CODESRIA/ZASB 7th Summer School 2026: Apply for African Studies Training

The CODESRIA/ZASB 7th Summer School in African Studies and Area Studies in Africa 2026 offers a great chance for young researchers. This program brings together PhD students and early career scholars to explore African perspectives in global studies. Applications are open now, with a deadline of May 1, 2026.

What the Summer School Covers

The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) and the Centre for African Studies in Basel (ZASB) run this event. It gets support from the Oumou Dilly Foundation in Switzerland. The school focuses on linking African Studies with broader area studies from an African viewpoint.

It stresses interdisciplinary research on Africa and other world regions. Participants look at theories, concepts, and methods that fit Africa as a key area of knowledge. The program also checks how African ideas add to global learning and apply to studies of other places.

Main Goals

Senior scholars guide participants through fresh ideas in African Studies. PhD students and early researchers discuss theories, concepts, and methods tied to their own work. The school pushes them to think about African ways of knowing and being in their fields.

It builds a community of scholars focused on Africa-centered research. Young researchers learn to make space for African Studies in wider academic areas. This helps place African knowledge at the heart of global scholarship.

Participants tackle how to mix high research standards with real-world impact in Africa. They improve skills for working across disciplines and with policy makers. From an African angle, they position their work in academic and public settings.

Costs and Support

The program covers travel, lodging, and meals for those from African schools. Organizers welcome a few self-funded applicants who can pay their own way.

Who Can Apply

This is for PhD students and early career scholars at African universities. PhD students from Swiss universities can apply too. Fields include social sciences and humanities.

Priority goes to first- or second-year PhD students. Applicants must link their work to concepts, knowledge frames, and methods in African Studies.

How to Apply

Submit these items:

• A motivation letter up to 500 words. Explain how the school will help your work.
• A concept paper up to 2500 words. Cover your research topic, its ties to African or Global South ideas (especially Mudimbe’s work), what you hope to gain, and one relevant book for discussion.
• A full CV.
• One recommendation letter from your school or PhD advisor.
• Passport copy.
• Proof of PhD enrollment (for students) or doctoral certificate (for early career scholars).

Apply through the official form. Check the main page for full details.

Frequently Asked Questions