Whether you are building a business, developing software, pursuing academic research or growing your journalism career, several programmes have opened applications for opportunities starting later this year and in 2027.
Here are nine fellowships, courses and scholarships to consider, arranged by their upcoming deadlines or start dates.
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Empowering Young Entrepreneurs Grant
Deadline: October 26 at 12:01 p.m
Never Again Rwanda (NAR), through its CS-Engage program, is inviting applications for the Empowering Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) Grant, which supports women- and youth-led enterprises and initiatives working to improve livelihoods and strengthen community resilience in Rwanda.
To qualify, applicants must be women- and/or youth-led enterprises or initiatives operating in Rwanda and legally registered with the relevant authorities, such as the Rwanda Development Board or Rwanda Governance Board, where applicable. Initiatives must have been operational for at least two years and provide evidence of ongoing activities.
Applicants should primarily serve young people, women or marginalized communities and demonstrate the potential to create jobs, improve livelihoods and contribute to community development.
They must also submit a clear and feasible plan for using the grant, demonstrate responsible financial management, transparency and accountability, and have an identifiable leadership structure, such as a cooperative committee or coordination team.
Interested applicants should email a proposal of three to five pages, along with relevant supporting documents such as registration certificates, photographs or activity reports, to info@neveragainrwanda.org. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for the next stage.
ETH Zurich AI Center Fellowship 2027
Deadline: October 27, at 4 p.m. Central European Time
ETH Zurich in Switzerland is accepting applications for doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships focused on artificial intelligence (AI) research. The programme supports research that connects AI with other disciplines, including medicine, education, climate science, energy and robotics.
Applicants for doctoral fellowships should have a master's degree, or be on track to complete one at least three months before the programme begins, with June 2027 as the latest completion date.
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Postdoctoral applicants must hold a Ph.D. or expect to complete one by the same date.
Fellows receive a salary and employment benefits, and work with two academic supervisors from different fields. Applicants must submit their documents online, including a motivation letter, résumé, academic records and a short video. Reference letters have a separate deadline of November 2, at 11:59 p.m. CET.
Click to apply: https://ai.ethz.ch/research/phd-and-postdoc-programs.html
Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship 2027
Deadline: November 10
Young African entrepreneurs aged 15 to 22 can apply for the Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship, which helps founders grow businesses or projects they have already started.
Applicants must be citizens of an African country, hold a valid national ID or passport, actively lead their ventures and commit at least 20 hours a week to developing them.
The programme offers mentorship, practical business courses, financial readiness training and cash support linked to business progress. At the end of the two-year fellowship journey, participants can compete for a share of $40,000 across four award categories covering job creation, revenue growth, storytelling and business systems.
The programme is intended for young people already running a venture, rather than applicants who only have a business idea.
Click to apply: https://anzisha.org/fellowship/
CMU-Africa Certificate in Artificial Intelligence for Africa
Applications and recommendations: October 15 to November 15.
Carnegie Mellon University Africa is offering a six-course online Certificate in Artificial Intelligence for Africa for learners interested in developing AI applications suited to the continent’s needs.
The program combines hands-on exercises with industry-standard tools to help participants build practical skills for an increasingly competitive job market.
Applicants should have introductory knowledge of linear algebra and probability and statistics, experience in computer programming, reliable internet access and a laptop or desktop computer.
They must also be able to dedicate at least five hours a week to the coursework.
To apply, candidates must submit their name and contact information, academic background, professional experience, CV and a brief statement outlining their personal and professional goals.
Admission is by invitation and depends on the strength of applications and available places in the next cohort. The certificate is free for qualified applicants. The next cohort begins January 17, 2027.
Fung Global Fellows Program 2027-28 at Princeton University
Deadline: November 16, at 11:59 p.m. EST
Princeton University's Fung Global Fellows Program is seeking early-career scholars for a 10-month research residency in the United States during the 2027-28 academic year.
The research theme is "Democracy in Crisis?” Applicants can explore subjects such as media and disinformation, political institutions, economic inequality, civic participation and the ideas that shape democratic systems.
