ESA African Research Fellowship 2026 @European Space Agency

Overview

The European Space Agency (ESA) has officially launched the African Research Fellowship (ARF) 2026, a prestigious opportunity designed to empower African researchers in the field of Earth Observation (EO).

Eligibility

• African researchers who hold a PhD or a Master’s degree with significant research experience
• Specialization in satellite Earth observation, remote sensing, or related fields
• Demonstration of the ability to translate data into practical, sustainable solutions

Benefits

• Opportunity to spend one year at ESA’s ESRIN centre in Frascati
• Access to ESA-supported cloud computing platforms such as the EO Africa Innovation Lab and Space-HPC
• Training opportunities through the EO AFRICA Space Academy and Digital Campus
• Collaboration with European and African scientists
• Participation in a professional network promoting open science and reproducible research

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a complete application package, including:

• A research proposal (maximum 10 pages, using the official ARF template)
• A Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum 3 pages) with a list of publications
• A copy of a valid identification document (preferably a passport)
• A copy of the highest academic qualification
• Two signed letters of reference

Inquiries must be sent via email to arf@esa.int at least one week before the closing date.

Deadline

Application Deadline: April 29, 2026