Skip to content
Find Scholarships
Find Scholarships
South Africa Postdoctoral Fully Funded

AMALI Postdoctoral Fellowship: Apply for Urban Research Opportunity 2026

The AMALI Postdoctoral Fellowship provides R500,000 annually for up to three years for research at the African Centre for Cities. Applications are due May 15, 2026, so apply now!

April 24, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: 5 days left
AMALI-UGRL

Quick Overview

Host CountrySouth Africa
University/OrgUniversity of Cape Town
Degree LevelPostdoctoral
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyDevelopment Studies, Geography, Public Policy, Urban Planning, Urban Studies
DeadlineMay 15, 2026

Scholarship Overview

Overview

The African Centre for Cities (ACC) at the University of Cape Town is offering the AMALI Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, a fully-funded opportunity for exceptional researchers dedicated to urban studies. This prestigious fellowship, supported by the African Mayoral Leadership Initiative (AMALI), aims to empower city leaders in Africa through tailored research and support. The AMALI initiative seeks to refine the visions of African city leaders through focused, data-driven strategies.

The ACC, established in 2007, serves as an interdisciplinary urban research institute within the University of Cape Town. It focuses on promoting vibrant, democratic, and sustainable urban development across the global South. This postdoctoral fellowship places successful candidates at the heart of the AMALI Urban Governance Research Lab, contributing to vital research and analysis.

People Also Checked: Biorefinery Industry Development Facility (BIDF) PhD Scholarship: Complete Guide & How to Apply [2026] (Fully Funded)

What Does It Cover?

The AMALI Postdoctoral Research Fellowship provides comprehensive financial support, allowing researchers to fully dedicate themselves to their work. The fellowship is valued at R500,000 per annum, with a 5% annual increase. It is renewable for up to three years, contingent upon satisfactory progress.

  • Annual Stipend: R500,000 (increasing by 5% annually)
  • Tax Exemption: Compliant with SARS policies, ensuring tax exemption
  • Renewable Term: Up to three years, based on performance

Who Can Apply?

The AMALI Postdoctoral Research Fellowship seeks dynamic individuals with a passion for urban studies and a commitment to contributing to African urban development. To be eligible, applicants must have completed a doctoral degree in a relevant field within the past five years. Strong research skills, excellent writing abilities, and a deep understanding of urban governance in Africa are essential.

People Also Checked: dsm-firmenich Scholarship: Complete 2026 Application Guide (Fully Funded)
  • Must have completed a doctoral degree in urban studies or a related field within the past five years.
  • Demonstrated expertise in one of the priority AMALI topics (water/sanitation, waste management, informal sector, flooding, housing, etc.).
  • Strong writing skills, evidenced by publications.
  • Fluency in English is essential; fluency in French is advantageous.
  • Extensive knowledge of cities across at least two different African countries is desirable.
  • Must not have held permanent full-time professional or academic posts previously.

Application Process

Applying for the AMALI Postdoctoral Research Fellowship requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure a complete and competitive application. The deadline for applications is May 15, 2026.

  1. Prepare Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including a letter of application, concept note, CV, academic transcripts, and contact details for academic references.
  2. Write a Compelling Letter of Application: Clearly articulate your expertise, research interests, and experience, particularly in relation to urban governance and data in Africa.
  3. Develop a Two-Page Concept Note: Outline the key challenges facing African cities and propose potential solutions.
  4. Submit Your Application: Email your complete application to Dr. Amy Weimann at amy.weimann@uct.ac.za, clearly stating “AMALI Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026” in the subject line.

Tips for a Strong Application

To stand out from other applicants, consider these tips for crafting a compelling application. Focus on demonstrating your expertise and passion for urban studies in Africa.

People Also Checked: African Scholarship Programme: Everything You Need to Know [2027] (Fully Funded)
  • Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize any previous experience working in local government or conducting research in African cities.
  • Showcase Your Writing Skills: Ensure your letter of application and concept note are well-written, clear, and concise.
  • Address AMALI’s Priorities: Demonstrate your understanding of AMALI’s priority topics and how your research aligns with their goals.

Funding Coverage

  • Annual Stipend: R500,000 (increasing by 5% annually)
  • Tax Exemption: Compliant with SARS policies, ensuring tax exemption

Eligibility Criteria

  • Applicants must have completed a doctoral degree in a relevant field of urban studies within the past five years.
  • Expertise in one or more of the following AMALI topics is required: water and sanitation, solid waste management, informal sector, urban flooding, housing, urban markets, urban livelihoods, urban health.
  • Excellent writing skills, demonstrated through publications, are essential.
  • Applicants must have a strong understanding of urban governance and urban data in Africa.
  • Fluency in English is required; fluency in French is considered an advantage.
  • Previous experience working in local government is advantageous.
  • Extensive knowledge of cities across at least two different countries in Africa is an advantage.
  • Applicants may not have previously held permanent full-time professional or academic posts.

Required Documents

  • A letter of application stating your expertise, research interests, and experience.
  • A two-page concept note on key challenges facing African cities, with suggested solutions.
  • A CV including a list of publications/scholarly output.
  • Copies of academic transcripts.
  • Names and contact details of at least two academic references.

Application Process

  1. Prepare Your Application Materials: Gather all required documents, including your application letter, concept note, CV, transcripts, and references.
  2. Craft a Compelling Application Letter: Clearly articulate your research interests, experience, and motivation for applying for the fellowship.
  3. Develop a Strong Concept Note: Present a well-reasoned and innovative approach to addressing key challenges facing African cities.
  4. Submit Your Application: Email your complete application to Dr. Amy Weimann (amy.weimann@uct.ac.za) by the deadline.
Apply Now — Official Website

You will be redirected to the official scholarship application page.

Frequently Asked Questions

The fellowship is open to candidates with a doctoral degree in areas relevant to urban studies, such as Urban Studies, Urban Planning, Urban Geography, and related fields like Urban Health. The key is to demonstrate a clear connection between your research and the challenges facing African cities.
While not explicitly required, previous experience working with local governments in Africa is considered a significant advantage. Such experience demonstrates a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities in urban governance, making your application more competitive.
Key selection criteria include the relevance of your doctoral research to urban studies, the strength of your writing skills as evidenced by publications, a deep understanding of urban governance and data in Africa, and expertise in AMALI's priority topics. The quality of your concept note and application letter also play a crucial role.
Yes, non-South African citizens are eligible to apply for the AMALI Postdoctoral Fellowship. However, if selected, they may be required to apply for a study visa to be based at the ACC offices in Cape Town, South Africa.
Completing the AMALI Postdoctoral Fellowship can open doors to various career paths, including research positions at universities or think tanks, policy advisory roles in government or international organizations, and leadership positions in urban development initiatives. The experience and publications gained during the fellowship will significantly enhance your career prospects in the field of urban studies.

Related Scholarships