PEP Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026 is now open for applications, and it comes with up to $50,000 in research grants and covered expenses. If you are a Sub-Saharan African national aged 35 or younger with a Master’s or PhD degree, this two-year, fully supported fellowship could be your gateway to shaping education systems across Africa.
In this article, we cover everything you need to know about the PEP Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026: what it is, who can apply, what benefits are available, how to apply, and the deadline. Read carefully, the application closes on June 30, 2026.
What Is the PEP Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026?
The PEP Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026 is a two-year, fully supported research and policy development fellowship offered by the Global Education Analytics Institute (GEAI) in collaboration with the Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP). The fellowship is supported by the prestigious Yidan Prize.
AFEP was created to address a critical gap in education policy capacity across Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite Africa’s rapidly growing student population, many countries still struggle with low learning outcomes, lack of rigorous assessment systems, and poor use of data in education decision-making. AFEP directly targets this gap by building a network of highly skilled African education policy researchers who can generate and apply evidence to improve education systems at the national level.
Through the PEP Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026, selected fellows will gain advanced training in education economics, quantitative data analysis, and policy evaluation – skills they will use to carry out impactful research in their home countries.
Why the PEP Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026 Matters for Young African Researchers
Across Sub-Saharan Africa, a significant number of children complete primary school without acquiring basic literacy and numeracy skills. Part of the reason for this is the absence of transparent, analytically useful data from student assessments, and a shortage of trained local researchers who can evaluate what works and what does not in education.
The PEP Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026 is designed to solve this. By equipping fellows with cutting-edge research methodologies, international exposure, and mentorship from globally recognised experts, AFEP creates a pipeline of African education policy leaders who will influence real policy decisions in their countries.
For you as a young researcher, the PEP Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026 offers a rare combination of:
– Significant financial support for independent research
– Access to international networks of researchers and policymakers
– Mentorship from advisors at Stanford University and leading African institutions
– The opportunity to present research at major international education conferences
Benefits of the PEP Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026
One of the most attractive aspects of the PEP Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026 is its generous financial support package. Here is a breakdown of what fellows receive:
1. Research Grant — $25,000 (Cash)
Each selected fellow receives a $25,000 cash research grant to fund their research or evaluation project. This money is paid directly to the fellow and can be used to cover research-related expenses such as fieldwork, data collection, and research assistance.
2. Covered Expenses — Up to $25,000
In addition to the cash grant, AFEP directly covers up to $25,000 in programme expenses, including:
– Mentorship costs — each fellow is assigned a local scientific mentor who monitors their progress throughout the fellowship
– Study visits — fellows may be sponsored to travel to relevant institutions for learning
– Conference travel — fellows are sponsored to attend two of the most prestigious international education economics conferences: the CESifo Economics of Education Conference and the Association for Education Finance and Policy (AEFP) Conference
– In-country workshops — fellows are funded to organise policy outreach workshops in their home countries to disseminate their research findings
3. International Training (Two Phases)
Fellows participate in two out-of-country training segments structured as follows:
– First training block: Two weeks between September and November 2026 — focuses on large-scale testing data, international and regional assessments, and issues around standardised testing
– Second training block: Two weeks in March 2027 — deepens skills and supports the research design phase
4. Expert Mentorship and Supervision
Each fellow works with both a local scientific mentor in their home country and an international team of advisors from Stanford University and other globally respected academic and policy institutions across Africa and internationally.
5. International Exposure and Network Access
Fellows join a continental and global network of education policy researchers, gaining long-term professional relationships that will support their careers well beyond the fellowship period.
Eligibility Requirements for the PEP Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026
To qualify for the PEP Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026, you must meet all of the following criteria:
1. Nationality
You must be a national of a Sub-Saharan African country. The fellowship targets researchers based in and working for the benefit of Sub-Saharan African education systems.
2. Age
You must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
3. Academic Qualification
You must hold a relevant Master’s degree (MA/MSc) or PhD, preferably in:
– Economics
– Education policy
– Social or public policy
– Development studies
– International development
Your degree must have a strong quantitative focus. While a PhD is not mandatory, GEAI and PEP actively encourage fresh PhD graduates who can benefit from additional mentorship and training to become strong researchers.
4. Quantitative Data Analysis Skills
You must be proficient in quantitative data analysis, with working knowledge of data analysis software such as R or Stata. Strong analytical skills are central to the fellowship’s research methodology.
5. Interest in Education Policy Research
You must demonstrate a genuine and documented interest in education policy research and analysis. This should be evident from your academic background, professional experience, or research record.
6. Institutional Affiliation
You must currently work for a government agency, research institution, or higher education institution in a Sub-Saharan African country, and must intend to continue working in the region throughout the fellowship period.
7. English Proficiency
You must be proficient in English, as all fellowship activities, training, and documentation are conducted in English.
