2026–2027 Scholars at Risk (SAR) Academic Freedom Fellowship (Mellon-Supported)
Scholars at Risk (SAR) Network
Quick Facts
A word from Eli, founder of Rise Africa Scholars
MSc Information Security — Unicaf Scholar
While you wait for a fully funded opportunity, don’t put your education on hold. I completed my MSc through Unicaf — studying online from Nairobi while working full-time. The tuition discount made it genuinely affordable, and the degree is from an accredited UK university.
If you’re serious about advancing your career now, I’d encourage you to explore it. I only recommend what I’ve used myself.
About This Scholarship
The 2026–2027 Scholars at Risk Academic Freedom Fellowship, supported by the Mellon Foundation, is a global research opportunity for early-career researchers and doctoral candidates to conduct research on academic freedom and higher education systems. Fellows participate in monthly online workshops, receive mentorship, and are expected to produce significant academic or public-facing outputs while engaging with a global community of over 650 higher education institutions.
What This Scholarship Covers
- Stipend of approximately $8,000 for research and academic outputs
- Monthly online workshops and peer sessions
- Research development support
- Mentorship from leading scholars and experts
- Access to SAR's global academic freedom community
- Participation in collaborative academic engagement
Who Can Apply
- 1 Hold a PhD obtained within the last 8 years, or be a doctoral candidate in the final stages of completion
- 2 Have an active affiliation with a university, research institution, or academic organization
- 3 Demonstrate strong interest or experience in academic freedom or related fields
- 4 Be an early-career researcher worldwide with no country restrictions
- 5 Applicants from the Global South, marginalized or underrepresented communities, and scholars at risk are strongly encouraged