The Women in AI Fellowship 2026 is now accepting applications from outstanding women PhD scholars across Sub-Saharan Africa. The Women in AI Fellowship supports doctoral candidates who are integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) methodologies into research that addresses social, scientific, developmental, and policy challenges.

The Women in AI Fellowship 2026 aims to strengthen women’s leadership in AI research, close gender gaps in advanced technology fields, and foster ethical and inclusive innovation.

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About the Women in AI Fellowship 2026

The Women in AI Fellowship 2026 is designed for women doctoral researchers who are using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning methodologies in their PhD studies. The fellowship supports innovative research that combines AI/ML with social sciences and other related disciplines.

Artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare, education, governance, climate science, economics, and public policy. However, women remain underrepresented in AI and machine learning research. The Women in AI Fellowship seeks to address this imbalance by providing funding, mentorship, technical collaboration, and networking opportunities.

The fellowship is implemented in collaboration with The New School and the KAIA Network, creating an interdisciplinary ecosystem for AI and machine learning researchers.

Why Apply for the Women in AI Fellowship?

The Women in AI Fellowship 2026 provides more than financial support. Fellows receive:

• AI/ML research funding
• Technical collaboration opportunities
• Mentorship and capacity building
• Global networking opportunities
• Access to AI engineers and data scientists
• Visibility through the KAIA Network
• Professional development support
• Opportunities to engage with UN agencies, universities, and civil society organizations

The Women in AI Fellowship empowers women researchers to become leaders in ethical and inclusive AI innovation.

Women in AI Fellowship Benefits

1. Research Grant Worth USD 5,000

Selected fellows receive a one-time grant of USD 5,000 which can be used for:

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

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2. Technical AI/ML Collaboration Through the KAIA Network

Participants receive:

• Matching with AI/ML collaborators
• Access to AI engineers and data scientists
• Capacity-building seminars
• Virtual workshops
• Optional AI training modules
• Research visibility opportunities

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3. Professional Development and Networking

Successful fellows will:

• Join a global community of women in AI
• Present their work in seminar series
• Participate in interdisciplinary knowledge exchanges
• Build networks with universities and international organizations
• Connect with UN agencies and civil society partners

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4. Knowledge Dissemination and Research Impact

Fellows are expected to:

• Produce at least one open-access output
• Publish a reflective blog on the KAIA Network
• Share findings through seminars and webinars
• Contribute datasets, technical reports, software packages, or working papers

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Who Can Apply for the Women in AI Fellowship 2026?

Applicants must:

✔ Be women scholars

✔ Be currently enrolled in or admitted to a PhD program

The institution must be accredited and located in Sub-Saharan Africa.

✔ Conduct research in social sciences or related disciplines

Eligible disciplines include:

• Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Engineering
• Economics
• Public Health
• Environmental Science
• Sociology
• Demography
• Development Studies
• Data Science

✔ Demonstrate clear plans to integrate AI or ML methods into doctoral research

AI/ML may be:

• Central to the research design, or
• Planned as part of the methodology

Eligible Countries

Applicants must be enrolled in a PhD institution located in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Citizens from countries across the region are encouraged to apply.

Important Requirement: KAIA Network Profile

Applicants must:

• Create a KAIA Network profile.
• Submit their fellowship application through the KAIA platform.

Failure to apply via the KAIA platform may result in ineligibility.

Required Information During Application

Applicants will provide:

• Email address
• Full name
• Gender identity
• Country of citizenship
• Country where the PhD institution is located
• Current doctoral status
• Name of accredited institution
• AI/ML research status

Applicants will indicate whether:

• AI/ML is central to their research design.
• They plan to integrate AI/ML methods.
• They are unsure.
• AI/ML is not currently part of their research.

Required Documents

Although additional requirements may be announced, applicants should prepare:

• Updated CV
• PhD admission or enrollment evidence
• Research proposal
• Statement describing AI/ML integration in research
• Academic records
• Supporting documents requested during application

Application Deadline

📅 July 31, 2026

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early to avoid last-minute submission challenges.

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How to Apply for the Women in AI Fellowship 2026

To apply:

Step 1

Create a profile on the KAIA Network platform.

Step 2

Complete the official fellowship application form.

Step 3

Provide information regarding your PhD program and AI/ML research plans.

Step 4

Submit your application before July 31, 2026.

Conclusion

The Women in AI Fellowship 2026 is an outstanding opportunity for women researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa who are leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to solve real-world problems. Through a USD 5,000 grant, technical collaboration, mentorship, and international networking, the Women in AI Fellowship is helping shape the next generation of women leaders in AI research.