The ESA African Research Fellowships 2026 for African Researchers (Fully Funded to Rome, Italy)

Application Deadline: 29 April 2026

The call for applications is now open for the 2026 edition of the ESA African Research Fellowships. This fellowship programme, known as the African Research Fellowship (ARF), is a cornerstone of the EO AFRICA flagship initiative led by the European Space Agency (ESA). It is implemented in collaboration with the African Space Agency (AfSA), a body of the African Union, and coordinated alongside the African Union Commission (AUC). The ARF aims to nurture and empower emerging African leaders in the field of Earth observation (EO).

Since its inception in 2021, the programme has successfully supported ten exceptional fellows in advancing their cutting-edge research at ESA. For 2026, ESA invites applications from four enthusiastic African researchers eager to become part of this vibrant and collaborative network. The selected fellows will have the opportunity to undertake a one-year research fellowship at ESA’s ESRIN centre located in Frascati, Italy, working hand-in-hand with ESA experts. The fellowship tenure is scheduled to commence in October 2026.

Research Focus Areas

Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals for a one-year research and development (R&D) project aligned with one of the thematic priority areas identified by the EO AFRICA programme. The research should harness Earth observation satellite data combined with advanced analytical techniques. Projects selected will be fully embedded within the EO AFRICA R&D Initiative, ensuring integration into a broader scientific agenda.

Fellows will benefit from extensive support including:

• Access to ESA-backed cloud computing infrastructure such as the EO Africa Innovation Lab and Space-HPC, designed to facilitate collaborative research efforts with European scientists.
• Resources from the EO AFRICA Space Academy and Digital Campus, which provide specialized training, scientific tools, and expert knowledge essential for successful project execution.
• Membership in a professional network that champions open science principles and promotes reproducibility in research.

Eligibility Requirements

The programme targets African researchers who hold a doctoral degree (PhD) or a Master’s degree accompanied by substantial and demonstrable research experience in satellite Earth observation, satellite remote sensing, or closely related disciplines. ESA seeks candidates who are innovative and motivated by the goal of translating satellite data into impactful and sustainable solutions for Africa.

Application Components

To apply, candidates must submit a comprehensive application package including:

• A detailed research proposal using the official ARF template (maximum 10 pages). Applications that do not use the provided template will not be considered.
• A curriculum vitae (CV) not exceeding 3 pages, including a list of recent publications.
• A copy of a valid identification document (passport preferred).
• Scanned copies of the highest academic qualification earned (PhD or Master’s diploma).
• Two confidential letters of reference supporting the applicant’s qualifications and research potential.

Important Dates

Additional Information

For more comprehensive details and to submit your application, please Visit the Official Webpage of the ESA African Research Fellowships.

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