IFRA-Nigeria Research Grant 2026 Opens for West African Scholars

The French Institute for Research in Africa (IFRA-Nigeria) is now accepting proposals for its 2026 research grant cycle. The deadline for applications is November 30, 2025. This funding supports fieldwork and archival research in the humanities and social sciences.

The initiative targets scholars from ten West African nations. It aims to bolster academic inquiry on critical regional issues. Projects must align with one of IFRA-Nigeria’s four designated research axes.

Funding Scope and Key Research Areas

According to the institute’s announcement, the grant offers up to €1,000 per project. This financial support is intended for research activities running from January to October 2026. The funding can cover fieldwork missions or essential archival work.

Eligible research must connect to the institute’s geographic mandate. This includes Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin, Togo, and Ghana. It also covers Liberia, Gambia, Niger, Chad, and Burkina Faso. The research must fit within one of IFRA’s four key themes.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

The grant is open to a wide range of academics. Master’s students, doctoral candidates, and postdoctoral researchers are all eligible to apply. Established scholars are also encouraged to submit proposals.

Applications must be submitted as a single PDF file. Required documents include a motivation letter, a CV, and a detailed project description. A comprehensive budget using the provided template is mandatory. Proposals can be written in either French or English.

The IFRA-Nigeria Research Grant 2026 represents a significant opportunity for West Africa’s research community. This funding enables vital fieldwork that can shape regional policy and academic discourse. Scholars are urged to prepare their applications ahead of the fall deadline.

Info at your fingertips

Who is eligible for the IFRA-Nigeria grant?

The grant is open to master’s students, doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, and established scholars. Applicants must be working in humanities or social sciences on a country within IFRA-Nigeria’s geographic mandate.

What is the maximum funding amount available?

Each grant can reach a maximum of €1,000. The final amount depends on the nature and detailed budget of the proposed research project.

What are the main research themes supported?

Projects must align with one of four axes: Beliefs, bodies and health; Citizenship, gender and mobilisation; Heritage dynamics and environment; or the transversal Digital Humanities axis.

Can the grant be used for conference travel?

The funding is specifically for fieldwork missions and archival research stays. It is not intended for conference attendance or presentation travel.

Is the application process conducted in English?

Applicants can submit their proposals in either French or English. Both languages are fully accepted for all application documents.