Georgetown University Africa-China Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027–2028 – Earn $72,000 Per Year
Georgetown University, in partnership with Howard University’s Center for African Studies, is inviting applications for the Africa-China Post-Doctoral Fellowship 2027–2028. This 18-month academic fellowship offers an exciting opportunity for researchers specialising in Africa-China relations, international affairs, political science, history and related disciplines to advance their research while contributing to teaching and academic exchange in Washington, DC.
The fellowship is designed to expand African scholarship, expertise and perspectives on Africa-China relations and the broader relationship between Africa, Asia and the Global South.
Successful applicants will receive an annual remuneration of $72,000, plus benefits, and will spend approximately half their fellowship at Georgetown University and half at Howard University.
The programme begins in January 2027 and concludes in June 2028. Applications close on 15 November 2026.
Fellowship Overview
| Fellowship Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Africa-China Post-Doctoral Fellowship |
| Host Institution | Georgetown University |
| Partner Institution | Howard University |
| Location | Washington, DC, USA |
| Duration | 18 months (3 semesters) |
| Start Date | January 2027 |
| End Date | June 2028 |
| Annual Remuneration | $72,000 |
| Additional Benefits | Employee benefits and one round-trip flight |
| Application Deadline | 15 November 2026 |
| Job Category | Postdoctoral Research Fellowship |
About the Africa-China Postdoctoral Fellowship
The Africa-China Initiative (ACI) at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, in partnership with the Center for African Studies at Howard University, established this fellowship to strengthen African research and academic perspectives on Africa-China relations.
The programme supports early- and mid-career scholars with a strong research record and international experience. It provides an opportunity to conduct independent research while contributing to teaching, academic discussions and institutional activities at two leading American universities.
The fellowship is funded through the Africa-China Initiative and the Henry Luce Foundation grant and administered by Georgetown University.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to holders of doctoral degrees from accredited universities, including both tenured and non-tenured PhD graduates.
Applicants should have relevant research experience in disciplines such as:
- History.
- Political Science.
- International Relations and International Affairs.
- Global Studies.
- Sociology.
- Economics.
- Anthropology.
- Other related academic disciplines.
The selection process will consider the originality and quality of applicants’ scholarship, their research achievements and their demonstrated interest in Africa-China issues.
The programme is particularly interested in early- and mid-career scholars with broad international experience and a strong record of research on Africa-China relations.
Priority Research Themes
The fellowship particularly welcomes research addressing important developments in Africa-China relations and the broader international political and economic environment.
Priority areas include:
- Human mobility and its social, political and economic impacts.
- Climate change and environmental challenges.
- Natural resource extraction and exploitation.
- Trade relations and debt.
- Changing global power dynamics and international influence.
- Transregional and interregional engagements involving Africa and China.
Researchers whose work explores the relationship between Africa, Asia and the Global South are also encouraged to apply.
Fellowship Benefits and Remuneration
The Africa-China Post-Doctoral Fellowship provides financial and professional support throughout the 18-month appointment.
Annual remuneration: Successful fellows will receive $72,000 per year, together with additional employment benefits.
Travel support: One round-trip domestic or international flight will be provided for the entire fellowship period.
Additional academic opportunities: Depending on available funding, fellows may receive opportunities to travel within the United States to attend at least one academic conference, workshop or related event.
The fellowship also offers access to academic resources, professional networks and research opportunities in Washington, DC.
Fellowship Responsibilities
The successful fellow will divide their time between Georgetown University’s Africa-China Initiative and African Studies Program, and Howard University’s Center for African Studies and African Studies Department.
Responsibilities include:
- Conducting independent research on Africa-China relations or related themes.
- Supporting academic activities at both universities.
- Delivering one public lecture at Georgetown University and another at Howard University.
- Guest lecturing in relevant courses based on the fellow’s research expertise.
- Engaging with and mentoring students where possible.
- Participating in academic discussions and institutional activities.
- Contributing to the broader development of Africa-China scholarship.
Fellows will also be encouraged to use Washington, DC’s academic and institutional resources, including the Library of Congress, National Archives, research centres, think tanks, government institutions and diplomatic missions.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates must submit the following documents:
- Cover Letter: Introducing the applicant and explaining their suitability for the fellowship.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Outlining academic qualifications, research experience and publications.
- Two Reference Letters: Both letters must be received by 15 November 2026.
- Research/Publication Proposal: A 500-word proposal outlining the research or publication project.
- Writing Sample: A dissertation chapter, book chapter or academic article demonstrating research and writing ability.
All application materials must be submitted through Georgetown University’s Interfolio application platform.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2027–2028 Africa-China Post-Doctoral Fellowship will be reviewed beginning 25 October 2026.
Interested applicants should prepare the required documents and submit their applications online.
Application deadline: 15 November 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Georgetown University Africa-China Post-Doctoral Fellowship offers an important opportunity for African and international scholars to contribute to research, teaching and academic discussions on Africa-China relations.
With an annual remuneration of $72,000, an 18-month appointment and access to two established academic institutions, the programme provides a platform for researchers to strengthen their scholarship and build international academic networks.
Researchers with doctoral qualifications and a demonstrated interest in Africa-China relations, international affairs and Global South engagement should consider applying before the November deadline.
