The Borel Global Fellows Program at Iowa State University supports graduate students from Sub-Saharan Africa pursuing Master’s (up to 30 months) or PhD (up to 42 months) degrees within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). The program aims to combat food and nutrition insecurity. The financial reward is a full scholarship with up to $25,000 per year available for student stipends and/or research funding, plus additional funding for research travel to and from Africa. Applications are not accepted directly from students; they must be submitted by an Iowa State University professor who commits to providing the remaining funding (tuition, fees, research costs) and supporting the student’s research in Africa. The deadline is January 15, 2026.
Borel Global Fellows Program 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Country | United States of America (USA) |
| Study Abroad | Study in USA |
| Category | Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships |
| Eligible Countries | All Sub-Sahara African Countries |
| Reward | Full Scholarship |
| Key Criteria | CALS Admission, Sub-Saharan African Citizen, Research in Africa, ISU Professor Application |
| Application Deadline | January 15, 2026 |
The Borel Global Fellows Program at Iowa State University (ISU) is a specialized and highly rewarding initiative designed to foster the next generation of knowledge leaders dedicated to combating food and nutrition insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa. Funded by ISU alumni Jim and Marcia Borel, the fellowship supports high-achieving graduate students pursuing Master’s or PhD degrees within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). The core mission is to educate scientists who will reside and work in Sub-Saharan Africa, contributing directly to sustainable development, wealth, and health for subsistence farmers.
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Benefits and Specific Scholarship Awards of the Borel Global Fellows Program
The fellowship provides a robust financial package covering stipends, research costs, and travel, making it a nearly full-funding opportunity.
Tier 1: Annual Stipends and Full Scholarship
This tier details the direct financial support for the student’s living and academic costs.
- Annual Stipends: Up to $25,000 per year per student is available for graduate student stipends, or a combination of a partial stipend and research funding.
- Funding Duration: Financial support is provided for up to 30 months for MS students and up to 42 months for PhD students.
- Full Scholarship: The total support package is structured to provide a Full Scholarship experience, combining the fellowship’s stipend with the Major Professor’s commitment to covering tuition, fees, and remaining research costs.
Tier 2: Research and Travel Funding
The program specifically supports fieldwork and travel essential for achieving the fellowship’s goals.
- Research Focus: The student must complete the majority of their graduate research in Sub-Saharan Africa, aligning with the program’s objective to address local challenges.
- Travel Funding: Additional funding is made available for travel to and from Africa specifically for research purposes, facilitating essential fieldwork and data collection.
Tier 3: Professor and University Commitment
The program relies on a commitment from the ISU faculty to mentor and financially support the student beyond the fellowship’s contribution.
- Professor Commitment: The major professor must provide a cover letter confirming their commitment to providing the remaining required funding (typically tuition, fees, and research costs) and their support for the student’s research in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Eligibility Requirements for Borel Global Fellowship
Eligibility is strictly tied to citizenship, academic acceptance, and a clear, demonstrable commitment to serving Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Academic/Leadership: Must be admitted into a graduate program in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Iowa State University. Must submit a CV of the student and a copy of the student’s goal statement.
- Study Status: Must be prepared to complete the majority of their graduate research in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Visa Status: Must be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Program Commitment: Must commit to completing graduate studies as a means of preparation for a career contributing to food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. Must demonstrate an intention to work and live in Sub-Saharan Africa after completing their graduate studies.
How to Apply for Iowa State University Scholarship (Step by Step)
Crucially, this fellowship is not applied for by the student. The application is an internal submission made by the student’s prospective Major Professor at Iowa State University.
- Confirm Eligibility and Admission: The student must confirm their eligibility status and must first be accepted into a graduate program within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University.
- Secure Major Professor: The student must secure a Major Professor (ISU faculty member) willing to supervise their research and commit to the necessary financial and research support.
- Professor Submits Application: The application may only be submitted by the Iowa State University professor to request support for the accepted graduate student. The completed application is assembled by the professor.
- Complete Application Package: The professor’s submission must include:
- A cover letter from the major professor (addressing commitment to remaining funding and research support in Africa).
- The student’s CV.
- The student’s goal statement.
Application Deadline: January 15, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY (Note: Application is submitted by ISU Professor)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible to apply for the Borel Global Fellows Program?
The program is only open to citizens of a Sub-Saharan African country who have been admitted into a graduate program in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University.
2. What is the maximum annual stipend amount?
The program offers up to $25,000 per year per student, available for stipends or a combination of a partial stipend and research funding.
3. Do students apply for this fellowship directly?
No, applications are not accepted directly from graduate students. The application must be submitted by an Iowa State University professor on behalf of the accepted student.
4. What is the maximum duration of the funding?
The funding duration is up to 30 months for Master’s students and up to 42 months for PhD students.
5. What are the key commitments required of the student after graduation?
The student must demonstrate an intention to work and live in Sub-Saharan Africa after completing their graduate studies to contribute to food security in the region.
6. Where must the research for the degree take place?
The student is required to complete the majority of their graduate research in Sub-Saharan Africa.
7. What is the responsibility of the Major Professor in the application process?
The Major Professor must submit a cover letter confirming their commitment to provide the remaining required funding (tuition, fees, and research costs) and supporting the student’s research in Africa.
8. Is additional funding available for travel?
Yes, additional funding is available specifically for travel to and from Africa for research purposes.
9. Which College at Iowa State University hosts this fellowship?
The fellowship supports graduate studies within Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS).
10. What documents are required for the application submission?
The required documents, submitted by the professor, include a cover letter from the major professor, the student’s CV, and a copy of the student’s goal statement.
