The African Studies Centre, University of Oxford - ORISHA DPhil Scholarship (African Humanities Research Fund)

What the ORISHA DPhil Scholarship gives you

You will receive full funding for a doctorate (DPhil) at the University of Oxford for a topic focusing on Africa. This will cover your tuition fees at the university and college, usually at the UK ‘domestic’ rate, as well as a monthly living allowance to help with your living costs. The funding covers the agreed duration of your DPhil programme, up to three years (36 months). The funds are provided by the African Humanities Research Fund. The African Studies Centre in Oxford administers the fund and usually supports one PhD student at a time.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are about to start a DPhil (as the doctoral degree is known at Oxford) at the University of Oxford, or you are already studying for one.
• Research topic: Your research focuses on Africa.
• Field of study: The programme is open to subjects in the humanities and social sciences such as history, archaeology, anthropology, human geography, African literature, politics and international relations, and sociology. In addition, a suitable supervisor must be available for your field of study.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. Applicants from African countries are particularly encouraged to apply.
• Grades: The award is given on the basis of academic achievement, so you will need to have very good academic results.
• Also eligible: You may be considered if you have paid your fees in full but have no further financial resources.

How to apply

There is no separate application process for the ORISHA Scholarship. Apply for your Master’s programme at Oxford and meet the January deadline (18 January) to be considered for university scholarships. All eligible applicants who have received an offer of admission will then be automatically considered, and awards will be made on the basis of academic merit.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding is strictly targeted: your PhD research must focus on Africa, and as a rule, only one PhD student is funded at a time. This keeps the pool of applicants small, but competition for the single place is fierce. If your research has a clear focus on African humanities and you have an outstanding academic record, you have a genuine chance of success. Applicants from African countries are particularly welcome. Make sure you apply by the January deadline, as this is the only way to be shortlisted.