CEGA Fellowship Programme 2027–2028 at UC Berkeley: Fully Supported Research Fellowship for African Scholars

CEGA Fellowship Programme 2027–2028 at UC Berkeley: Fully Supported Research Fellowship for African Scholars. The Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) at the University of California, Berkeley is accepting applications for its 2027–2028 Fellowship Programme. The 16-week programme is designed for African researchers and practitioners seeking to strengthen their skills in impact evaluation, quantitative research and evidence-informed policymaking.

Applicants can choose between the Academic Track and Practitioner Track, with each offering an in-person fellowship at UC Berkeley or a virtual, non-resident option. Resident fellows receive travel, accommodation, meals, visa fees and health insurance support, as well as a stipend for miscellaneous expenses. The stipend amount is not specified in the published call. CEGA+1

Important eligibility issue for Zimbabweans: Although Zimbabwe appears in the call’s priority list for non-resident applicants, the general eligibility rules and FAQ restrict the programme to applicants from East or West African countries and explicitly say applicants from Southern Africa cannot currently apply. Zimbabwe is in Southern Africa. Applicants based in Zimbabwe should obtain written clarification from CEGA before investing time in an application. CEGA+1

CEGA Fellowship Programme 2027–2028 at UC Berkeley: Fully Supported Research Fellowship for African Scholars

The Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) at the University of California, Berkeley, is inviting applications for its 2027–2028 Fellowship Programme, an international research development opportunity for eligible African researchers and practitioners.

The programme is designed to strengthen research capacity in Africa by equipping scholars and professionals with advanced skills in impact evaluation, quantitative research methods, development economics and evidence-based policymaking.

Selected fellows will participate in a 16-week programme featuring academic coursework, personalised mentorship, research development, professional networking and specialist training. They can choose to participate in person at UC Berkeley in the United States or remotely through the non-resident fellowship format.

The programme offers two tracks: the Academic Track for early-career researchers and the Practitioner Track for professionals working in government ministries, NGOs and think tanks.

The fellowship will be offered during either Fall 2027 or Spring 2028. Applications close on 17 January 2027 at 5:00 p.m. GMT.

CEGA Fellowship Programme 2027–2028: Quick overview

Opportunity detail	Information
Programme	CEGA Fellowship Programme 2027–2028
Host institution	Center for Effective Global Action
University	University of California, Berkeley
Country	United States
Programme duration	16 weeks
Fellowship format	Resident or non-resident
Study/research area	Impact evaluation and quantitative development research
Available tracks	Academic Track and Practitioner Track
Resident location	UC Berkeley, California
Non-resident format	Online
Fellowship periods	Fall 2027 or Spring 2028
Academic qualification	At least a Master’s degree, current PhD enrolment or eligible completed PhD
Eligible regions	East and West Africa
Resident funding	Stipend, return flights, accommodation, meals, visa fees and health insurance
Non-resident funding	Stipend for miscellaneous expenses
Salary	Not provided
Application deadline	17 January 2027
Closing time	5:00 p.m. GMT
Application method	Online application

1. About the Center for Effective Global Action

CEGA Fellowship Programme 2027–2028 at UC Berkeley: Fully Supported Research Fellowship for African Scholars

The Center for Effective Global Action is a research centre based at the University of California, Berkeley, in the United States.

CEGA works with researchers, policymakers, governments, non-governmental organisations and development partners to generate rigorous evidence about interventions that can improve people’s lives.

Its research focuses on identifying effective approaches to economic and social development, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

The organisation supports research in areas such as poverty reduction, education, agriculture, healthcare, financial inclusion, gender equality, technology and climate change.

An important part of CEGA’s work is impact evaluation: using rigorous research methods to determine whether policies, programmes and interventions achieve their intended outcomes.

The fellowship programme is part of CEGA’s efforts to strengthen African research capacity and support local researchers and practitioners who can use evidence to inform development decisions.

Since launching the programme in 2012, CEGA has hosted more than 100 fellows.