Note: Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
What You Will Do as a PEP Africa Fellow in Education
If selected for the PEP Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026–2027, here is what your two-year journey will look like:
Year One — Training and Research Design
– Participate in two intensive out-of-country training blocks (September–November 2026 and March 2027)
– Learn to work with large-scale education testing data from international and regional assessments
– Develop a research or evaluation project focused on an education issue in your home country
– Begin working with your assigned local scientific mentor
Year Two — Research Implementation and Outreach
– Implement your research project under the supervision of local and international mentors
– Organise at least one in-country policy outreach workshop to share interim findings with government officials, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders
– Complete your research project and prepare the final report
– Present your findings at the GEAI-PEP-organised conference
– Attend international education economics conferences as sponsored by the programme
How to Apply for the PEP Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026
Applications for the PEP Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026 are submitted through the official PEP intranet system at https://www.pep-net.org/news/call-applications-africa-fellows-education-program-20262027
Your application package must include the following three documents:
1. Two-Page Statement of Interest
Write a concise, well-structured statement explaining:
– Who you are and your background
– Why you are applying for the AFEP fellowship
– How this fellowship aligns with your research interests and career goals
– What you hope to contribute to education policy in your country
2. Two-Page Essay on an Educational Problem
This is one of the most important parts of your application. The essay must:
– Identify and clearly describe a specific educational problem in your home country
– Explain how this problem could be scientifically evaluated using quantitative methods
– Demonstrate your analytical thinking and your command of evidence-based research approaches
– Be written in English
Take time with this essay; the selection committee uses it to assess both your knowledge of education issues and your ability to apply rigorous research methods.
3. Detailed and Updated CV
Your CV must:
– Be comprehensive and up to date
– Include at least two (2) referees whom the selection committee may contact
– Highlight your academic qualifications, research experience, professional affiliations, and any relevant publications or policy work
Application Assessment Criteria
Applications are assessed based on several factors, including:
– Your prior preparation and academic background
– The quality and analytical depth of your two-page essay
– Your demonstrated interest and experience in education policy
– Evidence of quantitative research skills
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Application Deadline for the PEP Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026
Deadline: June 30, 2026 at 23:59 GMT
This deadline is firm. Late applications will not be considered. If you are interested in the PEP Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026, begin preparing your documents now, especially your two-page essay, which requires careful thought and time.
Tips to Strengthen Your PEP Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026 Application
Here are practical tips to help you submit a competitive application for the PEP Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026:
1. Write a focused and specific essay. Do not try to cover all education problems in your country. Pick one specific issue; for example, low learning outcomes in rural primary schools, gender gaps in secondary school completion, or poor teacher training quality, and discuss how it can be evaluated quantitatively.
2. Demonstrate your quantitative skills early. Mention your experience with R, Stata, or other data analysis tools in both your statement of interest and your CV. If you have worked with large datasets or conducted quantitative research, describe it clearly.
3. Choose strong referees. Select people who can speak specifically to your research ability and your interest in education policy, a thesis supervisor, a research director, or a senior colleague who has observed your analytical work.
4. Be clear about your institutional affiliation. The application requires that you currently work for a government, research, or higher education institution. Make sure this is stated clearly in your CV and statement of interest.
5. Apply early. The PEP intranet system can experience high traffic near the deadline. Submit your application at least a few days before June 30, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — PEP Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026
*Q: Is the PEP Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026 fully funded?
Yes. The PEP Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026 is a fully supported fellowship. Each fellow receives a $25,000 research cash grant plus up to $25,000 in directly covered expenses for mentorship, conference travel, study visits, and in-country workshops, totalling up to $50,000 in support.
*Q: Can I apply if I only have a Master’s degree and not a PhD?
Yes. A PhD is not mandatory. Applicants with a relevant Master’s degree and strong quantitative skills are eligible. However, the programme especially encourages fresh PhD graduates to apply.
*Q: Is the fellowship open to all African countries?
The PEP Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026 is specifically open to nationals of Sub-Saharan African countries who are currently affiliated with government, research, or higher education institutions in the region.
*Q: Can women apply for the PEP Africa Fellows in Education Program?
Absolutely. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. GEAI and PEP are committed to gender diversity within the AFEP fellowship cohort.
*Q: Where do I submit my application?
Applications must be submitted through the PEP intranet system. Visit https://www.pep-net.org/news/call-applications-africa-fellows-education-program-20262027 to access the application portal and download the full Call for Applications document, which includes the Terms of Reference and detailed instructions.
*Q: What is the duration of the fellowship?
The PEP Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026 is a two-year fellowship, combining in-country research activities with out-of-country training blocks and international conference attendance.
*Q: What languages are the fellowship activities conducted in?
All fellowship training, communications, and documentation are conducted in English. Proficiency in English is a requirement for all applicants.
*Q: When is the deadline for the PEP Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026?
The application deadline is June 30, 2026 at 23:59 GMT. No late applications will be accepted.
