Borel Global Fellows Program – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes15 Jan, 2026

The Borel Global Fellows Program supports graduate students from Sub-Saharan Africa who aim to solve critical challenges in food security, agriculture, and poverty reduction. It provides strong financial support for graduate education and research. Fellows receive up to $25,000 per year to cover stipends or a combination of stipends and research expenses. Master’s students may receive funding for up to 30 months. PhD students may receive support for up to 42 months. The program also offers additional travel funding for research activities between the United States and Africa.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the Borel Global Fellows Program before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, South-Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

Agricultural Development, Agricultural Sciences, Food Security, Sustainable Rural Livelihoods

GPA / Grade

GPA 3.0

Languages

DuoLingo English Test 115, IELTS 6.5, PTE A 53, TOEFL iBT 79

Tests

Study Levels

Master's, PhD

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Result Date

Program Start

Tuition Fee

Not Covered

Living Allowance

Yes

Up to $25,000 per year

Travel Allowance

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award AmountUp to $25,000 per year
Deadline15 Jan, 2026
LevelMaster's, PhD
InstitutionIowa State University
CountryUnited States
ModeOnline
TypePartially funded

Apply Now

The Borel Global Fellows Program supports graduate students from Sub-Saharan Africa who aim to solve critical challenges in food security, agriculture, and poverty reduction. Iowa State University established the program in 2018 through a generous gift from alumni Jim and Marcia Borel. The program trains scholars at Iowa State University while grounding their research and long-term impact in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Background and Purpose

The program focuses on strengthening agricultural systems and improving livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa. It prepares highly skilled scientists who can address complex development issues in their home region. Iowa State University delivers advanced academic training through its College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Fellows apply this knowledge to real-world conditions in Africa. The program emphasizes long-term regional impact rather than short-term academic outcomes.

Borel Global Fellows Program Benefits

The Borel Global Fellows Program provides strong financial support for graduate education and research. Fellows receive up to $25,000 per year to cover stipends or a combination of stipends and research expenses. Master’s students may receive funding for up to 30 months. PhD students may receive support for up to 42 months. The program also offers additional travel funding for research activities between the United States and Africa.

Eligibility Criteria

The program accepts only graduate students from Sub-Saharan Africa. Applicants must focus their research primarily within the region. They must also show a clear commitment to living and working in Sub-Saharan Africa after graduation. Faculty members with majority appointments in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences must nominate students. The program does not accept direct student applications.

Borel Global Fellows Program Application Process

Eligible faculty members submit applications on behalf of qualified students. They outline the student’s research plan, regional focus, and long-term goals. The selection process prioritizes academic strength, research relevance, and commitment to regional development.

Opportunities for Scholars

Fellows gain access to world-class research facilities and expert faculty mentorship at Iowa State University. They build leadership skills and applied research experience. Graduates return as knowledge leaders who drive sustainable agricultural and economic progress across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible for the program?

A: Students must be admitted to a graduate program in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and intend to live and work in Sub-Saharan Africa after graduation.

How can students apply?

Applications must be submitted by Iowa State University faculty, not students, by January 15 each year.

What documents are required for the application?

A cover letter from the major professor, the student’s CV, and the student’s goal statement.