AEIP Scholars Programme 2026/2027

The AEIP Scholars Programme is a collaborative research impact initiative that brings African and European scholars together to advance joint research and strengthen Africa-Europe cooperation. The programme supports peer learning, research and innovation, and science communication, while encouraging scholars to address shared global challenges through knowledge exchange and practical solutions. 

At the initial stage, ten scholars will be selected and matched into five Africa-Europe scholar pairs. Each pair will collaborate on a joint research activity and develop a collaborative research output. Following evaluation, the top three scholar pairs will be selected as finalists and invited to present their work at the AEIP Stakeholders Event in June 2027. 

The programme is expected to produce: 

• Co-created solution-based research outputs 
• Strengthened Africa-Europe academic partnerships 
• Practical innovations addressing shared challenges 
• Enhanced capacity for inclusive and sustainable development 

• Table of Content
• About EU–West Africa
• AEIP Scholars Programme
• Aim and Benefits of AEIP Scholars Programme
• Requirements for AEIP Scholars Programme Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for AEIP Scholars Programme
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About EU–West Africa

The European Union Delegation’s in Ghana mission is to strengthen the EU-Ghana partnership by supporting sustainable development, democracy and human rights. These priorities are at the core of all our interventions, including in cultural actions. Our cultural initiatives promote.

AEIP Scholars Programme

Aim and Benefits of AEIP Scholars Programme

The programme aims to foster collaborative research and innovation between African and European scholars by aligning academic work with the AU-EU Innovation Agenda, particularly the Capacities for Science action, and by strengthening intercontinental partnerships through solution-driven research.

Requirements for AEIP Scholars Programme Qualification

The programme is open to scholars who meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Aged between 25 and 35.
• Based in Africa or Europe.
• Enrolled in PhDs, Post-Docs, or further studies at the time of application.
• Have ongoing or completed research projects, theses or dissertations aligned with the AU-EU Innovation Agenda Capacities for Science action.

Interview date, Process and Venue for AEIP Scholars Programme

Interested scholars are invited to share abstracts of their research. Applications will be screened and assessed based on: 

• Relevance 
• Academic quality 
• Innovation potential 
• Alignment with Africa-Europe cooperation priorities

Programme timeline

July-August 2026

• Applications open
• Programme launch and opening of applications.

September 2026 

• Selection and pairing 
• Ten scholars are selected and matched into five Africa-Europe scholar pairs.

September 2026 – March 2027 

• Collaboration and research
• Scholar pairs collaborate and submit joint research outputs. 

First half of April 2027

• Evaluation
• Outputs are evaluated and the top three pairs are selected as finalists.

June 2027

• AEIP Stakeholder Meeting
• Finalist pairs present their collaborative outputs at the AEIP Stakeholder Meeting

Check also:
Commonwealth Master's Scholarship to Study in UK 2027/2028
Mandela Washington Fellowship for Africans 2027 (Fully Funded to USA)

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more Information, visit Africa-Europe Innovation Platform webpage