The Africa International University Internal Research Grant 2026/2027 is a competitive funding opportunity designed to support research, innovation, and projects addressing important challenges in Africa. The grant is offered through the university’s Office of Research, Innovation and Community Engagement.
The programme provides financial support to eligible research teams working on projects that can contribute to knowledge development, community transformation, policy improvement and sustainable solutions. Successful applicants can receive up to KES 250,000 to carry out approved research projects over a period of up to 12 months.
Applications opened on 1 October 2026, and eligible research teams are invited to submit proposals before the November deadline.
Overview of the AIU Internal Research Grant 2026/2027
| Details | Information |
| Grant Name | AIU Internal Research Grant |
| Academic Year | 2026/2027 |
| Host Institution | Africa International University |
| Country | Kenya |
| Grant Type | Research and Innovation Funding |
| Maximum Grant Amount | KES 250,000 per project |
| Expected Number of Awards | 4 |
| Total Funding Available | KES 1,000,000 |
| Project Duration | Up to 12 months |
| Application Opening Date | 1 October 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 15 November 2026 |
| Application Status | Open |
Benefits of the Africa International University Internal Research Grant
Successful research teams will receive:
- Research funding of up to KES 250,000 per approved project.
- Financial support for eligible research activities and project implementation.
- Funding for approved fieldwork, data collection and local travel.
- Support for research assistance and approved technical services.
- Funding for laboratory services, research materials and consumables.
- Support for data management, transcription, translation and analysis.
- Opportunities to develop research publications and other scholarly outputs.
- Opportunities to strengthen institutional research capacity.
- Support for interdisciplinary and collaborative research.
- Opportunities to develop innovative solutions to African development challenges.
- A stronger foundation for attracting future external research funding.
AIU Internal Research Grant Research Areas
Proposals must address one of the approved research priority areas of Africa International University.
The research themes include:
Theology, Faith, Peace and Community Transformation
Research focusing on eco-theology, creation care, climate justice, ecological ethics and the role of faith communities in environmental protection.
Education, Leadership, Governance and Human Development
Research addressing education, curriculum development, digital learning, governance, leadership and capacity building.
Health, Nutrition and Community Well-being
Research covering nutrition, mental health, health equity, climate-sensitive health risks and healthcare system resilience.
Business, Entrepreneurship and Inclusive Economic Development
Research involving green businesses, entrepreneurship, sustainable finance, clean technologies and inclusive economic growth.
Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence and Responsible Innovation
Research focusing on artificial intelligence, data science, remote sensing, digital inclusion and technology-driven solutions.
Climate, Environment and Sustainable Livelihoods
Research addressing climate adaptation, biodiversity, environmental conservation, ecosystem resilience, water resources and sustainable livelihoods.
AIU Internal Research Grant Eligibility Requirements
The Africa International University Internal Research Grant is an internal university funding opportunity. It is not an open scholarship or a general research grant for international applicants.
To qualify:
- The Principal Investigator must be a full-time academic or research staff member of Africa International University at the application deadline.
- The Principal Investigator must maintain an AIU appointment covering the project and final reporting period.
- Each research team must have between two and three members.
- Students, adjunct faculty and external collaborators may participate as team members but cannot serve as Principal Investigator unless an exception is approved by the university’s Research, Innovation and Community Engagement office.
- Applicants must demonstrate the expertise and capacity required to complete the proposed research.
- Research proposals must address one of the university’s approved priority areas.
- Applications require endorsement from the relevant Head of Department, Dean or designated authority.
- External collaborators must provide supporting letters confirming their roles and contributions.
- Applicants must meet the university’s research accountability and financial reporting requirements.
How to Apply for the Africa International University Internal Research Grant 2026/2027
Eligible research teams should follow these steps:
- Visit the official Africa International University website and access the Internal Research Grant 2026/2027 announcement.
- Review the application guidelines and confirm that the proposed research addresses one of the approved priority areas.
- Prepare a research proposal explaining the research problem, objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and potential impact.
- Prepare an itemised project budget and justification using the university’s required budget format.
- Develop a project workplan outlining the activities, timelines, milestones and expected outputs.
- Include the required curriculum vitae of the Principal Investigator and co-investigators. Each CV must not exceed two pages.
- Obtain the required departmental endorsement and supporting documents from external partners, where applicable.
- Compile the application documents into the required PDF files.
- Submit the completed application to RiceGrants@aiu.ac.ke before the deadline.
- Keep the email acknowledgement as proof that the application was received.
AIU Internal Research Grant Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Africa International University Internal Research Grant 2026/2027 is 15 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. East Africa Time (EAT).
Moreover, the university expects to announce successful applicants on 1 December 2026, with contracting and induction scheduled for 5 December 2026. The earliest project commencement date is 15 December 2026.
AIU Internal Research Grant Official Website
For the complete application guidelines, research priorities, budget requirements and submission instructions, visit the official Africa International University website:
Africa International University Internal Research Grant 2026/2027
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does the AIU Internal Research Grant provide?
Successful research projects can receive up to KES 250,000, depending on the approved project scope, budget and available funding.
Can international researchers apply?
The Principal Investigator must be a full-time academic or research staff member of Africa International University. External researchers may participate as collaborators or team members but cannot ordinarily serve as Principal Investigator.
How many research projects will receive funding?
The university expects to award four research grants under the 2026/2027 programme.
How long can funded research projects last?
Approved projects can run for up to 12 months from the effective date of the grant agreement.
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