The announcement of the commencement of the 2023/24 AERC PhD Scholarships by the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) presents an exciting opportunity for applicants from Francophone and Anglophone sub-Saharan African countries who are interested in pursuing doctoral studies in economics.

The aim of the scholarship is to sustain the development in sub-Saharan Africa by training locally based professionals in economics through provision of support in the areas of policy research and graduate training.

See Also: Top 15 Prestigious Scholarships for Africans to Study Abroad

African Economic Research Consortium PhD Scholarships 2023 | Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the AERC PhD Scholarships 2023, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Admission to Participating Universities: Applicants must have applied and been admitted to one of the participating universities offering PhD programs in economics or related fields.
• Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have obtained at least a Second Class Honours (Upper Division) or equivalent in Economics, Agricultural Economics, or a related field from an accredited university. Additionally, they should possess a Master’s degree with coursework and thesis components in Economics, Agricultural Economics, or related fields from a recognized university.
• Coursework Requirements: The Master’s degree coursework should have covered essential subjects such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, quantitative methods, and econometrics.
• Publication: Possession of at least one relevant publication in a refereed journal is considered an added advantage. This demonstrates the applicant’s research capabilities and scholarly contributions to the field.
• Engagement in Economic Management, Research, or Training: Evidence of engagement in economic management, research, or training in the public sector is also considered advantageous. This could include relevant work experience or involvement in projects related to economic development and policy.
• Encouragement of Female Applicants and Those from Post-Conflict and Fragile States: Female applicants and individuals from post-conflict and fragile states, especially alumni of the AERC PhD Bridge Programme classes of 2017 and 2018, are encouraged to apply. This initiative aims to promote diversity and inclusion in economic research and policymaking.

Participating Universities

• University of Cape Town, South Africa
• University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
• University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
• University of Nairobi, Kenya
• University of Ibadan, Nigeria
• University of Benin, Nigeria
• University of Yaoundé II, Cameroon
• University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin
• Félix Houphouet-Boigny University, Côte d’Ivoire

Application Deadline: August 31^st, 2023

Application Procedures

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) PhD Scholarships:

1. Submit Application for Admission: Interested applicants should first apply for admission directly to the respective universities where they wish to pursue their PhD studies. The application procedures and requirements can typically be obtained from the university’s official website or admissions office.
2. Receive Admission Letter: Upon receiving an admission letter from the chosen university confirming acceptance into the PhD program, applicants can proceed with the scholarship application process.
3. Prepare Required Documents: Applicants should gather all the necessary documents required for the AERC PhD Scholarship application. These documents may include:
   • Copies of academic transcripts and certificates for undergraduate and master’s degrees.
   • Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume detailing educational background, work experience, research experience, publications (if any), and any other relevant information.
   • Statement of purpose outlining research interests, career goals, and reasons for pursuing a PhD in economics.
   • Letters of recommendation from academic referees who can attest to the applicant’s academic abilities, research potential, and suitability for doctoral studies.
   • Copy of the admission letter from the university.
4. Upload Documents: Applicants should upload the required documents onto the AERC scholarship application portal or platform. Ensure that all documents are properly formatted and labeled according to the specified guidelines.
5. Complete Application Form: Fill out the scholarship application form with accurate and up-to-date information. Provide details about personal information, academic background, research interests, and any other requested information.
6. Submit Application: After completing the application form and uploading all required documents, carefully review the information provided to ensure accuracy and completeness. Then, submit the application before the specified deadline.
7. Monitor Application Status: After submitting the application, applicants should monitor the status of their application through the AERC scholarship application portal or communication channels provided. Be prepared to respond to any requests for additional information or follow-up inquiries from the scholarship administrators.

• Application cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Evidence of admission at any of the participating universities
• Certified copies of transcripts and certificates.

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