Application Deadline:
November 30, 2025
About Organisation
The Women for Africa Foundation is a Spanish non-profit organization established in 2012 with the mission to promote equal rights, opportunities, and leadership for women across the African continent. Rooted in the belief that women are central to sustainable development, the foundation supports initiatives that empower women in education, science, technology, entrepreneurship, and social innovation. Over the years, it has collaborated with academic and research institutions, international organizations, and governments to enhance women’s participation in fields traditionally underrepresented by them. The foundation’s flagship programs, including Science by Women, have been instrumental in strengthening the role of African women scientists and researchers by providing them access to world-class resources, mentorship, and research environments. Through its activities, the Women for Africa Foundation envisions a future where women are at the forefront of Africa’s social transformation, leading advancements that foster innovation, equality, and resilience in their communities.
About the Grant
The 11th Edition of the Science by Women Program is a postdoctoral fellowship initiative by the Women for Africa Foundation designed to empower African women scientists. The program offers a six-month research stay at top Spanish Centers of Excellence, providing participants with a platform to pursue high-impact scientific studies in key areas such as health, agriculture, food security, water, energy, mathematics, and climate change. Each fellow will receive a monthly living allowance of €1,976, round-trip airfare reimbursement up to €1,800, and visa-related expenses up to €400. The initiative aims to strengthen African women’s leadership in science and technology while promoting research that contributes directly to Africa’s sustainable development. Fellows are encouraged to develop innovative projects that lead to tangible outcomes—such as products, services, or public policies—benefiting their home countries. Through collaboration, mentorship, and access to advanced research facilities, the program fosters scientific excellence and cross-cultural learning between Africa and Spain.
Who can Apply?
The program is open exclusively to African women researchers who demonstrate strong academic and professional backgrounds in scientific disciplines. Applicants must hold African nationality and residency and possess a PhD in a relevant field such as natural sciences, health sciences, engineering, or social sciences related to the program’s research areas. Candidates should have an active contractual relationship with a university or research institution in Africa, ensuring their ongoing engagement with the continent’s scientific ecosystem. Only one fellowship application is permitted per candidate, but applicants may select up to two preferred host institutions from the participating Spanish centers. A strong command of English is mandatory for academic communication, while knowledge of Spanish is an asset. The selection committee will evaluate candidates based on their research career, project quality, alignment with the host institution’s expertise, and potential impact on Africa’s development. Successful applicants are expected to commit full-time to their research during the six-month fellowship and comply with all professional, ethical, and institutional requirements throughout their stay.
How to Apply?
Interested candidates must submit a completed application including a valid passport or national ID, CV, PhD diploma, motivation letter, research proposal (maximum three pages), and a recommendation letter. Applications must clearly indicate preferred host institutions and research themes. Submissions are evaluated based on innovation, feasibility, and contribution to Africa’s development. Early preparation is advised to meet all documentation requirements.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the 11th Edition of the Science by Women Program is November 30, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
