For African researchers working on oceans, fisheries or sustainability, there is a fellowship that offers something a little different: most of the programme is virtual, but it includes a research period at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.
The Africa–UBC Oceans & Fisheries Visiting Fellows Program is looking for sub-Saharan African scholars whose research contributes to ocean and fisheries sustainability. Two fellows will be selected for the 2027 cohort.
The 12-month programme combines virtual research collaboration with a one-month residency at UBC’s Vancouver campus.
What Is the Africa–UBC Oceans & Fisheries Fellowship?
The programme is designed to strengthen research collaboration between African scholars and researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC).
Fellows will work with a UBC partner or host on a proposed research project connected to ocean sustainability, fisheries or related areas.
The programme lasts for 12 months, with most of the fellowship taking place virtually. Fellows will spend one month in residence at UBC in Vancouver, providing an opportunity to work directly with their academic partner and become part of the university’s research environment.
What Does the Fellowship Provide?
Selected fellows will receive several forms of support during the programme.
The current fellowship information includes:
- A CAD 5,000 research fund for the proposed project
- Return airfare to Vancouver
- Per diem support
- Accommodation and subsistence during the UBC residency
- A 12-month affiliation with UBC
- Research collaboration with a UBC academic partner
- One month of in-person research at the Vancouver campus
Only two fellows will be selected for the 2027 cohort, making this a highly selective opportunity.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is intended for African academics based in sub-Saharan Africa who are working at universities or research institutions.
Applicants should have research experience in a field broadly connected to ocean sustainability.
This can include areas such as:
- Fisheries
- Marine science
- Ocean sustainability
- Coastal management
- Environmental science
- Aquatic resource management
- Climate and ocean-related research
- Other closely related fields
Applicants must also identify a suitable UBC partner or host and make contact with them before applying.
This is an important part of the application. You are not simply applying to visit UBC; your proposal needs to demonstrate a meaningful research collaboration with a UBC academic partner.
What Will Fellows Work On?
The programme does not prescribe one single research topic.
Instead, applicants propose a research project that addresses an important issue within ocean and fisheries sustainability.
Your proposal should explain the research problem, the work you intend to undertake and how the fellowship will help you complete or advance the project.
The programme is therefore particularly relevant to researchers who already have a clear research direction and want to develop an international academic collaboration around it.
Why This Fellowship Stands Out
There are several reasons this opportunity caught our attention.
First, it is highly specialised. Rather than competing with thousands of applicants for a general international fellowship, you are applying for a programme specifically focused on African ocean and fisheries research.
Second, it combines remote research with an international research residency. You do not have to relocate to Canada for an entire year.
Most of the programme is virtual, while the one-month UBC residency provides an opportunity for direct collaboration and academic networking.
Finally, the programme provides actual research funding alongside travel and subsistence support.
For an African researcher working in marine or aquatic sustainability, that combination is particularly valuable.
Important Details
Programme: Africa–UBC Oceans & Fisheries Visiting Fellows Program
Cohort: 2027
Duration: 12 months
Format: 11 months virtual + 1 month at UBC in Vancouver
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Research fund: CAD 5,000
Travel: Return airfare provided
Additional support: Per diem, accommodation and subsistence during the UBC residency
Number of fellows: 2
Eligibility: Sub-Saharan African academics at universities or research institutions
Application deadline: 30 September 2026
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How to Apply
Applicants should prepare a research proposal, references and the required supporting documents. A proposed UBC host or partner must also be identified, and applicants are expected to have contacted that person before submitting the application.
TheOpHub Tip
Do not wait until the application deadline to look for a UBC research partner.
This is one of the most important parts of the application, so start by identifying researchers whose work genuinely connects with your proposed project. Read their recent research, make sure there is a clear academic connection, and approach them professionally before finalising your proposal.
A strong research partnership can make your application much more convincing than a generic proposal sent without a clear host in mind.
Final Word
The Africa–UBC Oceans & Fisheries Visiting Fellows Program is a strong example of the kind of opportunity that can easily be missed.
It is highly specialised, limited to just two fellows and combines international research collaboration with funding, travel and a period of academic work in Vancouver.
For African researchers working in oceans, fisheries and sustainability, this is one worth investigating before the September deadline.
If it’s rare, hidden, or slept-on, TheOpHub finds it.