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Application Deadline: 31 January 2026 at 11:50pm (South African Time).
Applications are now open for the 2026 SVRI-Kering Foundation Early Career Research Fellowships. The SVRI, with the support of the Kering Foundation, is offering doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships for early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries. These fellowships aim to build leadership, strengthen research capacity, and advance knowledge on the often over-looked links between violence against women and violence against children.
In 2026, the program will award four fellowships – two doctoral and two postdoctoral – to support locally led research that is impactful, sustainable, and grounded in the realities of low and middle-income countries. This initiative is part of a multi-year research programme by the Kering Foundation, in partnership with SVRI and McGill University – to address violence against women and violence against children.
Available Fellowships
| Fellowship Type | Number of Awards | Value up to (USD) | Duration |
| Doctoral Fellowship | 2 | $17,000 | Up to 2 years |
| Postdoctoral Fellowship | 2 | $20,500 | Up to 2 years |
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a national of, and residing in, a low or middle-income country.
- Be enrolled full-time at an in-person, accredited academic institution in a low or middle-income country.
- Be undertaking PhD dissertation or postdoctoral research focused on the intersection of violence against women and violence against children.
- For PhD applicants: Have a defended or institutionally approved dissertation proposal.
Preference will be given to candidates who:
- Are from underrepresented regions or groups.
- Demonstrate a commitment to advancing the rights and wellbeing of women and girls.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted online through Proposal Central: https://proposalcentral.altum.com.
First-time users must register before accessing the application form.
Languages accepted:
Application Process
- Complete Online Application Form, which includes:
- Career objectives (6000 spaces).
- Community impact statement (3000 spaces).
- Research proposal (following SVRI format, see below).
- Upload Required Documents:
- Letter from an academic institution verifying status and nationality.
- Academic transcripts (past 2 years).
- Two reference letters (one from your academic advisor).
- Interview:
Short-listed candidates will be invited to participate in a panel interview.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the SVRI-Kering Foundation Early Career Research Fellowships