AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grants 2025: EUR 3,000 for African Researchers

If you’re a doctoral researcher in sub-Saharan Africa, you know the challenges: limited access to specialized equipment, isolation from international research networks, and few opportunities to collaborate with senior scientists in your field. Your research might be groundbreaking, but without connections and resources, it’s hard to make the impact you know is possible.

The AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grants exist to solve exactly this problem. Funded by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and administered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, these grants provide up to EUR 3,000 to support short-term research visits (one to two months) with AGNES network members across Africa.

This isn’t just travel money. It’s an investment in your scientific future. You’ll work alongside experienced researchers, access equipment and datasets you don’t have at home, build relationships that can lead to co-authored publications and future collaborations, and connect to the broader international scientific community. For many early-career African researchers, these grants are the first step toward building a truly international research profile.

The program is specifically designed to strengthen scientific capacity within Africa by facilitating South-South collaboration. Rather than always looking to Europe or North America for research opportunities, AGNES enables African researchers to learn from and collaborate with excellent scientists on their own continent.

Key Details at a Glance

What This Opportunity Offers

Meaningful Funding for Research Mobility
EUR 3,000 might not sound like a fortune by European standards, but for a two-month research visit within Africa, it’s substantial. The funding covers your travel costs (flights, ground transportation), accommodation, meals, and incidental expenses during your stay. The tiered structure recognizes that longer visits cost more: EUR 2,300 for one month, EUR 2,650 for six weeks, and the full EUR 3,000 for two months.

Unlike many grants that reimburse expenses months later, AGNES provides clear guidance on budgeting and ensures you have the resources you need for a productive visit. You’ll submit cost estimates with your application, so there are no surprises.

Access to AGNES Network Excellence
AGNES (African-German Network of Excellence in Science) is a network of outstanding African scientists who have connections to German research institutions through programs like the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, DAAD, and other German academic organizations. These are established researchers with strong publication records, international collaborations, and often access to better-equipped laboratories and research facilities than you might have at your home institution.

By visiting an AGNES member, you’re not just getting lab space—you’re getting mentorship from someone who has successfully navigated the challenges of building a research career in Africa while maintaining international connections. These relationships often extend far beyond the initial visit, leading to co-authored papers, joint grant applications, and ongoing collaboration.

Skill Development and Capacity Building
A one- to two-month intensive research visit allows you to learn new techniques, access specialized equipment, work with unique datasets, and immerse yourself in a different research environment. Maybe your host institution has a mass spectrometer you need for your analysis. Maybe they have a long-term ecological dataset that complements your work. Maybe they use statistical methods you want to learn.

The focused nature of the visit—you’re there specifically to advance your research, not taking classes or fulfilling other obligations—means you can make real progress on your doctoral work while building new capabilities.

Publication and Career Advancement
The program explicitly aims to enhance your scientific output and career prospects. Many grant recipients use their visits to generate data for publications, collaborate on papers with their hosts, or refine their research methods in ways that strengthen their dissertations. Having international collaborations and publications on your CV is increasingly important for academic positions, postdoctoral fellowships, and research grants.

The AGNES network also provides access to information about other funding opportunities, conferences, and career development programs. Your host can introduce you to their network, recommend you for opportunities, and provide guidance on next steps in your career.

Who Should Apply

This grant is designed for emerging African researchers who are serious about building international research careers but need support to access opportunities beyond their home institutions.

The Ideal Candidate
You’re a strong fit if you’re a doctoral candidate at an African university, you’ve already published at least one peer-reviewed article from your thesis work, you have a clear research plan that requires collaboration with a specific AGNES member, and you’re ready to make the most of an intensive one- to two-month research visit.

Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, you must meet all of the following criteria:

You must be a national of a sub-Saharan African country. This program is specifically designed to build research capacity within Africa, so citizenship matters.

You must be officially registered for a doctoral degree at a university or tertiary institution in sub-Saharan Africa. You need to be an active doctoral candidate, not someone who has already defended or someone who hasn’t yet started a PhD program. You’ll need to provide proof of registration.

You must have at least one article published from your thesis work in a non-predatory journal indexed by SCOPUS or Web of Science. This requirement ensures you’re already producing research at an international standard. The article must be directly related to your doctoral research, and you must be an author (not necessarily first author, but you need to be listed).

Your proposed research visit must be relevant to development in sub-Saharan Africa. AGNES is funded by the German development ministry, so there’s an expectation that your research addresses challenges or opportunities relevant to African development. This is broadly interpreted—health, agriculture, climate, education, governance, technology, and many other fields qualify—but you need to articulate the development relevance clearly.

You cannot conduct the research visit in your home country. The whole point is mobility and exposure to different research environments. You need to visit an AGNES member in a different sub-Saharan African country.