2. What does the CEGA Fellowship Programme offer?

The fellowship is designed to help participants strengthen their research capabilities while developing professional networks and connections with academics and development practitioners.

Selected fellows will participate in a structured 16-week programme.

The main components include:

A. Advanced research coursework

Fellows will have opportunities to audit academic coursework relevant to their research interests.

The programme provides training in areas including:

• Economics and development economics.
• Statistics and quantitative research.
• Impact evaluation.
• Public policy.
• Health and development.
• Research design.
• Data science.
• Research transparency.
• Cost analysis.
• Qualitative research methods.
• Research communication.

Resident fellows will have access to tailored coursework at UC Berkeley, while non-resident fellows will participate in online learning opportunities.

B. Personalised academic mentorship

Each fellow will receive support from a faculty mentor and a PhD peer partner.

The mentorship component is intended to help participants develop their research ideas, improve research designs and strengthen the academic or policy relevance of their projects.

Participants will receive guidance as they work towards producing research that can contribute to evidence-informed decisions.

C. Research development

Fellows will develop their own research proposals or contribute to existing faculty research projects, depending on their track.

The programme is intended to help participants strengthen their ability to investigate development challenges through rigorous research.

D. Professional networking

Participants will interact with academics, researchers, policymakers and other professionals working in development research.

The programme also provides opportunities to build relationships with researchers across Africa and internationally.

E. Continued engagement after the fellowship

Successful participants can remain connected to CEGA through the Network of Impact Evaluation Researchers in Africa (NIERA).

The network provides opportunities for continued research collaboration, professional engagement and access to relevant research opportunities.

3. Two fellowship tracks available

Applicants must choose between the Academic Track and Practitioner Track.

Each track is designed for a different professional background and career objective.

Track 1: Practitioner Track

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The Practitioner Track is intended for professionals working in African government ministries, NGOs and think tanks who want to strengthen their research and evidence-use capabilities.

It is particularly relevant to professionals whose responsibilities involve using research findings to improve social and economic outcomes.

Eligible applicants should:

• Work for an NGO, think tank or government ministry in East or West Africa.
• Have an interest in developing their research and analytical capabilities.
• Be actively using or promoting evidence to improve economic and social well-being.
• Demonstrate the potential to progress into more senior professional roles.

The programme aims to help participants understand how research evidence can inform policy decisions and improve development programmes.

What will Practitioner Track applicants develop?

Applicants must submit a policy statement explaining a relevant policy or programme issue.

The statement should identify a real decision or development challenge, explain how evidence could help address it and demonstrate who would use the research findings.

Candidates should also explain their relationship with relevant policymakers, government agencies or implementing organisations where applicable.

The selection process places considerable emphasis on policy insight, practical relevance and the feasibility of the proposed work.

Track 2: Academic Track

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The Academic Track is intended for early-career researchers who want to develop or strengthen an academic research career.

It is particularly suitable for doctoral students and researchers employed by universities or research institutions.

Applicants should:

• Be enrolled in a doctoral programme; or
• Hold a current staff position at a university or research institution.
• Preferably work in an institution supporting policy-relevant quantitative social science research.
• Be prepared to develop their own research proposal or contribute to an existing faculty research project.

What will Academic Track applicants develop?

Candidates must submit a research proposal of no more than two pages.

The proposal should demonstrate a clearly defined research question, an appropriate research design, relevant data requirements and measurable outcomes.

The fellowship will provide opportunities to refine the research proposal with guidance from an academic mentor.

The selection panel places considerable emphasis on structured thinking, research quality and the potential contribution of the proposed study.

4. Resident and non-resident fellowship options

CEGA Fellowship Programme 2027–2028 at UC Berkeley: Fully Supported Research Fellowship for African Scholars

Applicants can choose between two participation formats.

A. Resident fellowship at UC Berkeley

The resident option allows selected fellows to spend 16 weeks at the University of California, Berkeley, in California.

Resident fellows participate in the programme in person and benefit from access to the university’s academic environment.

