Graduate Fellowship in South Africa
The Graduate Fellowship offered through the Baldwin Fellowship and the Leakey Foundation Fellowship represents a unique opportunity for life science graduates passionate about human origins, paleoanthropology, and primatology. Designed to remove barriers to advanced education, this globally recognized program supports emerging researchers from regions with limited access to graduate training, enabling them to become future leaders in evolutionary science.
About the Leakey Foundation
The Leakey Foundation is a globally respected nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding of human origins. Through programs such as the Leakey Foundation Fellowship and the Baldwin Fellowship, the Foundation supports education, research, and capacity building for emerging scientists worldwide. Its fellowships emphasize equity, global collaboration, and long-term impact in evolutionary science.
About the Baldwin Fellowship
The Baldwin Fellowship was established through the vision of Dr. Edwin Munger and Elisabeth G. O’Connor, honoring the legacy of Franklin Mosher Baldwin, a distinguished attorney with a passion for education and human origins research.
The first fellowships were awarded in 1978. Today, the program supports studies in paleoanthropology, primatology, and related disciplines, welcoming applicants from countries where educational infrastructure for human origins research is limited.
Graduate Education Related to Human Origins
The Baldwin Fellowship, offered by The Leakey Foundation, is a prestigious program that supports aspiring researchers pursuing graduate education in fields related to human origins and evolution.
Graduate Fellowship Overview
Many countries rich in fossil evidence and living primates lack advanced graduate programs in paleoanthropology, primatology, and related disciplines. The Baldwin Fellowship removes these barriers by enabling talented scholars to pursue graduate degrees and become leaders in human origins research.
Established in 1978, the program initially focused on African students studying paleoanthropology and has since expanded to include scholars from any country with limited educational opportunities in human evolution–related fields.
Each Baldwin Fellow receives financial support, mentorship, training opportunities, and access to professional networks, ensuring long-term success in scientific careers.
Application Timeline
Applications are accepted once per year, with two deadlines:
- February 15 – New applicants
- March 1 – Returning applicants
Eligibility Criteria
You may apply if you:
- Are a citizen of a country with limited opportunities for advanced training in human origins research
- Are accepted to or currently enrolled in an advanced degree or training program leading to an MS, or PhD
- Are studying a field directly related to human origins or evolution
- Plan to pursue your education inside or outside your home country
If you are beginning a dissertation or thesis research project, you are encouraged to apply instead for a Leakey Foundation Research Grant, or hold both awards simultaneously.
Additional Sponsorship Requirements
Applicants must identify:
- Home Sponsor: Based at the applicant’s home-country institution
- Host Sponsor: Based at the institution where the applicant will study or receive training
In some cases, both sponsors may be located in the same country. The Host Sponsor is responsible for overseeing the fellow’s education or training if an award is made.
The fellowship is intended as a partnership between the applicant and both institutions. Applicants are expected to receive institutional support and, where possible, return to work in their home country after completing their training.
Is the Baldwin Fellowship Right for You?
You are likely eligible if you can answer “Yes” to all of the following:
- Am I enrolled in or provisionally accepted to an MA, MS, or PhD program related to human origins?
- Do I have acceptance or provisional acceptance from a host institution offering advanced training in this field?
- Do I intend to return to my home country and contribute professionally after completing my training?
How to Apply for a Graduate Fellowship?
- Download the instructions and application materials
- Carefully review all guidelines
- Submit your application online
For questions regarding eligibility or the application process, contact: [email protected]
Fellowship Benefits
- Funding: Up to $15,000 per year
- Duration: Maximum of two years
Support includes:
- Tuition and academic fees
- Living expenses
- Travel costs
- Insurance
- Books and study materials
- Other education-related expenses
The fellowship does not cover family or dependent expenses, applicant salary, fringe benefits, or institutional overhead.
