Du Bois-Mandela-Rodney Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2026

The Department of Afroamerican and African Studies (DAAS) at the University of Michigan invites applications from scholars working on Africa or the African diaspora for the Du Bois-Mandela-Rodney Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. Consideration will be given to all disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and, in some cases, law, business, urban planning, and other professional schools. Scholars from or who study the Gullah-speaking Sea islands, Cape Verde islands, the Anglophone Caribbean, the Canary Islands, Madagascar, and/or other less studied areas are especially encouraged to apply.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: November 1, 2026
2. Value: $56,000 total package ($52,000 stipend + $3,000 research + $1,000 relocation + health benefits)
3. Study Level: Postdoctoral
4. Sponsor: University of Michigan
5. Eligible Country: All Countries

Eligibility Criteria for Du Bois-Mandela-Rodney Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2026

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in hand from an institution other than the University of Michigan and be no more than five years beyond the completion of their degree. That is, for the 2027-28 academic year, applicants are required to have earned a Ph.D. no earlier than January 1, 2022 and no later than August 31, 2027.

Benefits of Du Bois-Mandela-Rodney Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2026

1. $52,000 stipend including health insurance
2. $3,000 research/travel support
3. Up to $1,000 relocation support

How to Apply

Applicants can submit an online application with the materials listed below. The link to apply will be posted to this page in September 2026.

1. Cover Letter - can include biographical information, an indication of the applicant's intellectual path, and their knowledge of DAAS
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Research Statement - 3 to 5 pages (1000 words)
4. Personal Statement
5. Project Abstract
6. Writing Sample - 30 pages maximum, double-spaced
7. Names and contact information for three references who will be asked to respond through an online system.

In addition to the above materials, applicants who have not yet completed their Ph.D. must also submit the following materials:

1. The name and contact information of the dissertation faculty advisor to verify whether the applicant is likely to complete the dissertation by August 31, 2027. The advisor will be asked to respond through an online system.
2. An official transcript or copy of one indicating when the applicant completed all the requirements for the Ph.D. except the dissertation (ABD status). If an applicant who has not yet completed their Ph.D. yet is selected to be a fellow, the applicant must also submit proof that all the requirements of the Ph.D. have been completed by August 31, 2027, in order to begin the fellowship in September.

Notification

Candidates will be notified of the Fellowship Committee's decision by Friday, January 29, 2027. Questions should be directed to: daas-info@umich.edu.

For more Information, visit University of Michigan Scholarship Webpage

Application Deadline

November 1, 2026

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Du Bois-Mandela-Rodney Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2026