The Women in AI Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications from outstanding women scholars across Sub-Saharan Africa. The fully funded Women in AI Fellowship aims to support women PhD candidates who are integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into their doctoral research.

This prestigious Women in AI Fellowship provides funding, mentorship, technical collaboration, networking opportunities, and professional development to strengthen women’s leadership in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning research.

If you are a woman pursuing a PhD and applying AI or Machine Learning methods to social science or interdisciplinary research, the Women in AI Fellowship 2026 offers an excellent opportunity to accelerate your academic and professional journey.

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About the Women in AI Fellowship

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are transforming healthcare, climate science, economics, governance, education, public policy, and development. However, women remain underrepresented in AI and ML fields.

The Women in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) Doctoral Fellowship seeks to bridge this gap by empowering women researchers with financial support, technical training, mentorship, and access to a growing AI ecosystem.

The Women in AI Fellowship supports research that uses AI and ML methodologies to create scientific, social, and developmental impact while promoting ethical and inclusive innovation.

Who Can Apply for the Women in AI Fellowship?

The Women in AI Fellowship 2026 is open to women who are:

✔ Currently enrolled in or admitted to a PhD program

Applicants must be studying at an accredited institution located in Sub-Saharan Africa.

✔ Conducting research in social sciences or related disciplines

Eligible disciplines include:

• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Economics
• Public Health
• Environmental Science
• Sociology
• Demography
• Development Studies
• Data Science
• Other related fields

✔ Using Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning in their research

Applicants must demonstrate a clear intention to integrate AI or ML methodologies into their doctoral work.

Women in AI Fellowship Benefits

The Women in AI Fellowship offers several benefits designed to support academic excellence and professional growth.

1. Research Funding Worth USD 5,000

Successful applicants will receive a one-time grant of USD 5,000 which can be used for:

• Tuition expenses
• Computing resources
• Data collection and analysis
• AI/ML mentorship support
• Fieldwork activities
• Research-related travel

2. Technical AI/ML Collaboration Through the KAIA Network

The New School and the KAIA Network will provide:

• Matching with AI and Machine Learning collaborators
• Access to AI engineers and data scientists
• Capacity-building seminars
• Virtual workshops
• Technical training opportunities
• Visibility for research outputs

3. Professional Development and Networking Opportunities

Women selected for the Women in AI Fellowship will:

• Join a global network of women researchers in AI and Machine Learning
• Participate in interdisciplinary exchanges
• Present research through seminar series
• Build connections with universities, civil society organizations, and UN agencies
• Access international networking opportunities

4. Knowledge Sharing and Research Impact

Fellows will be expected to:

• Produce at least one open-access research output
• Publish a reflective blog article on the KAIA Network
• Present findings through webinars or seminars
• Contribute to knowledge dissemination in AI and Machine Learning

Eligibility Requirements for the Women in AI Fellowship 2026

To qualify for the Women in AI Fellowship, applicants must:

• Be women scholars.
• Be enrolled in or admitted to a PhD program.
• Study at an accredited institution in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Incorporate AI or Machine Learning methods into doctoral research.
• Create a KAIA Network profile.
• Submit an application through the KAIA platform.

Important: Creating a KAIA Network profile and applying through the official platform is mandatory.

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Required Information During Application

Applicants will be asked to provide:

• Full name
• Email address
• Gender identity
• Country of citizenship
• Country where their PhD institution is located
• Doctoral status
• Name of accredited institution
• Description of AI/ML integration in research

Applicants can indicate whether:

• AI/ML is central to their research design.
• They plan to integrate AI/ML methods.
• They are uncertain about AI/ML use.

Why Apply for the Women in AI Fellowship?

The Women in AI Fellowship 2026 offers much more than funding. Fellows gain access to mentorship, technical collaboration, professional development, and a vibrant international network.

Through the Women in AI Fellowship, women researchers can strengthen their expertise in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning while contributing innovative solutions to global challenges in health, climate, economics, education, governance, and sustainable development.

This fellowship represents an important investment in building the next generation of women leaders in AI and Machine Learning.

Women in AI Fellowship 2026 Summary

Fellowship	Women in AI Fellowship 2026
Host Organizations	The New School & KAIA Network
Fellowship Type	Doctoral Fellowship
Funding	USD 5,000
Eligible Applicants	Women PhD Students
Eligible Region	Sub-Saharan Africa
Fields	Social Sciences and Related Disciplines
Focus Area	Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Benefits	Funding, Mentorship, Networking, Training
Application Deadline	July 31, 2026

Apply for the Women in AI Fellowship 2026

Women scholars across Sub-Saharan Africa who are using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in their doctoral research are encouraged to apply for the Women in AI Fellowship 2026 before 31 July 2026.

This fully funded Women in AI Fellowship presents a unique opportunity to advance research, build technical capacity, and become part of a growing community of women shaping the future of AI and Machine Learning.