Africa Youth Portal and Research Programme | Fully Funded

The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) invites applications for the Africa Youth Portal and Research Programme—a transformative opportunity for postgraduate students passionate about shaping Africa’s future through research and policy innovation.

This initiative marks the soft launch of the newly revamped Africa Youth Portal (formerly the Africa Portal), now dedicated to elevating youth-led research and amplifying young voices in policy engagement across the continent.

About the Programme

The programme features a week-long, in-person training workshop titled “From Academia to the Think Tank: A Young Researcher’s Journey.”
It will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 20–25 April 2026 (TBC).

Participants will receive:

• Expert-led training
• Ongoing mentorship
• Professional development support
• The opportunity to publish their work on the Africa Youth Portal

SAIIA will cover all relevant travel and accommodation costs for selected participants.

The programme aims to equip 20 outstanding postgraduate youth researchers with the skills, networks and tools needed to transition from academic research into meaningful, high-impact policy work.

Training Focus Areas

• Understanding the difference between think-tank research and academic work
• Writing concise and impactful policy briefs
• Research dissemination and media engagement
• Leveraging AI and digital tools for modern research
• Personal branding and career development
• Thematic research tracks: education, climate change, gender, armed conflict, and youth inclusion & agency

Application Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be 18–35 years old
• Be currently enrolled in or recently completed a postgraduate programme (Honours, Masters, or PhD)
• Have a background in one of the following fields:
  Political Science, International Relations, Journalism, Development Studies, Sociology, Law, Economics, Science, or Foresight Studies
• Demonstrate strong interest in policy research and youth development
• Be available for the full duration of the workshop and follow-up engagements
• Commit to producing an 800–1000-word publishable research piece by the end of the programme

Benefits

• One-on-one mentorship from experienced researchers
• Practical training in research writing, media engagement and digital tools
• Opportunity to publish on the Africa Youth Portal
• Networking with young scholars, experts and potential employers
• Eligibility to join the Youth Advisory Committee

Application Deadline: Friday, 12 December 2025

Method of Application

Applications must include:

• A completed application form
• A motivation letter (max 500 words)
• A CV (max 2 pages)
• Academic transcript or proof of enrolment
• A brief research proposal (max 1 page) aligned with one of the thematic areas

Apply here