New York University’s CSAAD Fellowship 2026: The New York University’s Center for the Study of Africa and the African Diaspora (CSAAD) offers one of the most prestigious and enriching postdoctoral research opportunities: the CSAAD Fellowship. Scholars from Africa and the African Diaspora (excluding North America and Europe) are invited to apply for the 2026 fellowship. This esteemed fellowship enables scholars to conduct innovative research in a vibrant academic environment at NYU while benefiting from access to world-class resources, networking opportunities, and financial support.
This article provides a detailed look at the CSAAD Fellowship 2026, including eligibility criteria, application guidelines, key benefits, and expert advice to help you successfully navigate the application process.
New York University’s CSAAD Fellowship 2026
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Criteria | – Applicants must have completed their PhD within the past four years (no earlier than 2021).- Applicants must be based in Africa or the African Diaspora (excluding North America and Europe). |
| Fellowship Duration | Fall Semester (September 2, 2025 – January 12, 2026)Spring Semester (January 20, 2026 – May 31, 2026) |
| Stipend | $35,000 per semester |
| Accommodation | Fully furnished studio apartment in New York City for the duration of the fellowship |
| Airfare | Round-trip airfare to and from New York City covered |
| Application Deadline | March 14, 2025 |
| Official Website | CSAAD Fellowship |
The CSAAD Fellowship 2026 offers early-career scholars from Africa and the African Diaspora the unique opportunity to further their academic careers while living and working in New York City. With a competitive stipend, accommodation, airfare, and access to NYU’s extensive resources, the fellowship provides everything a scholar needs to advance their research.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about contributing to the study of Africa and its global Diaspora, this fellowship could be a transformative step in your academic career. Be sure to prepare your documents ahead of the March 14, 2025 deadline and apply for this remarkable opportunity to enhance your scholarly work.
What is the CSAAD Fellowship?
The CSAAD Fellowship is a postdoctoral research program hosted by New York University’s Center for the Study of Africa and the African Diaspora. The fellowship is designed to offer early-career scholars from Africa and the African Diaspora (excluding North America and Europe) a platform to further their research in African and Diaspora studies.
This prestigious fellowship allows scholars to deepen their academic work while residing in New York City—an intellectual hub that brings together scholars, activists, and practitioners from across the world. As a fellow, you will have access to NYU’s robust academic resources, participate in conferences, and collaborate with leading experts in various disciplines, ultimately shaping the future of your career and contributing to the broader understanding of Africa and its global relations.
Who is Eligible for the CSAAD Fellowship?
The CSAAD Fellowship is open to scholars who meet certain criteria, ensuring that the fellowship supports the growth of emerging scholars from Africa and the African Diaspora. Let’s break down the eligibility requirements:
1. Geographical Eligibility
The fellowship is intended for scholars based in Africa or the African Diaspora, excluding North America and Europe. This geographical requirement helps elevate underrepresented scholars and ensures that the fellowship has a significant impact on the global scholarly landscape, particularly by including researchers from African regions.
2. Academic Qualification
To be eligible, you must have completed your PhD from an accredited institution no earlier than 2021. The fellowship is designed for emerging scholars, and it ensures that applicants are within the early stages of their academic careers.
3. Research Focus
The CSAAD Fellowship is open to scholars from a wide range of academic fields. However, applicants must propose a research project related to Africa or its Diaspora. This encompasses disciplines such as history, culture, politics, economics, and more, allowing for interdisciplinary work that contributes to the study of the African continent and its global influence.
Key Benefits of the CSAAD Fellowship
The CSAAD Fellowship provides invaluable support for scholars looking to develop their work and advance their careers. Here’s a closer look at the key benefits:
1. Generous Stipend
Fellows receive a $35,000 stipend per semester. This stipend is designed to cover living expenses while scholars focus on their research without the financial burden of outside employment. This ensures that fellows can dedicate their full attention to their academic work.
2. Accommodation in New York City
One of the standout benefits of the fellowship is the fully furnished studio apartment in New York City, which is provided for the entire duration of the fellowship. Living in New York, one of the world’s most dynamic and culturally rich cities, gives fellows the chance to immerse themselves in the city’s intellectual and cultural life.
3. Round-Trip Airfare
The CSAAD Fellowship covers round-trip airfare to and from New York City, making the fellowship financially accessible for scholars across Africa and the African Diaspora. This allows applicants to travel to one of the most exciting cities globally without the worry of airfare costs.
4. Access to NYU’s Academic Resources
As a CSAAD Fellow, you gain access to NYU’s vast academic resources, including libraries, archives, and state-of-the-art research centers. This access enables you to work with cutting-edge tools and collaborate with other scholars in your field.
5. Networking and Collaborative Opportunities
NYU’s CSAAD Fellowship offers fellows the unique opportunity to network with leading academics, policymakers, and scholars in African and Diaspora studies. Fellows often participate in events, workshops, and academic conferences, which can lead to valuable collaborations, long-term partnerships, and potential job opportunities in academia or related fields.
How to Apply for the CSAAD Fellowship
Applying for the CSAAD Fellowship involves several steps. Here’s how you can navigate the process:
1. Prepare Required Documents
Before applying, you need to gather the necessary documents. This includes:
- Letter of Introduction (1 page): Detail your background, academic history, and motivation for applying for the fellowship.
- Research Project Summary (2 pages): Summarize your proposed research project, explaining its relevance to Africa or the Diaspora, and discuss how NYU’s resources can assist you.
- Letter of Recommendation: You will need one recommendation letter from a mentor or colleague who can speak to your academic capabilities.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive CV that includes your academic qualifications, publications, and research experience.
2. Submit Your Application
Once your documents are ready, submit them via the CSAAD Fellowship application portal. The deadline for submission is March 14, 2025. Make sure all documents are in order to avoid any issues during the submission process.
3. Wait for the Results
After submission, the selection committee will review your application. Given the competitive nature of the fellowship, only a limited number of applicants will be selected. If you are selected, you will be notified and receive further instructions regarding the next steps, including travel arrangements, accommodation, and other details.
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FAQs About New York University’s CSAAD Fellowship 2026
1. Can I apply if I haven’t completed my PhD yet?
No, applicants must have completed their PhD by the time of application. The PhD must have been awarded no earlier than 2021.
2. Can I apply if I live in North America or Europe?
No, the fellowship is specifically designed for scholars based in Africa or the African Diaspora, excluding North America and Europe.
3. What kind of research is eligible for the fellowship?
The research must be related to Africa or its Diaspora. This can encompass any discipline that addresses African culture, history, politics, economics, or contemporary issues.
4. Do I need to apply for both the fall and spring semesters?
No, you can choose to apply for either the fall semester (September 2, 2025 – January 12, 2026) or the spring semester (January 20, 2026 – May 31, 2026). If you are open to either option, you can specify that in your application.
