The Women in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) Doctoral Fellowship 2026 is now accepting applications from outstanding women scholars across Sub-Saharan Africa. Designed to strengthen women’s leadership in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data-driven research, this prestigious fellowship offers financial support, technical mentorship, professional development opportunities, and access to a growing network of AI experts and researchers.
With applications closing on 31 July 2026, the fellowship seeks to empower women PhD candidates who are integrating AI and machine learning methodologies into their doctoral research across a wide range of disciplines.
About the Women in AI/ML Doctoral Fellowship
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are rapidly transforming industries and research fields worldwide. From healthcare and education to climate change, economics, governance, and public policy, AI technologies are shaping how societies solve complex challenges.
Despite these advancements, women remain significantly underrepresented in AI and technology-related fields. The Women in AI/ML Doctoral Fellowship aims to address this gap by providing women researchers with the resources, mentorship, and professional networks needed to excel in advanced computational research.
The fellowship supports innovative doctoral research that applies AI and machine learning techniques to address social, scientific, economic, environmental, and development challenges.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to women who meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Currently enrolled in a PhD program at an accredited institution in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Admitted to a doctoral program and expected to begin within the next academic year
- Conducting research in social sciences or related disciplines
- Demonstrating a clear intention to integrate AI and machine learning methodologies into their doctoral research
Eligible academic fields include:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Economics
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Demography
- Development Studies
- Environmental Science
- Education
- Public Policy
- Data Science
- Other related disciplines
Applicants must also create a profile on the KAIA Network platform and submit their fellowship application through the network to be considered.
Fellowship Benefits
USD $5,000 Research Grant
Selected fellows will receive a one-time grant of USD $5,000 to support their doctoral research activities.
The funding may be used for:
- Tuition expenses
- Computing equipment and resources
- Data acquisition and analysis
- AI/ML mentorship support
- Research-related travel
- Fieldwork expenses
- Specialized software and tools
This financial support allows fellows to strengthen the technical components of their research while advancing their academic goals.
Technical AI/ML Collaboration
One of the most valuable components of the fellowship is access to technical collaboration through the KAIA Network.
Fellows will benefit from:
- Matching with AI and machine learning collaborators
- Access to AI engineers and data scientists
- Research mentorship opportunities
- Capacity-building workshops
- Technical seminars and webinars
- Specialized AI training opportunities
These collaborations help researchers strengthen the quality and impact of their doctoral projects.
Professional Development Opportunities
The fellowship extends beyond funding by offering numerous opportunities for professional growth.
Participants will:
- Join a global community of women researchers
- Build interdisciplinary partnerships
- Participate in knowledge-sharing events
- Engage with leading AI experts
- Connect with universities and research institutions
- Access networking opportunities with international organizations and development partners
These experiences help fellows expand their professional networks and enhance their research visibility.
Knowledge Sharing and Research Impact
Fellows are expected to contribute to the broader AI and research community by sharing their findings and experiences.
Selected participants will:
- Produce at least one open-access research output
- Publish a reflective blog article through the KAIA Network
- Present their work in webinars or seminars
- Contribute datasets, technical reports, software tools, or working papers
This emphasis on knowledge dissemination helps ensure that fellowship-supported research reaches wider audiences and generates meaningful societal impact.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Women remain underrepresented in many AI and machine learning fields despite growing demand for technical expertise. Increasing women’s participation in AI research helps promote diversity, innovation, and ethical technology development.
The Women in AI/ML Doctoral Fellowship contributes to:
- Closing gender gaps in technology
- Promoting inclusive innovation
- Supporting women leaders in research
- Expanding AI expertise across Africa
- Encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration
- Building future generations of AI scholars
By supporting women researchers, the fellowship strengthens both academic excellence and technological advancement across the region.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should prepare the following information before applying:
- Personal and academic details
- PhD enrollment or admission information
- Research proposal summary
- Description of AI/ML integration in research
- Institutional affiliation details
Applicants must complete their profile on the KAIA Network platform and submit their fellowship application before the deadline.
Application Deadline
📅 31 July 2026
Early submission is strongly encouraged to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Final Thoughts
The Women in AI/ML Doctoral Fellowship 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for women researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa to advance their doctoral studies while building expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning. With USD $5,000 in research funding, technical mentorship, global networking opportunities, and professional development support, the fellowship provides a powerful platform for emerging scholars to make meaningful contributions to research and innovation.
Women PhD candidates committed to leveraging AI and machine learning for social, scientific, and development impact should strongly consider applying for this transformative opportunity before the 31 July 2026 deadline.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
