Women in AI Fellowship 2026 Offers $5,000 Funding for PhD Researchers
Applications are now open for the Women in AI Fellowship 2026, a funding and research support programme designed to empower women doctoral researchers across Sub-Saharan Africa who are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into their academic work.
The fellowship provides financial support, technical mentorship, professional development opportunities, and access to a global network of researchers and AI practitioners. Selected fellows will receive a $5,000 research grant to advance their doctoral research and strengthen their AI capabilities.
About the Women in AI Fellowship 2026
The Women in AI Fellowship 2026 aims to address the gender gap in artificial intelligence and machine learning by supporting outstanding women scholars working on innovative, data-driven research projects.
As AI continues to transform industries such as healthcare, education, climate science, governance, and public policy, the fellowship seeks to increase women’s participation in shaping the future of these technologies.
Hosted by The New School and the KAIA Network, the programme supports researchers applying AI and machine learning methods to solve real-world challenges.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to women who:
- Are currently enrolled in or admitted to a PhD programme at an accredited institution in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Conduct research in social sciences or related disciplines
- Plan to integrate AI and machine learning methodologies into their doctoral research
Eligible fields include:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Economics
- Public Health
- Environmental Science
- Sociology
- Demography
- Development Studies
- Political Science
- Data Science
- Related disciplines
Applicants must create a profile on the KAIA Network platform and submit their application through the network portal.
Fellowship Benefits
$5,000 Research Grant
Selected fellows will receive a one-time grant of USD 5,000 to support their doctoral research.
Funding may be used for:
- Tuition and academic expenses
- Computing resources and software
- Data collection and analysis
- AI and machine learning mentorship
- Research travel and fieldwork
- Other approved research-related activities
Technical AI and Machine Learning Support
The Women in AI Fellowship 2026 offers more than financial assistance.
Through the KAIA Network, fellows will gain access to:
- AI and machine learning collaborators
- AI engineers and data scientists
- Capacity-building workshops
- Technical training programmes
- Research support communities
- Increased visibility for their work
Global Networking Opportunities
Participants will join an international community of researchers working at the intersection of AI, innovation, and social impact.
Benefits include:
- Global networking opportunities
- Research collaboration
- Academic knowledge exchange
- Participation in seminars and webinars
- Engagement with universities and development organisations
Knowledge Sharing Requirements
Fellows will contribute to open and accessible research by producing at least one public-facing output.
These may include:
- Research papers
- Technical reports
- Datasets
- Software packages
- Open-access publications
- Articles published through the KAIA Network
Participants will also be encouraged to present their findings through webinars, seminars, and other knowledge-sharing platforms.
Why the Women in AI Fellowship 2026 Matters
Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing economic development, scientific discovery, healthcare delivery, and public policy worldwide. However, women remain underrepresented in AI research and leadership roles.
The Women in AI Fellowship 2026 seeks to bridge this gap by supporting women researchers who can contribute diverse perspectives and innovative solutions to some of Africa’s most pressing challenges.
By combining funding, mentorship, technical training, and international collaboration opportunities, the fellowship helps build a stronger and more inclusive AI ecosystem across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Application Details
Programme: Women in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) Doctoral Fellowship 2026
Funding Amount: USD 5,000
Eligibility: Women PhD students in Sub-Saharan Africa
Application Deadline: 31 July 2026
Host Organisations: The New School and KAIA Network
Application Requirement: Applicants must create a KAIA Network profile and submit their application through the platform.
Final Thoughts
The Women in AI Fellowship 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for women doctoral researchers to access funding, technical expertise, mentorship, and international networks while advancing AI-driven research.
For women scholars seeking to apply artificial intelligence and machine learning to address social, economic, environmental, and development challenges, this fellowship provides the resources needed to accelerate both academic and professional growth.