You must secure agreement from a scientific host who is an AGNES member. This is crucial. You can’t just apply and hope to be matched with a host. You need to identify an appropriate AGNES member, contact them, discuss your research proposal and work plan, and get their written agreement before you apply. The host must confirm they can accommodate you, provide the necessary research support, and supervise your work during the visit.

Insider Tips for a Winning Application

Having reviewed successful applications and spoken with program administrators and past recipients, here’s what actually makes a difference.

Start Identifying Hosts Early
The biggest barrier for most applicants is finding an appropriate AGNES host. Don’t wait until October to start this process. Begin at least three to four months before the deadline. Research AGNES members whose work aligns with yours. Read their recent publications. Understand what facilities and expertise they can offer. Then reach out with a thoughtful, specific email explaining your research, why you want to visit their lab, and what you hope to accomplish.

Many senior researchers receive dozens of these requests. Make yours stand out by being specific, professional, and realistic. Don’t send generic emails to twenty people. Target three to five researchers whose work genuinely aligns with yours, and personalize each message.

Craft a Focused, Feasible Research Plan
One to two months isn’t a long time. Don’t propose to revolutionize your entire field or complete three major experiments. Propose something focused and achievable: “I will use the host institution’s GC-MS to analyze 50 soil samples I’ve already collected, learning the technique and generating data for Chapter 3 of my dissertation.”

Reviewers want to see that you’ve thought realistically about what you can accomplish in the time available. They also want to see that the visit is essential—that you can’t do this work at your home institution. Explain clearly why you need to visit this specific host: “My university doesn’t have the equipment for this analysis” or “Dr. X has a 20-year dataset that is essential for validating my model.”

Demonstrate Publication Readiness
The program prioritizes researchers who are likely to produce publications from their visits. If you can show that you already have data, that you’ve already published from your thesis work, and that this visit will help you complete a specific paper, you’re a strong candidate.

In your proposal, be explicit: “The data generated during this visit will form the basis of a manuscript we plan to submit to [specific journal] by [specific date].” If your host has agreed to be a co-author, mention that. Concrete publication plans are compelling.

Budget Realistically
You’ll need to provide cost estimates for travel and living expenses. Do your homework. Get actual flight quotes. Research accommodation costs in the host city. Don’t lowball the estimates to make your application look cheaper—if you’re awarded the grant but your actual costs exceed the funding, you’ll be stuck. But also don’t inflate costs unrealistically.

Show that you’ve thought about logistics: “Round-trip flight from Nairobi to Accra: EUR 800 (quote attached). Accommodation in university guesthouse: EUR 30/night x 60 nights = EUR 1,800. Meals and local transport: EUR 15/day x 60 days = EUR 900. Total: EUR 3,500. Requesting EUR 3,000; will cover the EUR 500 difference from personal funds.”

Highlight Development Relevance
Remember, this is funded by a development ministry. Make the connection to development explicit. If you’re studying malaria vectors, explain how your research could inform public health interventions. If you’re working on drought-resistant crops, connect it to food security. If you’re analyzing educational outcomes, link it to development goals.

You don’t need to exaggerate or claim your research will single-handedly solve poverty. Just be clear and honest about how your work contributes to understanding or addressing development challenges in Africa.

Use the AGNES CV Template
The application requires a CV in a specific AGNES format. Download the template and follow it exactly. Don’t submit your standard academic CV. The template is designed to capture the information reviewers need in a standardized format. Deviating from it makes you look like you can’t follow instructions.

Get Your Host’s Commitment in Writing
You need a letter of invitation from your scientific host. This isn’t a formality. The letter should be specific about what support they’ll provide: “I agree to host [your name] for two months in my laboratory. During this time, they will have access to our GC-MS facility and our soil chemistry lab. I will meet with them weekly to discuss their progress and provide guidance on their analysis. I will also introduce them to my research group and facilitate their participation in our lab meetings.”

A generic “I support this excellent researcher” letter won’t cut it. The host needs to demonstrate they understand what you’re proposing and have the capacity to support it.

Application Timeline

Here’s a realistic timeline working backward from the November 30 deadline. This assumes you’re starting from scratch. If you already have a host identified, you can compress some of these stages.

August: Research and Outreach
Identify potential AGNES hosts whose research aligns with yours. Read their recent publications. Understand their facilities and expertise. Draft personalized emails to three to five potential hosts explaining your research, what you hope to accomplish, and why you want to visit their lab. Send these emails and follow up politely if you don’t hear back within two weeks.

September: Develop Your Proposal
Once you have a host who’s expressed interest, work with them to develop a detailed research proposal and work schedule. What specific activities will you do each week? What equipment will you use? What data will you generate? What are the expected outputs? Draft this collaboratively with your host so they’re invested in the plan.

