Up to $5,000 USD Fieldwork Grant | Application Deadline: July 31, 2025
The African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) is calling on passionate Master’s and Doctoral students across Africa to apply for the 2026/2027 Moses Mapesa Research Grant. This initiative is designed to empower the next generation of African scholars actively engaged in research related to natural and cultural heritage, particularly at World Heritage Sites or properties on national tentative lists.
The grant provides up to $5,000 USD to support fieldwork and related research activities conducted between May 2026 and February 2027.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be citizens of an African Union Member State that is a party to the 1972 World Heritage Convention.
Be currently enrolled (or will be in 2026) in a Master’s (M2) or Doctoral program at an African university.
Be conducting research at a World Heritage Site or a tentatively listed site in Africa.
Be fluent in English, French, or Portuguese.
🔗 World Heritage Sites list: whc.unesco.org/en/list
🔗 Tentative Lists: whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists
🧪 Eligible Research Topics
Research should relate to any of the following:
Traditional (custodianship) management systems
Heritage risk management and preparedness
Heritage in conflict/post-conflict situations
Climate change and heritage
Presentation, interpretation, and awareness of heritage
Heritage and entrepreneurship
Digital technologies and AI in heritage
Human rights and legal frameworks
Intergenerational transmission of heritage knowledge
Authenticity and conservation
Youth engagement with heritage
📄 Required Application Documents
Completed application form (co-signed by your supervisor)
Motivation letter (max 1 page)
Updated CV (max 2 pages)
Proof of registration or admission into postgraduate program
Research proposal (max 2 pages) including:
Name, university, country, degree level, research title and site
Objectives, significance, methodology, and expected outcomes
Budget (clearly indicating fieldwork costs and other funding sources)
💵 Grant Amount
Up to $5,000 USD per applicant, based on the proposal
Research must be completed within 9 months (May 2026 – Feb 2027)
🗓 Application Deadline: 31 July 2025
📝 How to Apply
1. Download the application form (available in English, French, and Portuguese).
2. Complete the form and gather all required documents.
3. Submit your full application online via the Moses Mapesa Grant 2026/27 Application Link (no physical submissions accepted).
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