Social Science Research Council (SSRC) 2025 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Fellowship ($3,000 Grant)

Applications are open for the Social Science Research Council (SSRC) 2025 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Fellowship for researchers. Apply Below: 

When is the Application Deadline:

The application deadline for the Social Science Research Council (SSRC) 2025 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Fellowship is January 31, 2025, 11:59 pm EST.

Tell Me About The Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Fellowship:

The Social Science Research Council offers fellowships for PhD students and recent master’s graduates from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. These fellowships support research in peacebuilding, security, and development, with up to $3,000 available for short-term research costs. They aim to assist in the development of doctoral dissertation proposals.

Check: Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation’s Grant Program 2025

Which Fields are Eligible?

The following areas/fields are eligible: 

• Climate, Environment, and Resources
• Justice, Peace, and Regional/International Stakeholders
• Nationalism, Identity, Religion, and Culture
• State and Non-state Stakeholders, Governance, and Conflict
• Technology, Media, and Arts

Type:

Research Grant 

Who can Apply For The Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Fellowship?

In addition, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• be citizens of any African country
• be enrolled, or intend to enrol by the time of the award, and working towards a PhD in an accredited university, or affiliated to an institution in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda 
• hold a master’s degree at the time of application

As of May 2015, the program prioritizes applicants holding a faculty position or demonstrating a durable commitment to higher education in Africa but does not restrict eligibility to such individuals.

Check: Funded 2025 Traineeship For Young Graduates at the EU Delegation to Ethiopia

Required Documents

Applicants are also to submit the following documents:

• Draft dissertation proposal
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copy of master’s degree
• Proposed research timeline
• Proposed research budget

Which Countries Are Eligible?

 Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda

Where will the Award be Taken?

Africa 

How Many Awards?

12

What is the Benefit of the Award?

Additionally, applicants will benefit the following:

• Up to $3,000 in funding to cover short-term research costs for developing a doctoral dissertation proposal.
• Six months to focus on developing a dissertation proposal relevant to peacebuilding, security, and development in Africa.
• Participation in two mandatory workshops (July and January) to refine research questions, methods, and proposals.
• Contribution to APN and Next Gen’s digital forums and social media platforms to enhance scholarship visibility.
• Access to a network of African scholars and practitioners involved in peacebuilding, security, and development.
• Mentorship from senior scholars and opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and collaboration.
• Professional development and skill-building for career advancement as an academic or practitioner.

How Long Will the Award Last?

6 months

How to Apply:

All applications must be uploaded through the SSRC’s Online Application Portal.