For PhD students, presenting at academic conferences is a pivotal step in their scholarly journey.
Conferences offer a platform to share research findings, network with peers and experts, and gain critical feedback that refines their work.
For African PhD students, however, financial constraints often pose a significant barrier to attending these valuable events. With many African universities underfunded and limited institutional support available, securing conference funding is crucial to ensure equitable access to global academic platforms.
Fortunately, a range of funding opportunities exists to support African PhD students in presenting their research at regional and international conferences.
This article explores the importance of conference participation and highlights five funding sources tailored for African PhD students, complete with descriptions and links to help navigate the application process.
The Importance of Conference Presentations for PhD Students
Conference presentations are more than just a line on a CV; they are a gateway to academic and professional growth.
For PhD students, presenting at conferences fosters visibility, allowing them to showcase their research to a global audience. This exposure can lead to collaborations, publication opportunities, and recognition within their field.
Conferences also provide a space to engage with cutting-edge research, attend workshops, and build networks that can shape future career paths.
For African students, whose institutions may lack robust research infrastructure, conferences offer a chance to connect with global academic communities, access resources, and address local challenges through innovative research.
However, travel, accommodation, and registration costs can be prohibitive. Below, we outline five funding sources that can help African PhD students overcome these barriers.
Conference Funding for PhD Students: 5 Grants & Programs
1. British Ecological Society Student Training and Travel Grants
The British Ecological Society (BES) offers Student Training and Travel Grants to support PhD students and early-career researchers in ecology.
Grants of up to £500 are available for attending conferences, workshops, or specialist field training courses, with higher amounts (up to £1,000) for those from low- or lower-middle-income countries, including many African nations.
African PhD students must be BES members, present their work (e.g., via poster or talk), and justify the ecological relevance. Priority is given to Global South applicants, with 51% of funding allocated to them.
Applications require proof of abstract acceptance and a budget breakdown. Deadlines are March 10 and September 8, 2025.
Apply here: https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/funding/training-travel-grants/
2. Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds Travel Grants
The Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds (BIF) provides travel grants of up to three months to PhD students worldwide pursuing experimental projects in basic biomedical research.
African PhD students from low-income countries can receive lump-sum funding for travel, lodging, and course fees to attend practical courses or short research stays at conferences or labs in Europe or overseas, with additional living cost support available.
Eligibility requires a strong research proposal and proof of relevance to ongoing work; non-Europeans must use the grant for stays in Europe.
Applications are accepted year-round, at least six weeks before travel.
Apply here: https://www.bifonds.de/fellowships-grants/travel-grants.html
3. Google Conference Scholarships (EMEA Travel and Conference Grants)
Google’s Conference Scholarships, also known as EMEA Travel and Conference Grants, support full-time PhD students from Africa attending top-tier computer science conferences.
Funding covers up to $3,000 USD for travel, accommodation, registration, and incidentals for those with accepted papers (oral or poster) in areas like AI, machine learning, or related fields.
African students must be enrolled at a recognized university and be the primary or co-first author.
Virtual attendance covers registration fees. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; apply at least one month before the conference.
Apply here: https://buildyourfuture.withgoogle.com/scholarships/google-conference-scholarships
4. ICANN Fellowship Program
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Fellowship Program funds PhD students and early-career researchers from underserved regions, including Africa, to attend ICANN Public Meetings focused on Internet governance, policy, and DNS stability.
Fully funded support includes economy airfare, accommodation, meals, and a $500 USD stipend. African applicants must demonstrate interest in ICANN’s work, complete required online courses, and commit to active participation.
Up to three fellowships per person; returning fellows need proof of prior engagement. The 2025 cycle for ICANN84 (October, Dublin) is open; apply by March 25, 2025.
Apply here https://www.icann.org/fellowshipprogram
5. UNESCO/ANSTI Diaspora Award
The UNESCO/ANSTI Diaspora Award supports African scientists in the diaspora (including PhD students abroad) to attend scientific conferences and workshops in Africa.
Grants cover travel and participation costs for presenting research in science and technology fields.
Eligible African PhD students must provide proof of acceptance (e.g., abstract and conference program) and a motivation letter explaining the event’s relevance.
Women scientists are particularly encouraged.
Applications are accepted year-round, subject to fund availability; decisions are made promptly.
Apply here: https://www.ansti.org/funding-opportunities/
Navigating the Application Process
To maximize success, African PhD students should start by researching eligibility criteria and deadlines for each funding source.
Most programs require proof of conference acceptance, a research abstract, and a letter of motivation or recommendation.
Tailoring applications to highlight the relevance of the research to African contexts and demonstrating financial need can strengthen submissions.
Students should also explore multiple funding sources to supplement costs, as some grants, like Google’s, are designed to complement other awards.
Joining relevant professional societies (e.g., BES) early can provide additional networking and eligibility benefits.
Conclusion
Conference participation is a transformative experience for African PhD students, offering opportunities to elevate their research and forge global connections.
Despite financial challenges, funding sources like the British Ecological Society Student Training and Travel Grants, Boehringer Ingelheim Travel Grants, Google Conference Scholarships, ICANN Fellowship Program, and UNESCO/ANSTI Diaspora Award provide critical support across ecology, biomedicine, computer science, Internet policy, and broader sciences.
By leveraging these opportunities, African scholars can overcome barriers, share their insights, and contribute to global academic discourse.
Start planning early, align your application with the funder’s goals, and take the leap to present your research on the world stage.