The resident fellowship requires a full-time commitment of approximately 40 hours per week for four months.

The fellowship provides:

• A monetary stipend for miscellaneous expenses.
• Return economy-class flights.
• Accommodation at International House at UC Berkeley.
• Meals.
• Visa fees.
• Health insurance for the fellowship period.
• Opportunities to visit other university campuses.
• Academic mentorship and research training.

CEGA arranges accommodation and books the fellows’ flights. Applicants should therefore not assume that they need to make these arrangements independently after selection.

The organisation does not provide financial support for spouses or other family members.

B. Non-resident fellowship

The non-resident option allows selected fellows to participate virtually without travelling to the United States.

This format is particularly relevant to professionals and researchers who wish to strengthen their research skills while remaining based in their home countries.

Non-resident fellows are expected to commit approximately 15–20 hours per week for four months.

They receive a monetary stipend for miscellaneous expenses and participate in online learning, mentorship and research-development activities.

The published fellowship call does not specify the exact stipend amount.

The non-resident option does not include the resident package of flights, accommodation, meals, visa fees and health insurance because participants are not required to relocate to Berkeley.

5. Fellowship stipend and financial support

CEGA provides different financial arrangements depending on whether a participant is selected for the resident or non-resident fellowship.

Resident fellows

Resident fellows receive a stipend for miscellaneous expenses.

In addition, CEGA covers:

• Return flights.
• Accommodation.
• Meals.
• Visa fees.
• Health insurance during the fellowship.

These arrangements are designed to support participation in the four-month programme at UC Berkeley.

Non-resident fellows

Non-resident participants also receive a monetary stipend for miscellaneous expenses.

However, the fellowship does not publish a specific stipend figure in the current application announcement.

Applicants should therefore avoid relying on unofficial stipend estimates when preparing their financial plans.

Is the fellowship a salaried position?

No. CEGA explicitly states that the fellowship does not provide a salary for the participant’s time.

Applicants must arrange leave with or without pay through their existing university, employer or organisation.

This is particularly important for candidates who are currently employed.

6. Eligibility requirements

The CEGA Fellowship Programme has specific geographical, academic and professional eligibility requirements.

Applicants must satisfy the general conditions before being considered for either fellowship track.

1. Geographical eligibility

Applicants must be from an East African or West African country and must have completed at least secondary school education at an institution in Africa.

The programme is currently restricted to researchers and practitioners from these two African regions.

CEGA explicitly states in its frequently asked questions that applicants from Southern, Central and North Africa are not currently eligible under the programme’s regional requirements.

2. Academic qualifications

Applicants must meet at least one of the following academic conditions:

• Hold a Master’s degree.
• Be currently enrolled in a PhD programme.
• Have completed a PhD within the previous eight years.

The degree should be in economics, political science, statistics, epidemiology, public health or another social science discipline.

Applicants completing their Master’s degrees may still qualify if they will graduate before the fellowship begins.

3. English-language proficiency

CEGA Fellowship Programme 2027–2028 at UC Berkeley: Fully Supported Research Fellowship for African Scholars

Candidates must be fluent in written and spoken English.

Strong communication skills are important because participants will engage in academic coursework, research discussions, mentorship activities and professional presentations.

4. Return to an African institution

Applicants must plan to return to an institution in East or West Africa after completing the fellowship.

Candidates currently enrolled in a PhD programme outside Africa may complete their doctoral studies before returning to the region.

5. Professional and research experience

Applicants should demonstrate a background relevant to their selected track.

Practitioner Track candidates should be working in an NGO, think tank or government ministry.

Academic Track candidates should be doctoral students or university/research institution staff members.

7. Which countries are eligible?

The programme’s regional eligibility rule is important.

CEGA currently accepts applicants from East and West African countries who meet the educational and institutional conditions.

However, the resident and non-resident formats have different nationality considerations.

Resident fellowship: J-1 visa eligibility

Resident fellows must come from a country eligible for a J-1 visa under the current US visa requirements.