October: Gather Documentation
Collect all required documents: proof of doctoral registration, academic transcripts, evidence of your published article(s), the AGNES CV using their template, cost estimates with quotes for flights and accommodation, and the letter of invitation from your host. Make sure everything is in English and clearly legible.

November 1-15: Complete Your Application
Fill out the online application form. Upload all required documents. Write your research proposal (maximum 5 pages). Have your supervisor and your host review the proposal and provide feedback. Revise based on their input.

November 16-28: Final Review and Submission
Do a final check of your entire application. Make sure all documents are uploaded correctly. Verify that your cost estimates add up correctly. Check that your host’s letter is signed and on institutional letterhead. Submit at least 48 hours before the November 30 deadline to avoid last-minute technical problems.

December-January: Review Period
Applications are reviewed by a panel of experts. You may be contacted if clarification is needed on any aspect of your application.

February-March: Notification and Planning
Successful applicants are notified and can begin planning their visits. Work with your host to finalize dates, arrange accommodation, apply for any necessary visas, and prepare for your research stay.

Required Materials

Research Proposal (Maximum 5 Pages)
This is the heart of your application. It should include: background and significance of your research, specific objectives for the visit, detailed methodology and work plan, expected outcomes and outputs (publications, data, skills), timeline showing what you’ll do each week, and explanation of why this visit is essential and why you’ve chosen this specific host.

Write clearly and concisely. Use headings and subheadings to make it easy to follow. Include a brief bibliography of key references. If you’re using specialized techniques or equipment, explain them briefly for non-specialist reviewers.

CV Using AGNES Template
Download the official AGNES CV template and fill it out completely. Include your education, research experience, publications, presentations, awards, and relevant skills. Be thorough but concise. The template has specific sections—fill them all out.

Proof of Doctoral Registration
An official letter from your university confirming that you’re currently registered as a doctoral candidate. This should be on university letterhead, signed by an appropriate official (registrar, dean, or department head), and include your student ID number and expected completion date.

Academic Transcripts
Official transcripts from your undergraduate and any graduate coursework. These don’t need to be sent directly from the institution—scanned copies are fine—but they should be official documents, not student copies.

Publication Evidence
Provide a list of your published articles from your thesis work, including full citations. For the article(s) that meet the eligibility requirement (published in a SCOPUS or Web of Science indexed journal), include the DOI or URL and a PDF of the published article. If you’re listed as a co-author, highlight your name.

Travel Cost Estimates
Get actual quotes for flights between your home city and the host city. Screenshot these or get written quotes from travel agents. Be realistic about dates—you might not know exact travel dates yet, but use reasonable estimates.

Living Cost Estimates
Research accommodation costs in the host city. If the host institution has a guesthouse, get their rates. Otherwise, look at hotels, Airbnb, or university housing options. Estimate daily costs for meals and local transportation. Show your calculations clearly.

Letter of Invitation from Scientific Host
This must be in English, on institutional letterhead, signed by the host, and specific about what support they’ll provide. It should confirm they’ve agreed to your proposed research plan and work schedule, specify what facilities and equipment you’ll have access to, indicate how often they’ll meet with you for supervision, and confirm the proposed dates of your visit.

What Makes an Application Stand Out

Clear Scientific Merit
Reviewers want to fund research that matters. Your proposal should make a compelling case for why your research is important, how it advances knowledge in your field, and how it addresses relevant challenges in Africa. Strong applications cite recent literature, identify clear gaps in knowledge, and propose rigorous methods to address those gaps.

Realistic, Well-Planned Visit
The best applications show detailed planning. You’ve thought through the logistics. You have a week-by-week work plan. You’ve identified potential challenges and how you’ll address them. You’ve confirmed that the host has the equipment and expertise you need. Everything feels feasible and well-organized.

Strong Host Commitment
When a host writes a detailed, enthusiastic letter of support, it signals that they’re genuinely invested in your success. Reviewers can tell the difference between a perfunctory “I support this student” letter and a thoughtful letter that engages with the research plan and commits specific resources.

Publication Potential
Applications that clearly articulate how the visit will lead to publications are prioritized. If you can show that you’re already a productive researcher (you’ve published before), that you have a concrete publication plan, and that your host is willing to collaborate on papers, you’re a strong candidate.

Development Relevance
Since this is funded by a development ministry, applications that clearly connect to development priorities in Africa have an advantage. You don’t need to be working on applied development projects—basic research is valued too—but you should be able to articulate the broader significance of your work for African development.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying Without a Confirmed Host
Some applicants submit applications hoping to find a host later or assuming the program will match them with someone. That’s not how it works. You must have a confirmed host before you apply. If you don’t have a signed letter of invitation, your application is incomplete.

Proposing Overly Ambitious Plans
Two months goes by quickly. Don’t propose to learn three new techniques, collect and analyze data, write two papers, and present at a conference. Propose something focused that you can realistically accomplish. Reviewers are skeptical of overly ambitious plans.

