for in-person research, networking, and academic exchange.
• Formal association with both an Oxford Department and a College.

To apply, candidates must identify and secure an Oxford-based collaborator who will support their application and host their project.

The fellowship is open to researchers across disciplines, with opportunities aligned to specific partner programmes. Applicants must carefully review partnership themes and tailor their proposals accordingly.

Fellowship Themes and Partnerships

AfOx Visiting Fellowships are offered in collaboration with leading Oxford departments and research centres. Key partners include:

• Oxford Department of International Development
• Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford
• Faculty of Law, University of Oxford
• African Studies Centre, University of Oxford
• The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities (TORCH)
• Refugee Studies Centre, University of Oxford
• Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford
• Oxford Cancer

Additional fellowships include specialised initiatives such as Improving Equitable Access to Healthcare, AfOx–OCIS Visiting Fellowships, AfOx Ethox Fellowship, Oxford EARTH, and the AfOx–Research Alpha Industry (RAIN) Fellowship Programme.

Improving Equitable Access to Healthcare Fellowship

Applicants for this stream may collaborate with any Oxford department, provided their research focuses on improving equitable access to healthcare in low- and middle-income countries.

This thematic flexibility enables cross-disciplinary innovation while addressing urgent global health challenges.

Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity

AfOx strongly encourages applications from female researchers and underrepresented groups across Africa. The programme is committed to building equitable academic partnerships and promoting inclusive excellence.

Research Impact and Outcomes

AfOx Fellows have established lasting collaborations that extend well beyond the fellowship year. These partnerships have led to:

• Joint peer-reviewed publications
• New interdisciplinary research projects
• Significant external research funding
• Stronger engagement with African policymakers
• Capacity-strengthening initiatives across African institutions

Fellows contribute meaningfully to Oxford’s intellectual and social life while gaining access to world-class resources, including the renowned Bodleian Libraries.

Fellow Experiences

Senior AfOx Visiting Fellow Stephen B. Kennedy completed Liberia’s first structured study assessing the feasibility of implementing genomic research in the country. During his fellowship, he collaborated with Oxford colleagues to submit competitive grant proposals focused on public health emergencies and outbreak response. His work also helped identify shared research priorities and capacity-building opportunities across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Similarly, Kalpana Hiralal, affiliated with the Oxford Department of International Development and Wolfson College, Oxford, leveraged Oxford’s archival collections to deepen her research into South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle. During her fellowship, she launched her book Sisters in the Struggle, Women of Indian Origin in South Africa’s Liberation Struggle, Vol. 1, engaging with scholars, publishers, and the wider Oxford community.

These examples highlight how AfOx Fellowships create transformative academic and professional opportunities.

Application Process

Applications are now open.

Prospective applicants should:

1. Identify an appropriate Oxford collaborator.
2. Align their research proposal with a listed AfOx partnership theme.
3. Review fellowship guidance and frequently asked questions.

Applicants must submit proposals through the official application process (email submissions are not accepted).

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE

Frequently Asked Questions

The AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme provides comprehensive guidance for both applicants and collaborators. Common questions include:

• Do applicants need a PhD?
• How are fellows selected?
• What is the role of the Oxford collaborator?
• What funding and support are included?
• Is visa assistance provided?
• Can applicants apply for more than one fellowship stream?

Detailed answers are available through the official AfOx information resources, along with advice from previous fellows and collaborators.

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Why Apply for the AfOx Visiting Fellowship?

The AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme offers:

• A prestigious affiliation with the University of Oxford
• Access to world-class research facilities and libraries
• Multidisciplinary collaboration opportunities
• Long-term global research partnerships
• Enhanced policy engagement and funding prospects

By bridging African institutions and Oxford, the Africa Oxford Initiative continues to foster impactful research, knowledge exchange, and global academic leadership.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.