The African Center for Technology Studies has received a grant from the International Development Research Center (IDRC) and Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) to support the training of PhD students in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) as well as the research work of Early Career Academics or Scholars (Early Career and Post-Doc) in AI & ML.
The award of the scholarships shall strive to achieve uniform distribution of beneficiaries across anglophone, francophone and lusophone sub-Saharan Africa.
Scholarship Sponsor(s): IDRC/SIDA
Scholarship Type: Full funding
Host Institution(s): The African Center for Technology
Scholarship Worth: See each scholarship categories (below)
Study Level: Postgraduate (PhD and Post-doctoral)
Number of Awards: Several
Nationality: Africans
Also Check: DAAD In-Country / In-Region Scholarships for Africans
IDRC/SIDA AI4D Scholarships 2021/2022 | DETAILS
The scholarships are in 5 categories stated as below; There will be effort to achieve fair distribution in terms of gender and region. The supported studies MUST adhere to responsible AI.
Category 1 -Registered PhD students
Eligibility:
- All applicants must be already registered in an AI study (machine learning, expert system, natural language processing, intelligent robotics etc.) under a supervisor, have finished coursework as well as research proposal. The applicant must attach a letter of support by their supervisor, and a copy of the PhD study admission letter.
- All applicants should have competent academic credentials and demonstrate motivation and commitment to pursue an academic career.
- All applicants should have thorough knowledge of the language of instruction within their host university of choice (English, French or Portuguese).
- All applicants must be nationals or permanent residents of any sub-Saharan country.
Value/Benefits:
Each successful student will receive a partial scholarship of up to $ 27,000 distributed as shown below
- Tuition fees for two years ($ 4000)
- Research activities ($ 17,000)
- Traveling support for the supervisors ($ 6,000)
Category 2 – Disadvantaged female students and students from low income countries
Eligibility:
- Each applicant must have successfully completed a Master’s degree in any of the following disciplines; AI, Computer Science, IT, IS, Electronic Engineering, or a related field.
- All applicants should have competent academic credentials and demonstrate motivation and commitment to pursue an academic career.
- All applicants should have thorough knowledge of the language of instruction within their host university of choice (English, French or Portuguese).
- All applicants must be nationals or permanent residents of any sub-Saharan country.
Value/Benefits:
Each successful student will work under a professor who will receive a grant of upto US$ 45,500 which will cover the following:
- Tuition fees for PhD student (US$ 6000)
- Living allowance for PhD student (for 30 months=US$15,000)
- Two return Air ticket to study country (US$ 750 return per trip= US$1500)
- Research activities (US$ 17,000)
- Traveling support for the supervisors (US$ 6,000)
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Category 3 – Early Career Academics
Under the ECA scholarship, 8 Early Career Academics will be supported. This will mainly target those ECA who have capacity to supervise PhD and MSc students.
Eligibility:
- Each applicant must have held a PhD in AI and ML, for the last 3 – 5 years as at application.
- All applicants should have competent academic credentials and demonstrate motivation and commitment to pursue an academic career.
- All applicants must be nationals or permanent residents of any sub-Saharan country.
Value/Benefits:
Each successful ECA will receive a scholarship of US$ 68,000. This will cover:
- Tuition fees for one PhD student for two years (US$ 4000)
- Tuition fees for two MSc students (US$4000)
- Research costs (US$ 25,000)
- Research infrastructure (US$ 30,000)
- Traveling costs (US$ 5,000)
Funding would be for 2 years.
Category 4 – Post-doctoral researchers:
Eligibility:
- Each applicant must have held a PhD in AI and ML, for not more than 2 years as at application.
- All applicants should have competent academic credentials and demonstrate motivation and commitment to pursue an academic career.
- All applicants must be nationals or permanent residents of any sub-Saharan country.
Value/Benefits:
Each successful candidate will receive a scholarship of US$ 63,000:
- Tuition fee for 4 MSc students = US$ 8,000
- Research activities = US$ 20,000
- Research infrastructure = US$ 30000
- Traveling cost = US$ 5,000
Funding would be for 2 years.
Category 5 – Senior Scholars
Eligibility:
- Each applicant must have held a PhD in AI and ML, for atleast 5 years as at the time of application.
- Should be atleast senior lecturer.
- All applicants should have competent academic credentials and demonstrate motivation and commitment to pursue an academic career.
- All applicants must be nationals or permanent residents of any sub-Saharan country.
Value/Benefits:
Each successful scholar will receive a grant of US$ 45,500 which will cover the following:
- Tuition fees for PhD student (US$ 6000)
- Living allowance for PhD student (for 30 months=US$15,000)
- Two return Air ticket to study country (US$ 750 return per trip= US$1500)
- Research activities (US$ 17,000)
- Traveling support for the scholar (US$ 6,000)
Funding would be for a period 2 years.
How to Apply
To apply for any of the categories above, eligible candidates should visit the official scholarship page (link below) and click to apply based on your eligibility.
Application Deadline: 30th September 2021