The Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research (WiSER) is inviting applications for its African Trust Infrastructures Doctoral Fellowships. The programme supports doctoral researchers interested in investigating the development of trust systems, financial institutions, and digital identification infrastructure across Africa.
Supported by Standard Bank, the fellowship provides an opportunity for doctoral students to conduct advanced research into issues affecting financial systems, digital governance and institutional development on the continent.
African Trust Infrastructures Doctoral Fellowships Overview
The fellowship welcomes applications from outstanding doctoral students in Political Science, History, Anthropology, Economics, Sociology, Law and related disciplines.
Research topics may explore the history and development of credit systems, lending institutions, digital population registration, and financial technologies being developed across Africa. Applicants can choose between full-time and part-time doctoral fellowship arrangements.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host country | South Africa |
| Host institution | University of the Witwatersrand |
| Programme type | Doctoral Fellowship |
| Full-time duration | 3 years |
| Part-time duration | 5 years |
| First-year full-time funding | R250,000 |
| Application deadline | November 15, 2026 |
WiSER Fellowship Benefits
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Three years of financial support for full-time doctoral fellows.
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Five-year support arrangement for eligible part-time fellows.
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First-year full-time funding package of R250,000.
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Coverage of university tuition fees.
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Research expense support.
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Living allowance for full-time fellows.
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Potential additional assistance with conference and research expenses.
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Opportunities to work with WiSER researchers and academic staff.
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Access to an academic research environment.
Well, part-time fellows receive tuition support but do not receive living expense support.
WiSER Fellowship Eligibility Requirements
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Applicants must be interested in pursuing doctoral research related to the Trust Project.
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They should have an academic background in Political Science, History, Anthropology, Economics, Sociology, Law, or a related discipline.
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Applicants must demonstrate the academic ability to undertake doctoral research.
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Full-time applicants must be available to participate in the institute’s academic activities.
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Full-time fellows cannot combine the fellowship with other employment.
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Part-time fellows must be based in Johannesburg.
How to Apply for the WiSER Fellowship
Interested candidates should visit the official WiSER fellowship announcement and complete the application through the Google Form provided on the page. Applicants must prepare their academic transcripts, an updated curriculum vitae containing the names and contact details of three academic referees, a writing sample, and a one-page statement explaining their research interests and motivation for studying trust infrastructures. They should upload all the required documents through the application form and submit their applications before the deadline.
WiSER Fellowship Application Deadline
The application deadline is November 15, 2026. Meanwhile, for more information concerning the programme, you can visit their official website through the link below;
Official Website: African Trust Infrastructures Doctoral Fellowships
FAQs
1. What is the duration of the fellowship?
Three years for full-time fellows and five years for part-time fellows.
2. How much is the funding?
The first-year full-time funding package is R250,000.
3. Can applicants from different academic backgrounds apply?
Yes, relevant disciplines include political science, history, anthropology, economics, sociology, and law.
4. Can full-time fellows work elsewhere?
No. The full-time fellowship is incompatible with other employment.
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