ESSA 2025 Grants for Foundational Learning Researchers in Africa

Are you a researcher based in Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, or Zambia? Applications are now open for grants of up to $15,000 to support research that strengthens Foundational Learning (FL) and helps shape education policy and practice.

These grants are part of Phase 2 of the Education Sub-Saharan Africa (ESSA) and Research for Equitable Access and Learning (REAL) Centre’s Foundational Learning Project, building on the success of Phase 1 to further strengthen the capacity of FL researchers across sub-Saharan Africa to inform education policy and practice.

This initiative is supported by the Gates Foundation and the Global Partnership for Education Knowledge and Innovation Exchange.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: 31 October 2025
2. Value: Up to $15,000 per research grant
3. Study Level: Entrepreneurs
4. Sponsor: Education Sub-Saharan Africa (ESSA)
5. Course to study: Foundational Learning / Education Policy Research
6. Eligible Country: Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Zambia

Eligibility Criteria for ESSA 2025 Grants for Foundational Learning Researchers in Africa

1. Be Ghanaian, Kenyan, Senegalese, or Zambian citizens currently based in Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, or Zambia respectively.
2. The lead applicant should have a PhD and be working in a university, research institution, or government department/ministry in Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, or Zambia.
3. Proposed research must focus on an area(s) identified in the individual country calls (below).
4. The application and the submission of the research report should be in English or French (in the case of Senegal).

Benefits of ESSA 2025 Grants for Foundational Learning Researchers in Africa

Up to four grants will be awarded per country to individual researchers or groups of researchers, valued at up to $15,000.

How to Apply

1. Review country-specific call documents.
2. Prepare the required research proposal and documents.
3. Submit the application in English (or French for Senegal).
4. Ensure eligibility criteria are met before applying.

For more details, visit ESSA New Grants webpage

Application Deadline

October 31, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for ESSA 2025 Grants for Foundational Learning Researchers in Africa