Fully Funded Borel Global Fellows Program 2026 at Iowa State University for African Graduate Students 

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Fully Funded Borel Global Fellows Program 2026: Overview

The Borel Global Fellows Program at Iowa State University (ISU) is a prestigious, fully funded initiative supporting graduate students who are committed to advancing food security, agricultural development, and poverty alleviation in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Established in 2018 through a generous endowment from ISU alumni Jim and Marcia Borel, the program equips the next generation of African scientists and agricultural leaders with the expertise needed to drive sustainable change across the continent. Fellows are trained at ISU’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and are expected to conduct meaningful research and continue contributing to Africa’s development upon graduation.

Eligibility

To qualify for the Borel Global Fellows Program, applicants must:

• Be admitted into a graduate program within ISU’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

• Commit to pursuing graduate studies as preparation for a career focused on food security and agricultural advancement in Sub-Saharan Africa.

• Conduct the majority of their research in Sub-Saharan Africa.

• Demonstrate a strong intention to work and reside in Sub-Saharan Africa after graduation.

• Applications must be submitted by ISU faculty members (not students) with a majority appointment in CALS.

Benefits and Funding

The Borel Global Fellows Program provides generous financial support for both Master’s and PhD students, including:

• Funding of up to $25,000 per year per student (can cover stipends or a mix of stipends and research funding).

• Funding duration:

  • Up to 30 months for Master’s students.

  • Up to 42 months for PhD students.

• Research travel funding between the U.S. and Africa for fieldwork purposes.

• Faculty supervisors commit to covering the remaining expenses (tuition, fees, and other research costs).

Program Focus Areas

The fellowship targets fields that address:

• Food and nutrition security

• Agricultural productivity and sustainability

• Rural development and poverty reduction

• Climate-smart agriculture

• Livelihood improvement for smallholder farmers

Application Process

Applications are submitted by Iowa State University professors on behalf of their prospective students. Direct submissions from students are not accepted.

A complete application must include:

1. A cover letter from the major professor, outlining:

   • Commitment to support the student’s research in Sub-Saharan Africa.

   • Plan for providing the remaining required funding (tuition, fees, research costs).

2. The student’s Curriculum Vitae (CV).

3. The student’s goal statement.

Submission Deadline: January 15 each year.

Selection Criteria

Candidates are evaluated based on:

• Academic excellence and research potential.

• Commitment to solving Africa’s agricultural and food security challenges.

• Relevance and feasibility of the proposed research in Sub-Saharan Africa.

• Support and mentorship from ISU faculty.

Program Duration

• Master’s program: Up to 2.5 years (30 months)

• PhD program: Up to 3.5 years (42 months)

Host Institution

Iowa State University (ISU) – College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Location: Ames, Iowa, USA

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: January 15, 2026

• Program Start: Based on the student’s graduate admission term

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Fully Funded Borel Global Fellows Program 2026 at Iowa State University for African Graduate Students

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