Applications are open for the Women in AI Fellowship 2026. Women PhD students in Sub-Saharan Africa can receive a $5,000 research grant, AI mentorship, technical training, and access to a global network of AI researchers.
Overview
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the world, influencing everything from healthcare and education to climate action and economic development. Yet despite growing opportunities in the field, women remain significantly underrepresented in advanced AI and machine learning research.
To help address this gap, the Women in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) Doctoral Fellowship 2026 is now accepting applications from outstanding women PhD students across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The fellowship provides funding, mentorship, technical support, and networking opportunities for women researchers who are using—or planning to use—artificial intelligence and machine learning methods in their doctoral research.
If you are a PhD student looking to strengthen your research through AI tools and collaborate with experts in the field, this fellowship could provide both the resources and support needed to advance your work.
About the Women in AI Fellowship
The Women in AI Fellowship was created to support the next generation of women leaders in artificial intelligence and machine learning research.
The programme recognizes that AI and machine learning are becoming increasingly important across disciplines, including economics, public health, environmental science, sociology, development studies, governance, and public policy.
Through financial support, mentorship, and technical collaboration, the fellowship aims to empower women researchers to integrate AI-driven approaches into their work while contributing to more ethical, inclusive, and socially impactful innovation.
The fellowship also seeks to strengthen women’s leadership in computational research and help close gender gaps in advanced technology fields.
What Will Fellows Gain?
One of the biggest advantages of this fellowship is that it goes beyond financial support.
Selected fellows will receive funding, technical guidance, professional development opportunities, and access to a growing network of AI experts and researchers.
Research Grant of USD 5,000
Each fellow will receive a one-time grant worth USD 5,000 that can be used for:
- Tuition and academic expenses
- Computing resources
- Data acquisition and analysis
- AI/ML mentorship support
- Research-related travel
- Fieldwork expenses
AI and Machine Learning Collaboration Support
Fellows will gain access to the KAIA Network, which connects researchers with AI specialists and technical collaborators.
Benefits include:
- Matching with an AI/ML collaborator
- Access to AI engineers and data scientists
- Capacity-building workshops
- Technical training opportunities
- Research visibility through the KAIA Network
Professional Development
Participants will also:
- Join a global community of women researchers
- Present their work through seminars and events
- Participate in interdisciplinary learning exchanges
- Build connections with universities, UN agencies, researchers, and civil society organizations
Increased Research Visibility
Fellows will have opportunities to showcase their work and contribute to broader discussions on AI and social impact through publications, seminars, and public engagement activities.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to women scholars from Sub-Saharan Africa who are pursuing doctoral studies.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Identify as a woman
- Be currently enrolled in, or admitted to, a PhD programme
- Be studying at an accredited institution located in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Be conducting research in a social science or related discipline
- Demonstrate a clear intention to use artificial intelligence and/or machine learning methods in their doctoral research
Eligible fields include:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Economics
- Public Health
- Environmental Science
- Sociology
- Demography
- Development Studies
- Public Policy
- Related disciplines
Applicants whose research already uses AI/ML methods, as well as those planning to integrate these approaches into their research, are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must complete their application through the KAIA Network platform.
Step 1
Create a KAIA Network profile.
Step 2
Complete the fellowship application form.
Step 3
Provide information about your academic background and doctoral programme.
Step 4
Explain how artificial intelligence or machine learning will be incorporated into your research.
Step 5
Submit your application before the deadline.
Creating a KAIA Network profile is mandatory for all applicants.
Required Documents and Information
Applicants should be prepared to provide:
- Full name and contact information
- Country of citizenship
- Country where their PhD institution is located
- Current doctoral status
- Name of their accredited institution
- Information about their doctoral research
- Details explaining how AI/ML methods will be used in their research
Additional supporting information may be requested during the selection process.
Fellowship Expectations
Selected fellows will be expected to:
- Produce at least one open-access research output
- Publish a reflective blog article through the KAIA Network
- Share their work through a seminar or webinar
- Participate in fellowship activities and professional development opportunities
Application Deadline
Applications for the Women in AI Fellowship 2026 will close on:
July 31, 2026
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early and complete their KAIA Network profile before submitting their application.
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | Women in AI Fellowship 2026 |
| Funding | USD 5,000 |
| Eligible Applicants | Women PhD Students |
| Region | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Fields | Social Sciences and Related Disciplines |
| AI/ML Requirement | Required or Planned Integration |
| Host Platform | KAIA Network |
| Benefits | Funding, Mentorship, Training, Networking |
| Application Deadline | July 31, 2026 |
Conclusion
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape research and innovation worldwide, opportunities that support women in advanced AI-related fields are becoming increasingly important.
The Women in AI Fellowship 2026 offers more than just a research grant. It provides mentorship, technical collaboration, professional development, and access to a global community of researchers committed to using AI for positive social impact.
Women PhD students in Sub-Saharan Africa who are interested in integrating AI and machine learning into their research should strongly consider applying before the July 31, 2026 deadline.
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