Applications are now open for the African Centre for School Leadership (ACSL) Cohort II School Leadership Research Grants, providing funding of up to USD 35,000 for African researchers conducting action-oriented research to strengthen school leadership and improve learning outcomes across the continent.
Implemented by the African Centre for School Leadership (ACSL) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the programme will support 23 researchers undertaking descriptive and comparative action research that informs education policy and practice across Africa.
About the School Leadership Research Grants
The ACSL School Leadership Research Grants are designed to support rigorous, evidence-based research that addresses Africa’s school leadership challenges while contributing to national and continental education priorities.
Successful researchers will work closely with policymakers, school leaders, practitioners, and education institutions to ensure research findings strengthen school leadership practices and improve education systems throughout Africa.
Grant Categories
The programme offers two funding streams:
Descriptive Action Research Grants
- 16 grants available
- Funding of up to USD 15,000 each
- Research conducted within a single educational context
- Project duration of 12 months
Comparative Action Research Grants
- 7 grants available
- Funding of up to USD 35,000 each
- Research conducted across two or more educational contexts
- Project duration of 24 months
Eligible Countries
Applications are open to researchers from all African countries.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a citizen of an African country and be based in Africa
- Conduct research focused on school leadership practice in one or more African countries
- The Principal Investigator must hold a Doctorate in Education, Educational Leadership, Educational Management, or a closely related field earned within the past five years
- Submit proposals with multidisciplinary research teams consisting of three to five members
- Adopt an action-research approach
- Demonstrate meaningful collaboration with education practitioners and policymakers
Research teams are strongly encouraged to include:
- Female researchers
- Young researchers under 35 years of age
- Researchers with bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral qualifications
- Cross-country collaborations
- Research addressing gender equality, disability inclusion, rural education, underserved communities, and other marginalized groups
Additional Benefits
Beyond receiving research funding, successful applicants will:
- Join the School Leadership Community of Learning
- Participate in the Blended Exchange and Learning Trajectory (BELT)
- Collaborate with researchers, policymakers, and practitioners across Africa
- Contribute evidence that informs education policy and strengthens school leadership practice
Information Webinar
Prospective applicants can attend an information webinar covering:
- Application process
- Eligibility requirements
- Grant expectations
- Proposal guidance
Date: 20 August 2026
Time:
- 12:00–1:30 pm GMT
- 3:00–4:30 pm EAT
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is:
30 September 2026 at 11:59 pm GMT
Researchers are encouraged to prepare their proposals early and ensure they meet all eligibility and submission requirements before the closing date.
Why Apply?
The ACSL School Leadership Research Grants provide an excellent opportunity for early-career African researchers to generate practical evidence that strengthens education systems across the continent. By combining research with collaboration among policymakers, practitioners, and school leaders, the programme aims to create lasting improvements in educational leadership and student learning outcomes throughout Africa.
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