The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) invites concept note submissions from eligible institutions across sub-Saharan Africa under its Biodiversity Information for Development (BID) programme. This initiative, backed by funding from the European Union via DG INTPA, aims to bolster institutional capacity to mobilize and share biodiversity data openly, in support of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Purpose and Priorities Projects should help fill critical biodiversity knowledge gaps across Africa by: Grant Types and Funding Levels Two categories of support are offered: Final funding amounts will depend on proposed budgets and the evaluation process. Who Can Apply Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria: Additional criteria specific to each grant category will apply. Application Procedure and Timeline Phase 1: Concept Note Submission Phase 2: Full Proposal Invitation Phase 3: Implementation Evaluation Standards Applications (both concept notes and full proposals) will be assessed on: Each criterion carries equal weight in the scoring process. A balanced, geographically and thematically diverse portfolio of proposals will be selected. Eligible Countries Applicants must be based in one of the following sub-Saharan African nations:Angola; Benin; Botswana; Burkina Faso; Burundi; Cabo Verde; Cameroon; Central African Republic; Chad; Comoros; Congo; Côte d’Ivoire; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Djibouti; Equatorial Guinea; Eritrea; Eswatini; Ethiopia; Gabon; Gambia; Ghana; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Kenya; Lesotho; Liberia; Madagascar; Malawi; Mali; Mauritania; Mauritius; Mozambique; Namibia; Niger; Nigeria; Rwanda; Saint Helena; São Tomé and Príncipe; Senegal; Sierra Leone; Somalia; South Africa; South Sudan; Sudan; Tanzania; Togo; Uganda; Zambia; Zimbabwe Reference Materials & Support Help and Queries
Kuya Grant 2025: Empowering Startups Globally with Up to $50,000
Kuya Capital is now accepting applications for its Kuya Grant 2025, an initiative designed to support revenue generating startups around the world. This program combines non-equity grants and optional equity investments, enabling founders to retain ownership while accessing critical resources for growth. What Kuya Offers With the grant option, founders maintain 100% ownership. For those accepting equity investment, Kuya Capital seeks to partner with startups through financial backing in exchange for equity. Who Is Eligible? To qualify for the Kuya Grant 2025, an applicant must meet the following minimum requirements: The Application Process Upon application submission, Kuya Capital typically completes evaluation within 2 to 4 weeks. This timeline includes: Applicants will be kept informed throughout the process regarding status updates. If you are a startup seeking non-dilutive capital or strategic equity backing to accelerate growth and scale, this is an excellent opportunity. Application deadline: December 1, 2025 To apply or learn more, visit the Kuya Capital website.https://www.kuya.capital/auth
UN Global Compact SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals 2026
The SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals is an initiative of the United Nations Global Compact, designed to inspire and empower young professionals to drive sustainable innovation within their organizations. The program enables participants to develop creative business solutions that align corporate strategies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Program Overview This nine-month accelerator provides a transformative learning experience for emerging leaders. Through a combination of workshops, mentorship, and project-based innovation, participants will develop practical solutions that contribute to their company’s sustainability objectives while enhancing their leadership and innovation capabilities. Benefits For Participants For Companies Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet the following requirements: How to Apply Interested organizations or individuals should submit their applications through the official UN Global Compact channel. Companies are encouraged to nominate talented young employees who demonstrate leadership potential and a passion for sustainable innovation. For more information, visit the UN Global Compact’s official website or contact the local Global Compact Network office in your country.https://unglobalcompact.formtitan.com/ftproject/sdgi Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships at Stanford University (2026–2027) $130,000 Stipend
Stanford University is currently accepting applications for the John S. Knight (JSK) Journalism Fellowships for the 2026–2027 cohort. This prestigious fellowship enables journalists to step away from day-to-day demands and spend a nine-month academic year reimagining journalism’s future. During the fellowship, participants will join a global cohort and concentrate on strengthening leadership, building resilience, experimenting with new approaches, and developing strategies that reinforce journalism’s role in vibrant democratic societies. Fellowship Focus Fellows are encouraged to propose a specific theme or project to guide their year. Possible areas of focus include (but are not limited to): Throughout the year, fellows will: Eligibility Criteria Applicants should meet the following requirements: Fellowship Expectations Application Process To apply: Application Deadline: December 3, 2025 For additional details or to begin your application, visit the official JSK application portal and the JSK program website.https://jsk.smapply.org/
CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowship 2026 Fully Funded
The CrossCulture Programme (CCP) is now accepting applications for its 2026 fellowship. This prestigious initiative supports between 55 and 60 professionals and committed volunteers from over 40 countries. Fellows will engage with host organizations in Germany or in partner countries for periods of two to three months. The goal is to enhance participants’ skills, foster cross-cultural understanding, and strengthen professional networks. In return, host institutions can benefit from the fellows’ regional expertise, insights, and networks. During the fellowship, participants will also join transcultural workshops, networking events, and professional conferences. Where travel restrictions or individual circumstances apply, some fellows may participate in a digital format. This program is made possible through the funding of the German Federal Foreign Office. What the Fellowship Covers For participants coming from outside Germany, CCP will support: For German participants, coverage includes: Note: The fellowship does not cover travel or costs for accompanying family members (e.g. spouses, children). Also, funding disbursement is subject to availability from the German Federal Foreign Office. Eligibility Criteria To qualify for the CCP Fellowship, applicants must satisfy the following: Preferred Attributes Eligible Countries Applicants from the following countries are invited to apply: Algeria · Armenia · Azerbaijan · Bangladesh · Belarus · Bhutan · Bolivia · Brazil · Colombia · Cuba · Egypt · Georgia · Germany · Guatemala · India · Indonesia · Iraq · Jordan · Kazakhstan · Kyrgyzstan · Lebanon · Libya · Malaysia · Mauritania · Mexico · Mongolia · Morocco · Nepal · Pakistan · Palestinian Territories · Philippines · Republic of Moldova · Russia · Sri Lanka · Tajikistan · Thailand · Tunisia · Ukraine · Uzbekistan · Vietnam Application Requirements Your application must include: To apply, visit the official CCP application portal. Additional program details are accessible via the CCP website.https://applications-ccp.ifa.de/job-offers.html
Humboldt Research Fellowship in Germany
The Humboldt Research Fellowship, offered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, provides exceptional researchers from across the world with the opportunity to conduct independent research in Germany. This highly prestigious program promotes collaboration between international scholars and German research institutions, encouraging the exchange of knowledge, innovation, and global academic excellence. The fellowship is open to researchers in all disciplines, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and the humanities. Successful applicants carry out self-directed research projects in collaboration with a host institution of their choice in Germany. Fellowship Categories and Duration The program is divided into two main categories, based on the applicant’s career stage: Fellowship Type Eligibility Duration Notes Postdoctoral Fellowship Researchers who have completed their PhD within the past four years or are close to completion (within six months) 6–24 months May be split into several stays within three years Experienced Researcher Fellowship Scholars who completed their PhD within the past twelve years and have a proven research record 6–18 months May also be divided into segments within a three-year period Fellowship Benefits The Humboldt Research Fellowship offers generous financial and academic support to ensure fellows can focus fully on their research goals. Benefits include: Eligibility Criteria To apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship, candidates must meet the following requirements: Application and Selection Process Selection Steps The entire review and selection process typically takes between four and eight months. How to Apply Program Timeline The Humboldt Foundation’s selection committees meet three times a year — in March, July, and November.Since processing can take several months, applicants are encouraged to apply well ahead of their desired start date. Successful candidates must begin their research stay within twelve months of receiving the award. Why Apply? The Humboldt Research Fellowship offers more than funding — it provides access to Germany’s world-class research environment, opportunities for long-term international collaboration, and membership in a distinguished global network of scholars. Through this program, fellows not only advance their own academic careers but also contribute to strengthening international scientific cooperation and knowledge exchange. For more information; https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/en/apply/sponsorship-programmes/humboldt-research-fellowship
Heinrich Böll Foundation Internship (USA) – 2026
The Heinrich Böll Foundation in Washington, D.C. offers a paid internship program designed for students and recent graduates who are passionate about global policy, environmental sustainability, democracy, and social justice. The internship provides a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in an international policy environment while contributing to the Foundation’s mission of promoting democracy, human rights, and environmental responsibility. Program Overview Internship Focus Areas Interns are placed in one of the Foundation’s key thematic areas: Roles and Responsibilities During the internship, participants will: Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet the following requirements: Application Requirements Interested candidates must submit the following: Applications are submitted through the Foundation’s online recruitment portal. Additional Information Apply here;https://usboell.bamboohr.com/careers/ Application Deadline October 30, 2025
