Prestigious Award for Outstanding Master's Theses on Africa
Open to Dutch & African Universities | Social Sciences & Humanities
Quick Highlights
Particulars
Details
Award Name
Africa Thesis Award
Organizations
African Studies Centre Leiden (ASCL) & Brill
Opportunity Type
Award
Cash Prize
€500
Publication
Afrika-Studiecentrum Series
Eligible Applicants
Master's Graduates
Institutions
Dutch or African universities
Fields
Social Sciences & Humanities
Thesis Period
Aug 31, 2025 – Aug 31, 2026
Grade Requirement
8/10 (Dutch) or A (non-Dutch)
Languages
English, French, Dutch
Application Deadline
September 30, 2026
Status
Applications Open
Opportunity Overview
Particular
Details
Host Organization
ASCL & Brill
Award
Africa Thesis Award
Programme Type
Award
Funding Category
Prize
Eligible Applicants
Master's Graduates
Location
Netherlands / Africa
Application Mode
Email
About the Award
The Africa Thesis Award recognizes outstanding master's theses focused on Africa and offers emerging scholars an opportunity to gain international recognition, publication, and financial support. For more than two decades, the award has celebrated exceptional academic research on African issues while promoting African Studies globally.
Award Benefits
Benefit
Details
Cash Prize
€500
Publication
Afrika-Studiecentrum Series
International Recognition
Academic visibility
Award Ceremony
Present research
Networking
Engage with scholars & policymakers
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Institution
Requirement
Details
Dutch Universities
Thesis completed in Netherlands
African Universities
Thesis completed in African country
Thesis Period
Requirement
Details
Completion
August 31, 2025 – August 31, 2026
Research Focus
Requirement
Details
Empirical Research
Based on field research
Focus
African country, region, or diaspora
Disciplines
Social Sciences & Humanities
Eligible Fields
Field
Details
Geography
Yes
Political Science
Yes
Anthropology
Yes
Development Studies
Yes
Economics
Yes
History
Yes
Religious Studies
Yes
Literature
Yes
Grade Requirement
Requirement
Details
Dutch System
8/10 or higher
Non-Dutch
A or equivalent
Language
Language
Details
English
Yes
French
Yes
Dutch
Yes (with 5-page English summary)
Selection Criteria
Criteria
Details
Originality & Innovation
Research creativity
Theoretical Framework
Strength of theory
Methodology
Quality & appropriateness
Scientific Contribution
Academic relevance
Societal Impact
Practical significance
Writing Quality
Readability & engagement
Required Documents
Document
Required
Digital PDF Thesis
Yes
Thesis Summary (300 words max)
Yes
Supervisor Recommendation Letter
Yes (signed)
English Summary (Dutch theses)
5 pages
Recommendation Letter Must Include
Detail
Required
Thesis Quality Assessment
Yes
Final Grade
Yes
Institutional Eligibility
Yes
How to Apply
Step
Action
Step 1
Prepare application package
Step 2
Secure supervisor recommendation letter
Step 3
Email all documents to africathesisaward@asc.leidenuniv.nl
Master's graduates from Dutch or African universities
What is the prize?
€500 + publication
What fields are eligible?
Social Sciences & Humanities
What grade is required?
8/10 (Dutch) or A (non-Dutch)
What languages are accepted?
English, French, Dutch
What is the thesis period?
Aug 31, 2025 – Aug 31, 2026
What is the deadline?
September 30, 2026
How to apply?
Email to africathesisaward@asc.leidenuniv.nl
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The Africa Thesis Award offers a prestigious opportunity for master's graduates to gain international recognition for their research on Africa. The €500 cash prize and publication in the Afrika-Studiecentrum Series provide significant academic visibility. The award is open to students from Dutch and African universities. Applicants should ensure their thesis is well-written, engaging, and contributes to African Studies. Early submission is recommended.
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