Boston College AADS Dissertation Fellowship 2026/27

About the Scholarship

The African and African Diaspora Studies (AADS) Dissertation Fellowship at Boston College supports outstanding doctoral candidates completing their dissertations in the Social Sciences or Humanities with research focused on Africa or the African Diaspora. This prestigious fellowship offers scholars the opportunity to advance innovative, interdisciplinary projects that engage with contemporary issues in African and African Diaspora Studies. Fellows benefit from a stimulating academic community, research resources, and professional mentorship, making this an exceptional opportunity for emerging scholars aiming to strengthen their research and teaching profile while contributing to global dialogues on race, culture, and identity.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship Name: 2026/2027 African and African Diaspora Studies (AADS) Dissertation Fellowship
Institution/Provider: Boston College
Administering Organisation: African and African Diaspora Studies Program (AADS)
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Level of Study: Doctoral Fellowship (PhD Level)
Field of Study: African and African Diaspora Studies, Social Sciences, Humanities
Mode of Study: Full-time, On-campus
Duration: 9 months (Academic Year 2026–2027)
Start Date (Expected): September 2026
Application Mode: Online
Scholarship Type: Merit-based, Fully-funded Dissertation Fellowship

Supported Fields of Study

African and African Diaspora Studies
History, Literature, Cultural Studies
Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science
Philosophy, Religious Studies, and related Humanities or Social Science disciplines

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants must be ABD (All But Dissertation) status by the start of the fellowship year.
Nationality/Residency: Open to all nationalities.
Language Proficiency: Must demonstrate strong command of English.
Age Limit: No age limit specified.
Enrollment Status: Current PhD candidates at accredited universities.

Preferred Qualifications

Interdisciplinary or comparative research focus.
Commitment to academic excellence and teaching.
Interest in contributing to African and African Diaspora scholarly discourse.

Not Eligible

Individuals who will not have achieved ABD status by the start of the fellowship.
Applicants enrolled in non-PhD programmes.

Financial Coverage / Funding Benefits

Tuition Fees: Fully covered.
Monthly Stipend/Allowance: USD $37,500 for the academic year.
Travel Grant: USD $3,000 relocation/moving expense allowance.
Accommodation Support: Not specified; relocation support included.
Health Insurance: Access to highly subsidised health insurance.
Books & Materials: USD $1,500 research budget.
Additional Perks:
- Access to a fully equipped shared office.
- Full access to Boston College libraries, rare book collections, and interdisciplinary seminars.
- Professional teaching and research development opportunities.

Scholarship Benefits

Full Tuition Coverage
Living/Monthly Stipend
Health Insurance Support
Travel and Relocation Assistance
Research and Academic Development Funding
Networking and Teaching Opportunities

Key Responsibilities

Remain in residence for the 9-month academic year (2026–2027).
Deliver one public research presentation.
Teach one seminar course (additional compensation provided).
Participate in AADS lectures, workshops, and works-in-progress sessions.
Engage actively in the academic and intellectual community of Boston College.