Applications are Now Open for the CAPSI/Mastercard Foundation PhD Fellowship 2025

CAPSI/Mastercard Foundation PhD Fellowship 2025

The Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI) at Wits Business School, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is excited to invite applications for the Doctoral Fellowship focused on the Non-Profit Sector and its Impact on African Economies.

Why This Fellowship Matters

This fellowship is all about creating opportunities for young African doctoral students who are passionate about making a difference.

It’s an invitation to dive deep into research on how non-profit organizations contribute to the economies of African countries, especially by creating meaningful and fulfilling work for young people.

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What You’ll Be Working On

As a doctoral fellow, you’ll be exploring the ways in which non-profit organizations are helping to build stronger economies across Africa, with a special focus on how they’re providing dignified employment opportunities for young Africans.

You won’t be doing this alone—you’ll be working closely with Regional Research Leads and seasoned researchers who will guide and support your journey.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking applicants who understand the importance of addressing youth marginalization in Africa. This includes focusing on issues related to gender, disability, geography, class, age, and the unique challenges faced by groups like refugees, ex-prisoners, and internally displaced persons.

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What You’ll Get

If selected, you’ll receive a fully funded fellowship, including a scholarship of up to $30,000 per year.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, you should:

• Be a woman from one of the following countries: Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Zambia.
• Be 35 years old or younger.
• Be enrolled full-time in a relevant doctoral program at an African university, with research that aligns with the project’s goals.
• Have a strong interest in how the non-profit sector contributes to creating dignified work for young Africans.
• Be committed to the program and able to work well in a team.
• Be in the first or second year of your PhD program.
• Be a national of one of the eligible countries and focus your research on these areas.

What You’ll Study

This fellowship is open to students in various fields, including Social and Behavioral Sciences, Economics, Development Studies, International Development, Non-profit or Philanthropic Studies, Statistics and Actuarial Sciences, Management, Public Policy, History, Human Geography, or any development-related area.

Your research should focus on how non-profit sectors contribute to African economies, particularly in creating dignified work for the youth.

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How to Apply

Ready to take the next step? Here’s what you need to do:

Prepare and submit the following:

• Your current CV.
• A personal statement (500 words max) explaining your research interests, what motivates you, and how your work aligns with this fellowship.
• A research proposal (up to 2,500 words) that includes:
  • Background of your study
  • Problem statement
  • Research questions
  • Research objectives
  • Literature review and theoretical framework
  • Proposed methodology (research design, sampling, data collection, and ethical considerations)
• A recommendation letter from your supervisor or proposed supervisor.
• Your academic transcripts.
• Proof of age (e.g., passport, birth certificate).
• Proof of admission or registration at an African university.

Where to Send Your Application

Submit your application via email to the following contacts:

• West and North Africa: dennis.osei@wits.ac.za
• East Africa: wycliffe.ouma@wits.ac.za
• Southern Africa: eleanor.chipeta@wits.ac.za

Make sure to include “PhD Fellowship in the Non-Profit Sector’s Contribution to African Economies” in the subject line. Don’t forget to copy Joseph.Sobuthongo@wits.ac.za.

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For more information, visit CAPSI/Mastercard PhD Fellowship.