If you're reading this, chances are, you're looking to grow academically and professionally. You're in the right place. We’ve curated eight standout opportunities in journalism, migration, research, AI, and gender equality, among other disciplines. Each is designed to help you take your next big step. ALSO READ: Looking for an internship or fellowship abroad? Here are six you shouldn’t miss Take a look, find your fit, and apply. 1. Commonwealth Scholarships for MA in Refugee Protection and Forced Migration Studies The University of London and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission are offering 10 fully funded scholarships for the October 2025 intake of the MA in Refugee Protection and Forced Migration Studies. Delivered part-time and fully online, the programme is designed for professionals across Africa who want to advance in the field without relocating. Offered through the University of London’s Refugee Law Initiative, this master’s programme has become one of the most recognized in the world for those working in forced migration. The flexible format allows students to complete the degree in two to five years while continuing their careers. To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be nationals of eligible Commonwealth countries in Africa, have an offer of admission to the programme, and demonstrate both financial need and the potential to contribute to development in their home country. The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition. Applications for admission to the MA programme are recommended by May 9. Once accepted, applicants can submit their scholarship application to the Commonwealth portal by May 20. 2. FRONTIERS Science Journalism Residency Programme The FRONTIERS Science Journalism Residency, funded by the European Research Council, is open for Round 3. This programme offers early-career science journalists the chance to take part in a three- to five-month residency at a top European research institution. Selected fellows will pursue in-depth reporting projects, gain access to cutting-edge research environments, and participate in professional development events. The residency is open to journalists with up to five years of experience, working in any format, and available full-time during the programme. Each fellow receives up to €4,000 per month. Applications are due by May 6. 3. Sub-Saharan Africa Digital Democracy Hackathon Applications are now open for a region-wide hackathon aimed at solving key challenges in digital democracy. Participants will develop tools to boost civic engagement, amplify marginalized voices, fight misinformation and surveillance, and strengthen accountability through digital innovation. The hackathon is open to individuals and teams of two to five people, aged 18 to 35, from Sub-Saharan Africa. Teams must include at least one woman and may comprise both technical and non-technical participants, including developers, designers, journalists, and community organizers. Five winning teams will each receive $7,500 in funding, along with access to an incubation programme, networking opportunities, and regional recognition. Applications close April 30. 4. ARUA Early Career Research Fellowships The African Research Universities Alliance, with support from the Mastercard Foundation and Carnegie Corporation of New York, has launched a new programme offering up to 42 early-career researchers the chance to conduct high-level research at ARUA’s 13 Centres of Excellence. The fellowships provide time away from teaching and allow researchers to collaborate with established scholars across the continent. The goal is to make African universities more competitive and better equipped to drive socio-economic transformation through knowledge generation. Each fellowship runs for six months between July 2025 and June 2026. A maximum of four fellows will be assigned to each Centre of Excellence. At least 70 percent of the positions are reserved for women. Eligible applicants must be African nationals under the age of 35 and have completed their PhD within the past five years. Fellows receive a monthly stipend of $2,000, accommodation support, and a return travel ticket. Applications are accepted until December 2025, but those applying by May 15 will be considered for the first cohort starting July 1. 5. Institute for AI Policy and Strategy Fellowship The Institute for AI Policy and Strategy is accepting applications for its fully funded, three-month fellowship. This programme offers professionals from diverse backgrounds a chance to work on real-world policy challenges at the intersection of technology and governance. Fellows receive hands-on experience, expert mentorship, and career development support, whether they are seeking to enter or grow within the AI policy field. The programme welcomes applicants from public policy, national security, AI research and development, the private sector, government agencies, think tanks, and NGOs. Applications are open until May 7 at noon Eastern Time. 6. AfOx Visiting Fellowship at the University of Oxford The AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme offers African researchers a 12-month academic affiliation with the University of Oxford. This includes 10 months of virtual engagement followed by a two-month in-person residency during the Trinity term, which runs from April to June. Fellows are associated with both a department and a college during their stay. To apply, candidates must partner with an Oxford-based researcher, ensuring collaborative research and long-term academic exchange. The programme prioritizes applications from female scholars and researchers from underrepresented backgrounds. Applicants must hold a postdoctoral or equivalent position at an African research institution at the time of application. Applications close at 11:59 a.m. UK time on June 6. 7. Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme (SIARP) 2.0 The Spotlight Initiative is accepting applications and nominations for its Civil Society Regional Reference Group. Up to 15 volunteer members will be selected to advise, advocate, and ensure accountability in efforts to combat violence against women and girls and advance gender equality across Africa. Applicants should be civil society experts or youth leaders with experience in gender equality, human rights and community-based organizing. Candidates must be connected to grassroots or regional women’s and youth networks and show a clear commitment to gender justice. Applications are open through May 14. 8. African Climate Creatives Fellowship The African Climate Creatives Fellowship, organized by Aspire Climate Vanguard, is a three-month training programme designed for young African advocates working at the intersection of climate storytelling and policy. The fellowship supports a new generation of digital campaigners and environmental communicators working to inspire change and advance climate justice. Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old and should come from African countries. The programme is open to climate advocates, activists, communicators, digital storytellers, and creatives passionate about environmental justice. Applications close May 5 at 11:59 p.m. West Africa Time. Maximize these opportunities by either applying yourself or sharing them with potential candidates. 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