The MASS Design Group African Design Centre (ADC) Fellowship supports emerging African designers and architects in transforming project insights into real-world social impact. The fellowship provides mentorship, training, and resources to catalyze innovation rooted in local contexts and community needs. Open to early-career professionals leading design-driven projects across Africa, fellows engage in capacity building and collaborative learning to scale sustainable architectural solutions. Applicants must be nationals of an African country and be no older than 35 years. Interested applicants should complete an online application by 14 June 2026. Details here
early-career
GoGettaz — Agripreneur Prize 2026
The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition supports innovative, young food and agribusiness entrepreneurs who are transforming the African food system. The contest is open to food system founders or co-founders aged 18 to 35 who hold nationality from an African Union member state. Eligible businesses can span any part of the agrifood value chain, including production, logistics, agro-processing, and digital farming solutions. The program features a total prize pool of US$160 thousand, which includes two US$50 thousand grand prizes awarded to one male-led and one female-led business, alongside four US$15 thousand impact awards for ventures excelling in areas like climate resilience, technology, and food security. The deadline for complete applications is 28 June 2026. Agripreneur Prize
Zoological Society of London — EDGE Fellowships 2027
The EDGE of Existence program invites applications for its 2027 EDGE Fellowship to support early-career conservationists from developing nations. Eligible applicants must be residents or nationals of the country where their proposed project is located and focus on the conservation of Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species. The program provides a comprehensive package that includes a grant of up to £10,000 for project expenses, two weeks of conservation training. The deadline for expressions of interest is 10 June 2026. About the application process
LEAP Africa — Social Innovators Program
LEAP Africa invites applications for its Social Innovators Programme. This nine-month fellowship supports early-stage social entrepreneurs by providing them with mentorship, capacity-building training, and access to investors to help scale their ventures. To be eligible, applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of an African nation, between 18 and 35 years old, and the founder or co-founder of an impact-driven social venture located within an African community. No direct cash prize or grant amount is specified, but fellows gain strategic visibility and opportunities to pitch their enterprises to potential funders. The deadline for applications is 12 June 2026. Social Innovators Program
World Academy of Sciences — TWAS-CUI Fellowship Program for Postgraduate Research
The TWAS-CUI Fellowship Program for Postgraduate Research offers fellowships to young scientists from developing countries (other than Pakistan) who wish to obtain their PhD in natural sciences. Fellowships are tenable in the departments and laboratories of the campuses of the COMSATS University Islamabad (Pakistan). Duration is from six months to a maximum of 3 years (18 months for a sandwich program). CUI will provide a monthly stipend which should be used to cover living costs. The call for applications is open until 15 June 2026. Find the program
Forrest Research Foundation — Research Fellowship
The Forrest Research Foundation at the University of Western Australia offers research fellowships to attract early-career post-doctoral researchers. The fellowship comprises a salary, an accommodation allowance, and a one-off research and travel allowance. The duration of the Fellowship is up to three years on a full-time basis. Researchers from all disciplines are eligible to apply. The application deadline is 30 June 2026. Forrest Research Foundation Fellowship
Society for Marine Mammalogy — Research Grants for Field Research 2026
The Society for Marine Mammalogy makes grants to its members who are nationals of emerging and developing countries. Grants are for up to US$2 thousand for field research by early-career researchers. Recipients who subsequently have their research accepted for presentation at a SMM biennial conference will receive $500 toward travel expenses to the conference. Applications are particularly welcome from scientists working in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Asia-Pacific region, and Russia. The application period ends on 30 June 2026. Research Grants for Marine Mammalogy
Save Our Seas Foundation — Small Grants 2026
The Save Our Seas Foundation invites applications for its small grants program to support original, innovative start-up projects focused on marine research, conservation, or education. The opportunity is dedicated to early-career scientists, conservationists, and educators worldwide who are within five years of receiving their degree. Eligible projects must focus specifically on marine chondrichthyan species, such as sharks, rays, skates, sawfishes, and chimaeras. The foundation provides annual grants of up to US$10 thousand, with awards averaging US$5,000, to cover local initiatives lasting up to 18 months. The deadline for stage-one applications is 03 July 2026. SOSF Small Grants
Aspire Institute — Leaders Program for First-generation University Students
The Aspire Leaders Program provides academic and professional development resources to students who are from backgrounds of social and financial adversity. All applicants must be between the ages of 18-26, come from a low-income background and be the first generation to attend university. Through the program, students will gain access to fully-funded HarvardX courses and participate in live seminars with Harvard University. Eligibility extends to students from all around the world as long as they are enrolled in an undergraduate program or have recently graduated (within three years). The application deadline is 10 July 2026. Aspire Leaders Program
Social Shifters — Global Innovation Challenge
Social Shifters announces the Global Innovation Challenge to help young leaders and founders solve the social or environmental issues that matter to them. The challenge seeks creative ideas, projects, and business solutions to the problems that matter to local communities and welcomes ideas from anywhere in the world. Participants compete for awards of up to US$15 thousand to deliver activities that improve lives, help communities, and protect the planet. All ideas must be led by young people aged between 18-30 years old. The application deadline is 31 August 2026. Link to Social Shifters