Funding Opportunities

Thanks to generous contributions from faculty and alumni, the Center is able to offer summer pre-dissertation research grants in Africa for graduate students. In addition, the Center also provides a number of travel awards to support students attending academic conferences and workshops.

Summer Pre-dissertation Research Awards

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Jeanne & Hunt Davis Graduate Research Award

Dr. R. Hunt Davis & his wife, Jeanne, established the Jeanne & Hunt Davis Award in 2004 to support graduate students doing pre-dissertation fieldwork in Africa. Dr. Davis is professor emeritus of African History and a former director of the Center for African Studies (1979-1988). The call for applications for this award is in the Spring semester every year.

Dr. Robin Poynor is a Professor Emeritus of Art History at the University of Florida, specializing in African art and culture. As an esteemed scholar and educator, he has guided students in exploring the complexities and nuances of African art. His legacy continues to inspire the next generation of scholars. This opportunity is open to undergraduate and graduate-level students.

Janet Beilstein and Stephen Burgess are longtime Africanists and dedicated supporters of the University of Florida’s Center for African Studies, whose careers have been deeply shaped by their engagement with the African continent. Beilstein’s work spans international development and human rights, including her contributions through the United Nations and her early experiences in Namibia’s path to independence. Burgess brings more than three decades of expertise in African history and security studies, with extensive fieldwork and academic leadership. Together, their commitment to advancing African scholarship led to the creation of the Beilstein-Burgess Social Sciences Endowment, which supports graduate students, particularly PhD researchers, conducting fieldwork and critical social science research on Africa. Their legacy continues to empower future scholars and strengthen the study of Africa at the University of Florida.

This competition aims to engage graduate students involved in research focused on Africa or African-related themes. Whether your studies will take place this summer or occurred within the last year, we invite you to showcase your research in a visually exciting 3–5-minute video. This contest offers a platform to highlight the significance and innovative aspects of your work.

Resources for African Students

To see opportunities for MA and PhD fellowships for African students, click here.