The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) has recently announced the opening of the 2023/24 AERC PhD Scholarships. These scholarships are designed for applicants from both Francophone and Anglophone sub-Saharan African countries who are interested in pursuing a degree in Economics from recognized universities.
The primary aim of these scholarships is to support the growth and development of sub-Saharan Africa by nurturing local professionals in economics. This is achieved by offering support in the areas of policy research and graduate training. The scholarships are intended to equip successful candidates with the necessary knowledge, skills, and expertise required to make significant contributions to the socio-economic development of their home countries and the region as a whole.
The AERC PhD scholarships are highly competitive and are awarded based on academic merit and potential, as well as the relevance of the proposed research to the economic development of sub-Saharan Africa. The scholarships cover tuition fees, research expenses, and a monthly stipend to support the living expenses of the awardees throughout their studies.
In summary, the AERC PhD Scholarships for the 2023/24 academic year are an excellent opportunity for aspiring economists from sub-Saharan Africa to further their education and contribute to the development of their home countries and the region.
Scholarship Summary:
- Scholarship sponsor: AERC
- Scholarship type: Full funding
- Host institution(s): Participating universities in Africa
- Scholarship worth: Not specified
- Number of awards: Several
- Study level: Postgraduate (PhD)
- Nationality: Africans
Eligibility Criteria:
Here are the requirements for applicants to be considered for the AERC PhD Scholarships 2023:
- Applicants must have applied and been admitted to any of the participating universities.
- Applicants must have obtained at least a Second Class Honours (Upper Division) or equivalent in Economics, Agricultural Economics, or a related field from an accredited university.
- Applicants must have a Master’s degree (with coursework and thesis component) in Economics, Agricultural Economics, or related fields from a recognized university. The coursework should have covered microeconomics, macroeconomics, quantitative methods, and econometrics.
- Possession of at least one relevant publication in a refereed journal will be an added advantage.
- Evidence of engagement in economic management, research, and/or training in the public sector will also be an added advantage.
- Female applicants and applicants from post-conflict and fragile states (especially the AERC PhD Bridge Programme alumni class of 2017 and 2018) are strongly encouraged to apply.
Participating Universities:
- University of Cape Town, South Africa
- University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
- University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- University of Nairobi, Kenya
- University of Ibadan, Nigeria
- University of Benin, Nigeria
- University of Yaoundé II, Cameroon
- University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin
- Félix Houphouet-Boigny University, Côte d’Ivoire
How to Apply:
Candidates who are interested in the African Economic Research Consortium PhD Scholarships should first submit their applications for admission directly to the universities of their choice. The application procedure can be obtained from the university’s website. After receiving an admission letter from a specific university, candidates are required to upload the following documents to the AERC scholarship portal
- Application cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Evidence of admission at any of the participating universities
- Certified copies of transcripts and certificates
Application Deadline:
The last date for this scholarship is August 31st, 2023
