Viera Pawliková-Vilhanová Scholarship
for African Students of African History

1. General Conditions

• The scholarship is exclusively for graduate students from African countries enrolled in doctoral studies programmes.
  Holders of PhDs will not be considered

• Candidates must have spent at least the past 2 years enrolled in a doctoral program in African history or related disciplines at a university in Africa

• The applicant’s research topic must focus on historical sources related to African history before 1900, both written as well as oral tradition. Any applications related to the 20th century will not be considered

2. Financial Coverage and Duration of the Stay

• The scholarship provides €12,000 for one semester (from 4 to 5 months) at a African studies centre or History department at a European university, chosen by candidate

• The funds are intended to cover living expenses, return fly ticket, visa fees (if applicable), and research-related costs

3. Applicants Requirements

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Acceptance Letter from a host institution confirming their research stay with specified dates, and that the host institution will be responsible for visa support letters and disbursement of funds to the successful candidate

• Research Statement (maximum two pages 12-point font size), in which the applicant:

• Describes their research topic and its significance for African history

• Justifies the choice of the host university department or African Studies Centre

• Underline the benefits of the stay for their research

• Outlines planned activities during the stay

• The research proposal must align with the mission and objectives of the Fontes Historiae Africanae project described here: http://www.fonteshistoriaeafricanae.sav.sk/

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) of 3 pages maximum at 12-point font size, detailing academic achievements, significant publications (optional), and relevant experience

• Certificate from their home university in Africa, specifying that they are a current student enrolled in the university

4. Deadlines & Submissions

Applications should be sent to the General Secretariat and to the President of the Jury at the following addresses :

Prof. Dr. Silvester Trnovec, President of the Jury : silvester.trnovec@savba.sk 

Dr. Nicolas Simon, Scientific Advisor (UAI) : vilhanova-award@unionacademique.org

The deadline for applications is 20 October 2025. 

The start date must be before 1 June 2026.

Applicants will be contacted personally following the Jury's deliberations.

5. Selection Process

• A committee of experts in African history and historical sources composed by UAI will assess the applications

• The committee of experts is solely responsible for the final choice of the candidate

• The main evaluation criteria include:

• Academic quality and originality of the research

• The significance of the research for the study of African history

• The potential impact of the stay at a university on the applicant’s career development

• The results of the selection process will be communicated to applicants via email

6. Additional Information

• Scholarship recipients are required to submit a brief report on their research stay within one month of its completion

• The recipient must send the selection committee confirmation of the start date of his scholarship at hosting institution by 1 February 2026

• The host institution in Europe will be responsible for all matters relating to visa applications and disbursement of funds to the successful applicant. Applicants should inform their prospective hosts of this at the time of application.

Contact : vilhanova-award@unionacademique.org