CODESRIA/ZASB 7th Summer School 2026: Apply for African Studies Program by May 1
The CODESRIA/ZASB 7th Summer School in African Studies and Area Studies in Africa 2026 offers a key chance for young scholars. This program brings together PhD students and early career researchers to explore African perspectives in global studies. With a deadline of May 1, 2026, it supports fresh ideas in social sciences and humanities.
Program Overview
The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) and the Centre for African Studies in Basel (ZASB) run this summer school. It receives support from the Oumou Dilly Foundation in Switzerland. The event builds links between African scholars and those studying Africa from Switzerland.
The main focus is on interdisciplinary research about Africa and other world regions. Participants look at Africa through area studies. They discuss theories, concepts, and methods that fit African knowledge production. The program also checks how African ideas add to global learning and apply to studies of other places.
Key Goals
Senior scholars guide participants through new topics in African Studies. PhD students and early career researchers get to question theories, concepts, and methods tied to their own work.
The school pushes thinkers to consider African ways of knowing and being. This can improve tools in their fields and across disciplines.
It creates a community feel among attendees. They aim for scholarship shaped by African views.
Young social science and humanities scholars learn to mix high standards with real-world impact in Africa. They see how their research can drive change. The program builds skills for teamwork across fields and helps them fit into academic and policy roles from an African angle.
Costs and Support
For those from African institutions, the program covers travel, lodging, and meals.
Organizers accept a small number of self-funded applicants who can pay their own way.
Who Can Apply
This call targets doctoral students ready to dive into themes of African Studies. It fits social sciences and humanities, with a focus on concepts, knowledge frameworks, and methods.
Applicants must be PhD students or early career scholars at higher education spots on the African continent. PhD students from Swiss universities are welcome too.
Priority goes to those in their first or second year of PhD 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, links to African or Global South ideas (especially Mudimbe’s work), what you hope to gain, and one book on the theme for discussion.
- A full CV.
- One recommendation letter from your school or PhD advisor.
- Passport copy.
- Proof of PhD enrollment (for students) from an African or Swiss university, or doctoral certificate (for early career scholars).
Apply online through the official form.
For full details, check the CODESRIA/ZASB page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply to the CODESRIA/ZASB Summer School 2026?
PhD students in their first or second year and early career scholars from African or Swiss universities in social sciences and humanities can apply.
What does the program cover for costs?
For those from African institutions, it covers travel, lodging, and meals; self-funded spots are available for others.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is May 1, 2026.
What documents are needed for the application?
You need a motivation letter (up to 500 words), concept paper (up to 2500 words), CV, recommendation letter, passport copy, and proof of PhD enrollment or certificate.