MAPS Project: Call for Research Scholarships on Migration and Forced Displacement

Kabale University – MAPS Project (Migration and Displacement Action Plan for Sub-Saharan Africa)
Update: The application deadline has been extended to 10th June 2025, 11:59 PM (East Africa Time).

Téléchargez la version française de l’appel à candidatures ici (Download the French version of the Call for Scholarships)

Kabale University is pleased to announce a Call for Research Scholarships under the MAPS project, an EU-funded initiative aimed at enhancing research and awareness on migration and forced displacement across Sub-Saharan Africa.

This opportunity is targeted at early-career researchers from Uganda, South Sudan, Senegal and Guinea, interested in contributing to evidence-based policy and academic dialogue in the areas of conflict, climate-induced migration, gender and vulnerability and socio-economic inclusion.

The MAPS project is implemented in partnership with the University of Dodoma and Amref International University and involves collaborative research in 10 countries across the region.

Objectives of the Scholarship

• Strengthen research capacity in migration and displacement in Sub-Saharan Africa

• Support collection of primary data for policy and academic use

• Promote inclusive, impactful research with cross-border relevance

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be nationals or legal residents of Uganda, South Sudan, Senegal or Guinea

• Be early-career researchers in relevant disciplines (e.g. Social Sciences, Public Health, Urban Planning, Law, etc.)

• Hold a Master’s degree (within the last 7 years) or a PhD (defended within the last 5 years)

• Be proficient in English (and French, if applying from Senegal or Guinea)

• Demonstrate academic interest and potential in migration/displacement topics

Duration and Benefits

• 13 scholarships (4 for Uganda, 4 for South Sudan, 4 for Senegal, 1 for Guinea)

• Duration: 28 months, starting July 2025

• Includes: monthly stipend, research costs (travel, data collection), laptop and participation in summer schools and capacity-building workshops

Research Areas
Scholarship holders will conduct research across four thematic areas:

• Peace – Conflicts, borders, and human rights

• People – Gender, age, disability, and vulnerability

• Planet – Climate change and disaster-induced displacement

• Prosperity – Socio-economic inclusion, health, housing, and education

How to Apply
All applications must be submitted online via the official Google Form:
Apply Here – Kabale University Application Form

Applicants will be required to upload:

• Motivation Letter (max 1 page)

• Research Proposal

• Letter of Support from a university or research supervisor

• Academic transcripts and certificates

• Evidence of identity and publications (if any)

Applications must be submitted in English only.

Contact and Inquiries
For clarifications, email: mapsproject@kab.ac.ug
Please note: Kabale University cannot confirm individual eligibility in advance. All inquiries and responses will be made public on this website , in line with EU transparency requirements.

Promotion and Transparency
Kabale University will publish all clarifications, updates and responses related to this call here. Follow updates using the hashtag #kabmapsproject on our social media channels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question 1: “Do you have the legal right to work in the country/countries where you would like to do your research?”

Answer:
As stipulated in the call guidelines, applicants must either:

• Be national citizens of the country where they intend to carry out the research,
  OR

• Have a legal permit or the right to conduct research in that country (if not a national).

Example 1:
If you are a Ugandan citizen and wish to carry out research in Uganda, you may simply upload your national ID or passport as proof. You would answer “YES” to the question.

Example 2:
If you are a Tanzanian citizen intending to carry out research in Uganda, you must ensure you have legal permission to work in Uganda.

Reminder: You may revise and update your application form until the deadline. Ensure all answers are accurate before final submission.

Question 2. I selected “Ivory Coast” in the application form but would prefer to conduct research in Senegal. What should I do?

Answer:
The application form has now been updated to include Senegal as a valid research location. If you wish to apply for Senegal:

• Reopen your application using the link sent to your email after submission

• Modify your country selection from Ivory Coast to Senegal

• Save and resubmit the updated form

Link to the updated form: https://forms.gle/2TEHKDxph9nZ44Y26

Question 3. I am a Senegalese citizen and wish to apply for research in Senegal, but I don’t see Senegal listed in the form. How can I proceed?

Answer:
The issue has been resolved, and Senegal is now available as a research location in the form.

If you have already submitted your application, simply revisit the form using the link you received via email and update your country of choice to Senegal.
If you’re starting a new application, follow the updated link above.

Téléchargez la version française de l’appel à candidatures ici (Download the French version of the Call for Scholarships)

Download the full Call for Scholarship Guidelines below.