Alliance for African Partnership  

Doctoral Dissertation Support Fund  

In light of recent disruptions in funding opportunities for graduate dissertation research, Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) is pleased to announce that the AAP Doctoral Dissertation Support Fund is now available to Michigan State University (MSU) PhD students who have completed all requirements for their degree with the exception of their dissertation research. Applications must be carrying out Africa-centered research that addresses at least of one of AAP’s seven priority areas. 

Eligibility

• Currently enrolled MSU PhD students who are in good academic standing, conducting Africa-centered research, and who have all requirements for their degree with the exception of their dissertation research. 
• Applicants must provide an explanation of how recent funding shifts have impacted their ability to carry out their dissertation research.
• Applicants must have a dissertation proposal approved by their home department prior to the disbursement of funding. 
• Applicants who are proposing to travel to conduct research must secure affiliation with a university, institution, or organization in the country to which they are traveling and for the time in which they will conduct their research. 
• Applicants must certify that they will successfully complete university requirements related to doing research (e.g., IRB, training and approvals, etc.) before carrying out the proposed research.
• All recipients must write and submit a report on their research and experiences within 90 days of their return from the research trip.

Funding

MSU PhD students can apply for up to $10,000. 

Students are required to use the funding to support carrying out their dissertation research. Eligible expenses may include travel-related costs (such as airfare, lodging, and per diem), data collection expenses, living stipends, and other research-related expenditures that directly contribute to the successful completion of their dissertation research.

Research must be completed within 12 months of the award date.

Timeline 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through May 31, 2025, subject to funding availability. The application process may close early if all funds are awarded before May 31, 2025. All funding must be transferred to recipients by June 13, 2025.

Application Process

Applicants must complete an online application that includes the following documents.

Click the following link to access the application: 

https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8jDH5eSfu6LOGWO

1. Completion of the online application
2. Two-page summary of the dissertation proposal, including a summary of the topic and proposed activities (single spaced)
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
4. Transcript
5. Proposed Research Budget Itemization: (up to $10,000) Please use our budget template
6. Letter of Recommendation from Dissertation Committee Chair
7. Letter of support from host institution (if applicable)