FRENCH INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH IN AFRICA (IFRA)-NIGERIA
The French Institute for Research in Africa (IFRA)-Nigeria research grants 2027 for master's
- Up to ~€1,000 per projectMaximum Award
- ~12 projects funded annuallyNumber of Awards
- Master's, PhD, and PostdocEligible Study Levels
- Humanities and Social SciencesEligible Fields
- Focus on 9 West African countriesGeographical Focus
- Application Deadline: 30 October 2026Key Date
At a glance
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Funding
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Max amount
Rolling
Deadline
Nigeria
Country
French Institute for Research in Africa (IFRA)-Nigeria
Provider
The French Institute for Research in Africa (IFRA)-Nigeria offers research grants designed to support fieldwork and archival stays for Master's, doctoral, and postdoctoral students, as well as researchers, in the humanities and social sciences. Established in 1990 and located within the University of Ibadan, IFRA-Nigeria fosters research collaboration across 9 West African countries, including Nigeria, Benin, and Cameroon. For the period of January to October 2027, the institute plans to finance approximately 12 individual or collective research projects. The grants aim to promote scholarship aligned with IFRA-Nigeria's four primary research axes: Beliefs, bodies and health; Citizenship, gender and mobilisation; Heritage dynamics and environment; and Digital Humanities. Projects must demonstrate a valorisation component, such as publications or oral communications, connected to IFRA-Nigeria’s editorial and research activities. Funding is available up to a maximum of ~€1,000 per project, dependent on the project’s specific needs and budget. Applications typically open in September of the preceding year for the next cycle, with a deadline in late October. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- Research Project Funding — Support for individual or collective research projects in humanities and social sciences.
- Fieldwork Missions — Coverage for expenses related to conducting fieldwork in eligible West African countries.
- Archival Stays — Funding for periods spent in archives to support research.
- Travel Expenses — Costs associated with travel required for research activities.
- Project-related Costs — Up to ~EUR 1,000 (est.) for direct project expenses, depending on the approved budget.
How to apply
The application process for the IFRA-Nigeria research grants involves submitting a comprehensive set of documents, including a detailed research proposal and budget, by the specified deadline.
- Prepare Required Documents — Gather all necessary application materials, including your cover letter, CV, research project description, and a detailed budget.
- Download Templates — Obtain the official budget and proposal templates from the IFRA-Nigeria website to ensure your submission adheres to the required format.
- Develop Research Proposal — Draft a detailed research project description not exceeding 4 pages, outlining the scientific project, work plan, partnerships, and valorisation perspectives.
- Create Detailed Budget — Prepare a budget explaining the total project cost, specifically detailing the use of funds requested from IFRA-Nigeria and any other funding sources.
- Submit Application — Submit all compiled documents electronically as per the instructions on the official IFRA-Nigeria webpage by the application deadline.
Eligibility
Study LevelSecond-year Master's students, doctoral students, postdoctoral students, and researchers.
DisciplineApplicants must be working in the humanities and social sciences. Other disciplines are not eligible.
Research AreaResearch projects must focus on a country within IFRA-Nigeria's geographical mandate in West Africa.
Project AlignmentProjects must align with at least one of IFRA-Nigeria's four research axes and include a valorisation component.
Applicants should ensure their proposed research is relevant to the Institute's objectives and clearly outlines how the funds will be utilized.
Eligible countries
Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Niger, Chad, Togo
Deadlines
Main Cycle 20272026-10-30
Selection
Selection for the IFRA-Nigeria research grants is based on the scientific merit of the proposed project, its alignment with the Institute's research axes and geographical mandate, and the clarity of the work plan and budget. The inclusion of a valorisation component is also a key consideration. Approximately 12 projects are typically chosen for funding each cycle.
Verified sources
- IFRA-Nigeria Research Grants 2027ifra-nigeria.orgofficial
About the provider
The French Institute for Research in Africa (IFRA)-Nigeria, founded in 1990, is a non-profit research institute located within the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan. It supports and promotes research in humanities and social sciences across nine West African countries.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the IFRA-Nigeria Research Grant?
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The IFRA-Nigeria Research Grant supports Master's, doctoral, and postdoctoral students, as well as researchers, conducting projects in the humanities and social sciences across nine West African countries. It aims to promote research aligned with the Institute's specific axes.
What does the IFRA-Nigeria grant cover?
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The grant covers costs associated with fieldwork missions and stays in archives, essential for conducting the proposed research projects. It helps finance direct project expenses.
What is the maximum award value?
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IFRA-Nigeria grants can reach a maximum of ~€1,000 per project. The exact amount depends on the nature and detailed budget of the approved research project.
Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?
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Second-year Master's students, doctoral students, postdoctoral students, and established researchers in the humanities and social sciences are eligible. Projects must be on countries within IFRA-Nigeria's mandate.
Which countries are eligible for research focus?
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Research must focus on one of the nine West African countries within IFRA-Nigeria's mandate: Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Niger, Chad, and Togo.
Which degree levels are supported?
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The grants support research for Master's (second-year), doctoral, and postdoctoral students, as well as general researchers.
When is the application deadline for the 2027 cycle?
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The application deadline for the 2027 IFRA-Nigeria research grants is 30 October 2026, at 23:59 WAT.
How do I apply for the IFRA-Nigeria grant?
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Applicants must prepare and submit a cover letter, CV, a detailed research project description (using the provided template), and a comprehensive budget (using the provided template) by the deadline.
What documents are required for the application?
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Required documents include a cover letter (1 page max), a CV (3 pages max), a detailed budget (using template), and a detailed research project description (4 pages max, excluding bibliography) with work plan and valorisation.
How are recipients selected?
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Recipients are selected based on the scientific quality of their project, its relevance to IFRA-Nigeria's research axes, the feasibility of the work plan, and the clarity of the budget and valorisation component.
What is the duration of the grant and can it be renewed?
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The grant period typically runs from January to October of the award year. The page text does not specify options for renewal.
Where can I confirm the most current details?
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For the most current and definitive information regarding the IFRA-Nigeria research grants, including application guidelines and deadlines, please consult the official IFRA-Nigeria webpage.