Submitting Generic Proposals
Your proposal should be specific to your research and your chosen host. If your proposal could apply to any lab in any country, it’s too generic. Explain exactly why you need to visit this specific host, what unique resources or expertise they offer, and how this visit fits into your overall doctoral research plan.

Ignoring the Development Angle
This isn’t a purely academic research grant. It’s funded by a development ministry. If you don’t address how your research relates to development in Africa, you’re missing a key evaluation criterion. Even if your research is quite theoretical, think about its broader implications and connections to development challenges.

Poor Budgeting
Submitting cost estimates that are clearly unrealistic (either too high or too low) raises red flags. Do your homework. Get real quotes. Show your calculations. If your budget doesn’t match the funding available, explain how you’ll cover the difference.

Missing the Language Requirement
All documents must be in English. If your transcripts or registration letter are in another language, you need certified translations. Don’t assume reviewers will accept documents in French, Portuguese, or other languages.

Submitting at the Last Minute
Technical problems always happen on deadline day. Submit at least 48 hours early. If there’s an issue with your documents or application, you’ll have time to fix it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I’m in the first year of my PhD?
Technically yes, if you meet all the requirements. But realistically, you need to have published at least one peer-reviewed article from your thesis work, which is difficult in your first year. Most successful applicants are in their second or third year of doctoral studies when they have preliminary results and publications.

What if I don’t have a publication yet?
Then you’re not eligible. The publication requirement is firm. It demonstrates that you’re producing research at an international standard. Focus on getting your first paper published, then apply in a future round.

Can my publication be in an African journal?
Yes, as long as it’s indexed in SCOPUS or Web of Science and it’s not a predatory journal. The indexing requirement ensures quality, but it doesn’t have to be a European or American journal.

Can I visit multiple hosts during my grant period?
The program is designed for an intensive visit with one host. If you want to make brief visits to other researchers in the same city or region, discuss this with your primary host and mention it in your proposal, but the focus should be on one main collaboration.

What if my host is not an AGNES member?
Then you can’t apply for this grant. The program specifically supports visits to AGNES network members. You can find the list of AGNES members on the network’s website. If your ideal host isn’t a member, you’ll need to find a different funding source or choose a different host.

Can I extend my visit beyond two months using other funding?
Possibly, but you need to discuss this with your host and the program administrators. The AGNES grant covers up to two months. If you want to stay longer, you’d need additional funding from another source.

What happens if I need to change my travel dates?
Life happens. If you need to adjust your dates after being awarded, contact the program administrators as soon as possible. Minor changes are usually fine, but major changes might require re-approval.

Can I bring my family?
The grant is for you as a researcher. It doesn’t cover family members. If you want to bring family, you’d need to cover their costs separately, and you’d need to make sure it doesn’t interfere with your research productivity.

How to Apply

Ready to apply for an AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grant? Here’s exactly what to do:

Step 1: Research AGNES Members
Visit the AGNES network website and browse the member directory. Identify researchers whose work aligns with yours and who have facilities or expertise you need. Make a shortlist of three to five potential hosts.

Step 2: Contact Potential Hosts
Send personalized emails to your shortlisted hosts. Introduce yourself, briefly describe your research, explain why you want to visit their lab, and ask if they’d be willing to host you. Be professional, specific, and realistic. Include your CV and a brief research proposal outline.

Step 3: Develop Your Research Plan
Once you have a host who’s interested, work with them to develop a detailed research proposal and work schedule. Make sure you’re both clear on what you’ll do, what resources you’ll need, and what the expected outcomes are.

Step 4: Gather All Required Documents
Collect your proof of registration, transcripts, publication evidence, cost estimates, and the AGNES CV template. Make sure everything is in English and clearly legible.

Step 5: Get Your Host’s Letter
Ask your host to write a detailed letter of invitation on institutional letterhead. Provide them with a draft or outline of what should be included to make it easier for them.

Step 6: Complete the Online Application
Fill out the application form at https://forms.gle/UnzYYaFuEQGFYU2n6. Upload all required documents. Write your 5-page research proposal. Double-check everything before submitting.

Step 7: Submit Early
Don’t wait until November 30. Submit by November 28 at the latest to avoid technical problems.

Step 8: Plan Your Visit
If you’re selected, work with your host to finalize dates, arrange accommodation, apply for any necessary visas, and prepare for a productive research stay.

For complete program details and to access the application form, visit: https://forms.gle/UnzYYaFuEQGFYU2n6

Questions about eligibility or the application process? Contact the AGNES program administrators through the contact information provided in the application portal. They can help you determine if you’re a good fit and guide you through the process.

This grant could be the catalyst that transforms your doctoral research and launches your international scientific career. Start planning your application today.