The IFRA-Nigeria Research Grant 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for scholars to conduct high-quality research in the humanities and social sciences across West Africa. Funded by the French Institute for Research in Africa (IFRA-Nigeria), this grant supports innovative projects that contribute to academic knowledge and regional understanding. Researchers at various career stages can apply for funding to carry out fieldwork, archival work, or collaborative studies in ten West African countries. With a maximum award of €1,000 per project and a clear focus on impactful research, this grant is an excellent chance to advance your work while building regional networks.
Key Features of the Grant
- Funding Amount: Up to €1,000 per project (based on scope and justified budget)
- Project Duration: January to October 2026 (10 months)
- Project Types: Individual or collective (team-based) projects
- Eligible Activities: Fieldwork missions, archival research, data collection, workshops, and dissemination activities
- Research Locations: Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Liberia, Gambia, Niger, Chad, or Burkina Faso
- Language: Applications accepted in English or French
- Application Deadline: 30 November 2025
- Results Announcement: Expected in December 2025
Focus Areas (Research Axes)
All projects must align with at least one of the following four priority themes:
- Beliefs, Bodies and Health Studies on religious practices, traditional medicine, mental health, reproductive health, epidemics, or the intersection of spirituality and well-being.
- Citizenship, Gender and Mobilisation Research on political participation, social movements, gender equality, youth activism, migration, or identity politics.
- Heritage Dynamics and Environment Topics including cultural heritage preservation, climate change impacts, environmental justice, urban development, or indigenous knowledge systems.
- Digital Humanities Projects using digital tools for archiving, mapping, oral history preservation, data visualisation, or online dissemination of cultural content.
Who Can Apply?
The grant welcomes a wide range of scholars:
- Second-year master’s students
- Doctoral (PhD) candidates
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Independent scholars and lecturers engaged in humanities and social sciences research
Nationality is not restricted, but the research must be conducted in one of the ten eligible West African countries listed above. Both early-career and established researchers are encouraged to apply.
What Does the Grant Cover?
Successful applicants can use the funding for:
- Travel costs (flights, local transport)
- Accommodation during fieldwork
- Research materials and equipment
- Transcription or translation services
- Small workshop organisation
- Publication or open-access fees
- Presentation at conferences (for dissemination)
The grant encourages sustainable partnerships. Applicants who collaborate with local universities, NGOs, or researchers in the host country will receive stronger consideration.
Application Requirements
Submit a complete application package containing:
- Motivation letter (1-2 pages) explaining your interest and project relevance
- Detailed CV (maximum 3 pages)
- Research project description (5-8 pages) including:
- Research question and objectives
- Methodology
- Timeline (January to October 2026)
- Expected outcomes
- Dissemination plan (e.g., article, seminar, podcast, exhibition)
- Detailed budget outline (using the official template)
- Proof of enrolment (for students) or institutional affiliation letter
- Ethical clearance (if applicable, especially for health or gender studies)
Applications must be submitted online via the official IFRA-Nigeria portal. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Selection Criteria
A scientific committee evaluates applications based on:
- Scientific quality and originality
- Clear alignment with at least one research axis
- Feasibility within the 10-month timeline
- Strong dissemination component
- Potential for local partnerships
- Realistic and justified budget
Tips for a Successful Application
- Clearly state which research axis your project addresses
- Include a concrete dissemination plan (e.g., journal article, public talk, blog series)
- Build partnerships early; include letters of support from host institutions
- Keep the budget realistic and directly linked to project activities
- Write clearly and avoid jargon, especially if applying in your second language
- Proofread thoroughly or use professional editing services (remember the 85% discount offer)
Project Timeline Example
- January to February: Preparatory phase and travel
- March to July: Main fieldwork or archival research
- August to September: Data analysis and writing
- October: Final dissemination event and report submission
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FAQs
Can I apply if I am in my first year of master’s studies?
No. First-year master’s students are not eligible to apply. The program is specifically designed for students in their second year of master’s studies, as the content and expectations assume prior graduate-level coursework.
Is there an age limit?
There is no age restriction. Individuals of any age are eligible to participate.
Can I apply for a project outside the ten listed countries?
No. Research must take place in Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Liberia, Gambia, Niger, Chad, or Burkina Faso.
Do I need to speak French to conduct research in Francophone countries?
While not mandatory, basic French is highly recommended for Benin, Togo, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, and parts of Cameroon. Local language skills are a bonus.
Can the grant be combined with other funding?
Yes, but you must declare all funding sources in your budget.
Is there a preference for Nigerian applicants?
No. The grant is open internationally, though West African scholars are strongly encouraged to apply.
What happens if my project costs more than €1,000?
You can have co-funding. Clearly show in the budget how the IFRA grant will be used.
When will I know the results?
Results will be communicated in December 2025 via email.
Can a team apply together?
Yes. Collective projects are welcome. One person must be the lead applicant.
Do I need ethical approval at the application stage?
Not mandatory for submission, but you must obtain it before starting fieldwork if your project involves human subjects.
Can I use the grant for online research only?
The grant prioritises fieldwork and archival presence. Purely desk-based projects are rarely funded.
Is there a template for the budget and project description?
Yes. IFRA-Nigeria provides standardized templates for both the budget and the project description to ensure consistency across applications. These documents can be downloaded from the official IFRA-Nigeria website.
Can I reapply if rejected this year?
Yes. If you are not accepted this year, you may reapply in future cycles. In fact, many successful candidates use the feedback and experience from their initial application to improve and ultimately gain admission later.
Are there any reporting requirements?
Yes. Grantees must submit a midterm progress report (June 2026) and a final report with financial justification (November 2026).
How competitive is the grant?
Approximately 15 to 20 grants are awarded each year from 80 to 100 applications.