The 2027–2028 call lists:

• Djibouti.
• Ethiopia.
• Ghana.
• Guinea.
• Guinea-Bissau.
• Kenya.
• Liberia.
• Madagascar.
• Mauritius.
• Mozambique.
• Rwanda.
• Seychelles.
• Uganda.

The list may change depending on US regulations.

Non-resident fellowship: Priority countries

Priority will be given to applicants from countries currently subject to US visa restrictions.

The published list includes:

• Benin.
• Burkina Faso.
• Burundi.
• Côte d’Ivoire.
• The Gambia.
• Malawi.
• Mali.
• Mauritania.
• Niger.
• Nigeria.
• Senegal.
• Sierra Leone.
• Tanzania.
• Togo.
• Zambia.
• Zimbabwe.

Being on the non-resident priority list does not, by itself, establish eligibility. Applicants must also satisfy the general East or West African regional requirement.

Important clarification for Zimbabwean applicants

Zimbabwe appears on the non-resident priority list, but Zimbabwe is geographically part of Southern Africa.

The same CEGA application announcement explicitly states that the fellowship is currently restricted to East and West African applicants. Its FAQ also says that applicants from Southern Africa cannot apply.

These statements create an apparent inconsistency in the published call.

Zimbabwean applicants should not assume that appearing on the non-resident priority list overrides the regional eligibility restriction. Contact CEGA directly to obtain written clarification before submitting an application.

This distinction is particularly important for applicants based in Zimbabwe who may otherwise appear to qualify for the non-resident format.

8. Research areas supported by CEGA

CEGA Fellowship Programme 2027–2028 at UC Berkeley: Fully Supported Research Fellowship for African Scholars

The fellowship supports work across different areas of economic and social development.

Applicants can propose research in any relevant development field, provided their project uses or advances rigorous research approaches.

Examples include:

Research area	Potential research themes
Agriculture	Agricultural productivity, farmer support and food security
Financial inclusion	Access to finance, savings and financial technology
Gender	Gender equality, women’s economic participation and empowerment
Technology for development	Digital services, technology adoption and development outcomes
Energy	Energy access, clean energy and electricity programmes
Climate change	Climate adaptation, resilience and development
Public health	Healthcare access, health interventions and population outcomes
Education	Learning outcomes, educational access and programme evaluation
Poverty reduction	Income support, livelihoods and economic opportunities
Public policy	Government programmes and evidence-informed decisions

CEGA encourages research that can help governments, organisations and development partners understand which interventions work, for whom and under what circumstances.

Research methods

The fellowship places particular emphasis on quantitative social science methods.

Applicants are encouraged to propose rigorous methodologies capable of identifying causal effects.

Examples include:

• Randomised controlled trials (RCTs).
• Difference-in-Differences.
• Regression Discontinuity Designs.
• Quantitative impact evaluation.
• Mixed-methods research combining quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Purely qualitative or descriptive proposals are not the preferred approach. Research proposals must demonstrate a strong quantitative component.

9. Documents required for the application

CEGA Fellowship Programme 2027–2028 at UC Berkeley: Fully Supported Research Fellowship for African Scholars

Applicants must submit different supporting materials depending on their selected fellowship track.

All application documents should be prepared in the permitted formats: PDF, DOC or DOCX.

Documents required from both tracks

1. Personal statement

Maximum length: one page.

The statement should explain:

• Why you are applying for the CEGA Fellowship.
• Why this programme is particularly relevant to your career.
• What you hope to accomplish during the fellowship.
• Your longer-term professional or research goals.
• Your ability to commit to the programme.
• How the fellowship will fit with your current responsibilities.

2. Curriculum vitae

Maximum length: two pages.

The CV should provide a clear overview of your education, employment, research and professional experience.

Applicants should also include relevant quantitative coursework they have completed.

3. Two professional or academic references

Provide the names and contact information of two individuals who can speak to your qualifications.