Applicants must have earned a Ph.D. or equivalent qualification, generally after September 1, 2017, and hold a faculty or professional research appointment outside the United States.
They are expected to return to their existing positions after the fellowship. Current doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers are not eligible.
Six scholars will be selected to conduct research, participate in seminars and exchange ideas with academics from different disciplines. Applications must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research proposal, writing sample and contact details for three referees.
Click to apply: https://funggfp.princeton.edu/applications
Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship 2027
Deadline: December 1
Queen's University's Dunin-Deshpande Innovation Centre in Canada offers an eight-month virtual entrepreneurship programme for African university students and recent graduates.
Applicants can apply with an early-stage business idea or an existing venture. The fellowship provides business training, mentorship, networking, pitch coaching and guidance on testing ideas with potential customers.
Participants progress through stages that help them identify a problem, develop a solution and build a workable business model. Up to 60 participants selected for the final phase can receive a stipend and compete for pitch competition prizes of up to 15,000 Canadian dollars.
The programme is delivered online, allowing eligible participants across Africa to take part without relocating to Canada. Fellows must complete assignments and meet programme deadlines.
Click to apply: https://www.queensu.ca/innovationcentre/programs/jim-leech-mastercard-foundation-fellowship-entrepreneurship
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in International Law of Security, Peace and Sustainable Development
Scholarship deadline: January 4, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. CET
Students interested in international law, peacebuilding, security and sustainable development can apply for this two-year master's programme for the 2027-29 intake.
The programme is delivered by six European universities: Leuphana University of Lüneburg in Germany, Institut Barcelona d'Estudis Internacionals in Spain, the University of Glasgow in the United Kingdom, Université libre de Bruxelles in Belgium, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa in Portugal and the University of Tartu in Estonia.
Students study in at least three countries over 24 months, gaining experience in different academic and policy environments.
Applicants can choose between the Erasmus Mundus scholarship route and self-funded admission. Scholarship applications close Jan. 4, 2027, while self-funded applications remain open until March 31, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. CEST.
Click to apply and review entry requirements: https://master-international-law-erasmusmundus.eu
Global Investigative Journalism Conference 2027 Fellowship
Deadline: January 31, 2027
The Global Investigative Journalism Network is offering fellowships for journalists to attend the 15th Global Investigative Journalism Conference, scheduled for October 19-23, 2027, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
The opportunity is open to professional print, online, television, video, radio, documentary and multimedia journalists from developing or transitioning countries. Experience in investigative or data journalism is an advantage. Applicants from the Global South and historically underrepresented groups receive priority consideration.
Full fellowships cover round-trip airfare to Rotterdam or the nearest major airport, transport between the airport and conference hotel, four nights of accommodation, conference registration and specified meals.
The fellowship does not cover visa fees, daily allowances or travel between a fellow's home and departure airport. Applicants must be proficient in English and, after the conference, either produce a story related to the event or present what they learned to colleagues or the wider journalism community.
Click to apply: https://gijn.org/stories/gijc2027-fellowship-application/
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management (MESPOM), 2027-2029
Applications are open for the 2027-2029 intake of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management, known as MESPOM. The program brings together Central European University in Austria, Lund University in Sweden, the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom and the University of the Aegean in Greece.
Central European University coordinates the program.
Established in 2005, MESPOM prepares environmental professionals through a multidisciplinary curriculum covering the scientific, political, economic, social and management dimensions of environmental challenges.
Students develop research, communication and other transferable skills relevant to careers in government, international organizations, academia, industry and the nonprofit sector.
Applicants can seek admission and, where applicable, consideration for financial assistance. Support may include partial tuition waivers and living stipends for outstanding students.
Funding is not guaranteed to every admitted student, so candidates should review the financial assistance terms before applying.
Deadlines vary according to funding status and visa circumstances. Applicants seeking financial aid must apply by January 7, 2027. Self-financing applicants who are citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA area and require a study visa have until April 15, 2027, while eligible self-financing applicants who can enter Austria without a visa have until July 15, 2027.
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