Eligibility Requirements
Ensuring selection of the most promising candidates
The SAHRI Fellowship seeks promising mid-career researchers from sub-Saharan Africa with strong potential to become future leaders in clinical research and biomedical innovation to tackle infectious diseases
Who Can Apply?
Nationality & residency
National of a sub-Saharan African country with commitment to return to home country/region after fellowship and valid passport for international travel.
Educational qualifications
Admission requires a university degree, equivalent to a Master’s in the EU. Eligible fields include Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Clinical Microbiology, and other health-related domains with strong academic record and certified English proficiency.
Professional status
Desirable: Current or recent employment in academic or research institutions in sub-Saharan Africa. Candidates with institutional support and commitment for leave of absence will be given preference.
Research background
Demonstrated interest in infectious diseases research aligned with EDCTP Strategic Research Agenda priorities with previous research experience or publications preferred.
Career stage
Mid-career professionals with leadership potential, typically 3-10 years post-graduation experience with strong motivation for career development in research.
Professional goals
Clear vision for using fellowship to advance health research in Africa, commitment to building research capacity in home institution/country, and interest in biomedical innovation and entrepreneurship.
SELECTION
Selection Process
The SAHRI Fellowship employs a rigorous, fair, and transparent selection process designed to ensure merit-based evaluation of all applicants.
The process begins with complete online application submission, including all required documents such as motivation letter, CV, academic transcripts, and institutional support letter.
Applications undergo initial screening for completeness and basic eligibility criteria, followed by administrative compliance verification.
Academic evaluation forms the core of our selection process, where the academic selection committee assesses candidates based on their educational and professional background, motivation, research potential, proposed study plan, and feasibility of their research proposal.
Shortlisted candidates participate in structured online interviews with selection committee members to further assess their motivation and research potential. The selection committee then makes final decisions, considering factors including diversity, gender balance, geographic representation, and overall program fit to ensure a well-rounded cohort of fellows.
Application Timeline
Important dates for the upcoming fellowship cycle
1 October 2025
Applications are open. Specific industry internship tracks to be announced.
1 February 2026
Applications deadline
April 2026
Results announced
31 August 2026
Start of the MSc phase
Disclaimer: The eligibility requirements and dates described on this webpage are referential and subject to change. Final requirements may vary depending on the specifics of positions offered by consortium partners. Please refer to the official call documentation and position announcements for definitive eligibility criteria once applications open. Requirements may be updated based on program needs and partner feedback.
