The Wadsworth African Fellowship provides financial support for African students pursuing a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in anthropology, including archaeology and biological anthropology, at universities in South Africa. This fellowship is an opportunity for emerging scholars to receive world-class training, enhance their research, and advance the field of anthropology both locally and globally.
Fellowship Benefits
Annual Award Amount
The fellowship provides an annual stipend of $20,000, which may be applied to:
- Travel, living expenses, and tuition
- Income taxes, student fees, and insurance
- Books, research costs, and other academic expenditures
The fellowship can be renewed for up to two additional years, contingent on successful annual progress. An additional year of funding is available for dissertation write-up.
Application Deadline and Decision Timeline
Application Deadline: December 15 for the following academic year
Portal Opens: November 1
Notification of Decision: January 15
Eligibility Criteria
The Wadsworth African Fellowship aims to support scholars from underrepresented backgrounds in anthropology. Applicants must:
- Be Citizens and Residents of an African Country
The fellowship is for African students who may not otherwise have the means to pursue a doctoral degree. - Be Enrolled or Planning to Enroll in a PhD Program in South Africa
Candidates must have a pending or active application for admission to a South African university. - Meet Additional Criteria
- Demonstrate need for financial support
- Have a host sponsor at their chosen South African institution
- Have a home sponsor affiliated with the institution where they previously earned a degree
- Program-Specific Requirements
Applicants should show their host institution is a good fit for their research goals and how their program aligns with the foundation’s mission to advance anthropology, inclusivity, and impact.
Application Process
The fellowship is competitive, with only one award given annually. Applicants are encouraged to submit a well-prepared application including:
- General applicant information
- Statements of research interests, study plans, and professional goals
- A detailed budget
- Transcripts and proof of language proficiency
- Curricula vitae for both the applicant and host sponsor
Letters of Support
Applicants must request support letters from their home and host sponsors. These letters should provide detailed evaluations of the candidate’s academic potential and support network.
Note: All application materials must be submitted by December 15 via the online portal. For applicants with limited internet access, the Foundation can offer alternative submission methods if notified in advance.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are reviewed for evidence of academic excellence, alignment with the foundation’s mission, and support from both home and host sponsors. The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong potential to contribute to anthropological knowledge and a clear commitment to advancing anthropology in their home country and beyond.
Deadline: December 15, 2024
Click HERE to Apply