Suitable referees may include:

• Academic supervisors.
• Professors.
• Senior colleagues.
• Professional supervisors.

For each referee, provide their name, email address, telephone number and institutional affiliation.

4. Leave approval or institutional support letter

Applicants must provide evidence of leave approval or a letter of support from their supervisor or department chair.

The letter should confirm that, if selected, the applicant will be able to take the required leave:

• Resident fellowship: full-time, 40 hours per week for four months.
• Non-resident fellowship: part-time, 15–20 hours per week for four months.

This is particularly important for employed applicants who must obtain permission from their organisations.

Additional documents for Practitioner Track applicants

5. Policy statement

Maximum length: two pages.

The statement should describe a real policy or programme issue relevant to the applicant’s work.

It should explain:

• The development challenge being addressed.
• The policy or programme decision involved.
• Why additional evidence is needed.
• Who would use the research findings.
• Relevant relationships with policymakers or implementing organisations.
• How the findings could influence decisions.

The selection panel places considerable emphasis on policy relevance and practical feasibility.

Additional documents for Academic Track applicants

6. Research proposal

Maximum length: two pages.

Applicants should develop a proposal explaining:

• The research problem.
• The central research question.
• Why the question matters.
• The proposed research design.
• Relevant quantitative methods.
• Data requirements.
• Expected outcomes.

The proposal does not need to be a fully developed study. CEGA accepts applicants whose projects are still at an early stage, provided the research idea is strong and can be developed during the fellowship.

Optional document

Applicants may also submit one working paper or academic publication.

This is optional rather than a mandatory application requirement.

10. How to apply for the CEGA Fellowship Programme 2027–2028

Applications are submitted online through CEGA’s official application platform.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Check geographical eligibility

Confirm that you meet the East or West African eligibility requirement and have completed at least secondary education at an African institution.

Step 2: Select your fellowship track

Choose either the Academic Track or Practitioner Track based on your current professional or academic position.

Step 3: Choose the participation format

Decide whether you are applying for the resident fellowship at UC Berkeley or the online non-resident fellowship.

Step 4: Select your preferred fellowship period

Choose between:

• Fall 2027: August–December 2027.
• Spring 2028: January–May 2028.

Step 5: Prepare the required documents

Prepare your one-page personal statement, two-page CV, references and institutional leave approval or support letter.

Academic applicants should prepare a research proposal, while practitioner applicants should prepare a policy statement.

Step 6: Complete the online application

Visit the official CEGA application portal and complete the application form.

The application portal allows applicants to select one track. If CEGA determines that a candidate is better suited to the alternative track, the organisation may consider the application under that track.

Step 7: Submit before the deadline

Submit all required information and supporting documents before 17 January 2027 at 5:00 p.m. GMT.

11. Application deadline and important dates

CEGA Fellowship Programme 2027–2028 at UC Berkeley: Fully Supported Research Fellowship for African Scholars

Event	Date
Fellowship announcement	2 November 2026
Information webinar	2 December 2026
Application deadline	17 January 2027
Closing time	5:00 p.m. GMT
Fall fellowship	August–December 2027
Spring fellowship	January–May 2028
Programme duration	16 weeks

Webinar information session

CEGA is organising an online information session to explain the fellowship programme and answer questions from potential applicants.

The session is scheduled for:

• Date: 2 December 2026.
• Time: 7:00 p.m. East Africa Time.
• Equivalent time: 4:00 p.m. GMT.

Applicants can register through the official fellowship announcement.

A recording is expected to be uploaded to the CEGA website for those who cannot attend.

Deadline for applicants in East Africa

The deadline of 5:00 p.m. GMT corresponds to 8:00 p.m. East Africa Time.

Applicants should submit their documents well before the closing time.

12. How competitive is the CEGA Fellowship?

CEGA plans to select a limited number of participants:

• Seven fellows for the Practitioner Track.
• Four fellows for the Academic Track.

This represents a total of 11 planned fellowship places across the two tracks.