Arizona State University & Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026 (Fully Funded)
The Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), invites applications from exceptional African students for the 2026 ASU Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. This initiative aims to empower high-achieving, community-minded individuals to pursue graduate studies in technology, innovation, and related fields, with the goal of returning to Africa to contribute to sustainable development. What the Scholarship CoversSelected scholars will receive full financial support, including: Available Graduate ProgramsThe scholarships support full-time, on-campus master’s degree programs at ASU in areas such as: Eligibility CriteriaTo be considered, applicants must meet these core conditions: Application Process & Timeline Only complete and eligible applications submitted before the deadline will be reviewed. Those not meeting the requirements will not be considered. Why This MattersThis scholarship does not just fund a degree — it extends holistic support, from mentorship and leadership training to real-world internship experience. Scholars join the broader Mastercard Foundation network and are expected to return to Africa to drive positive transformation in their nations. For authoritative details (eligibility, application guide, FAQs) refer to ASU’s official site: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – Arizona State University For more information;https://asu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_57IOOfU6sNclttk
University of Toronto Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme 2026–2027 (Fully Funded)
The University of Toronto (U of T) invites applications for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme for the 2026–2027 academic year. This is a fully funded opportunity for graduate level study at one of Canada’s premier research institutions. Programme Overview The Scholars Programme at U of T is designed to empower accomplished young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa to strengthen health systems in their home countries. Participants will gain advanced training, professional networks, and leadership skills, with a strong expectation that they return home to contribute positively to health outcomes in their communities. Eligibility Criteria To qualify for this programme, applicants must satisfy all of the following conditions: Sponsor Graduate Programs For the 2026–2027 intake, eligible applicants must choose one of the following master’s programs: Scholarship Benefits Selected scholars will receive comprehensive financial support for the entire duration of their graduate studies, including: In addition, participants will benefit from structured orientation, mentoring, and transition support provided by U of T’s Centre for International Experience, departmental advisors, and peer mentors. These services aim to facilitate academic success, social integration, and personal well-being. The Africa Health Collaborative This initiative is delivered in collaboration with eight African partner universities to expand capacity in health sector leadership across the continent. These partners include: Application Details & Process For further details and to access official documents, please visit the University of Toronto’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars page. For more information;https://internationalexperience.utoronto.ca/global-experiences/global-scholarships/mastercard-foundation-scholars
University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation On-Campus Postgraduate Scholarships 2026/2027 (Fully Funded)
The University of Edinburgh, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, invites applications for its fully funded postgraduate scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic year. This initiative supports exceptional young African leaders who demonstrate academic excellence, a strong commitment to service, and resilience in overcoming barriers to education. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet the following requirements: Applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds, women, individuals with disabilities, and those from refugee or displaced communities are strongly encouraged to apply. Scholarship Benefits Successful candidates will receive a comprehensive support package, including: Selection Criteria Applicants will be assessed on the basis of: How to Apply Eligible candidates should complete the University of Edinburgh’s online application for admission to a postgraduate programme, followed by the separate Mastercard Foundation Scholarship application. Applicants are encouraged to submit both applications well before the deadline to ensure full consideration. About the Programme The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh is part of a global network of initiatives empowering young African leaders to transform their communities through inclusive and sustainable development. By combining world-class education with leadership training, mentorship, and social impact projects, the programme aims to equip scholars to drive change in their home countries and across the continent. Application Deadline 21 November 2025, 17:00 GMT Apply here;