Applicants should therefore prepare carefully and demonstrate how the programme will contribute to their professional or academic development.

What makes a strong Practitioner Track application?

A strong practitioner application should demonstrate:

• Direct involvement in a government ministry, NGO or think tank.
• Experience using research or evidence to inform development decisions.
• Understanding of a real policy challenge.
• Access to relevant policy actors or implementing organisations.
• A realistic explanation of how research findings could influence policy.

What makes a strong Academic Track application?

A strong academic application should demonstrate:

• A clear and relevant research question.
• Understanding of quantitative research methods.
• A convincing research design.
• Awareness of relevant data requirements.
• Potential for policy-relevant findings.
• A clear explanation of how the fellowship will advance the applicant’s research career.

Authenticity and the use of AI

CEGA’s application guidance states that reviewers want to see that research proposals are not written entirely with generative AI.

Applicants should therefore develop their own research ideas, demonstrate genuine knowledge of their subject and ensure that all submitted materials accurately reflect their thinking and experience.

The programme places particular emphasis on the quality of the applicant’s reasoning and understanding of the proposed work.

13. Frequently asked questions

Is the CEGA Fellowship fully funded?

Resident fellows receive a package covering return flights, accommodation, meals, visa fees and health insurance, as well as a stipend for miscellaneous expenses.

Non-resident fellows receive a stipend for miscellaneous expenses. The exact stipend amount is not specified in the published call.

Does CEGA provide a monthly salary?

No. CEGA explicitly states that the fellowship does not provide a salary for participants’ time.

How long does the fellowship last?

The programme lasts 16 weeks, approximately four months.

Can applicants choose between online and in-person participation?

Yes. Applicants can apply for either the resident fellowship at UC Berkeley or the non-resident online fellowship, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.

Can Zimbabweans apply?

The published call contains an inconsistency: Zimbabwe appears in the non-resident priority list, but the general eligibility rule and FAQ restrict applications to East and West African countries and exclude Southern Africa. Zimbabwean applicants should seek written clarification from CEGA before applying.

Can applicants from other African regions apply?

The current call is limited to East and West Africa. CEGA states that applicants from Southern, Central and North Africa cannot currently apply.

What academic qualifications are required?

Applicants must hold at least a Master’s degree, be enrolled in a PhD programme or have completed a PhD within the previous eight years in an eligible discipline.

Is there an age limit?

No. CEGA states that there is no age limit for the fellowship.

Can applicants from disciplines other than economics apply?

Yes. Applicants from social science disciplines such as political science, statistics, epidemiology and public health may qualify, provided they meet the other requirements.

Can a research proposal use qualitative methods?

The programme supports a range of methods, but proposals must emphasise rigorous quantitative social science methods. Mixed-methods proposals are also considered where quantitative methods contribute to rigorous and actionable findings.

Can applicants apply for both tracks?

The application portal allows applicants to select one track. CEGA may consider an application under the alternative track if the selection team believes it is more suitable.

Can participants bring their families?

CEGA may accommodate family members in exceptional circumstances, but fellows must pay all associated costs, including flights, visas, accommodation, insurance and food.

Final thoughts

CEGA Fellowship Programme 2027–2028 at UC Berkeley: Fully Supported Research Fellowship for African Scholars

CEGA Fellowship Programme 2027–2028 at UC Berkeley: Fully Supported Research Fellowship for African Scholars. The CEGA Fellowship Programme 2027–2028 provides an opportunity for eligible East and West African researchers and development practitioners to strengthen their research capabilities through an intensive programme at the University of California, Berkeley, or online.

Its two tracks make the programme relevant to both early-career academics and professionals working in government ministries, NGOs and think tanks.

Resident fellows benefit from a substantial logistical support package, while non-resident fellows can participate remotely and continue working from their home countries.

Candidates should pay particular attention to the regional eligibility conditions, academic requirements and institutional leave arrangements before applying.

Applications close on 17 January 2027 at 5:00 p.m. GMT.

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