The Borel Global Fellows Program supports students committed to enhancing African food security, agricultural development, and/or poverty alleviation to pursue graduate studies at Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The program seeks to help eradicate food and nutrition insecurity while promoting wealth and health for subsistence farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa by educating scientists at Iowa State University who will become knowledge leaders who reside and work in Sub-Saharan Africa.
When is the Application Deadline:
January 15, 2026
Tell Me About the Grant:
The Borel Global Fellows Program, established in 2018 through the generosity of Iowa State University alumni Jim and Marcia Borel, supports graduate students who are committed to enhancing African food security, agricultural development, and poverty alleviation.
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Hosted by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University (ISU), the program aims to educate scientists who will become knowledge leaders residing and working in Sub-Saharan Africa. Through advanced academic training and field-based research, fellows are prepared to tackle pressing challenges in food and nutrition security while promoting wealth and health for subsistence farmers.
Which Fields are Eligible?
All graduate programs within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University that relate to:
- Agriculture and Food Systems
- Agricultural Development
- Rural Livelihoods and Poverty Reduction
- Nutrition and Food Security
Type:
Graduate Research Grant (Master’s and PhD Levels)
Who can Apply?
To be considered, applicants must:
- Be citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries.
- Be admitted into a graduate program in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University.
- Commit to using their graduate studies as preparation for a career contributing to food security in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Conduct the majority of their graduate research in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Demonstrate a clear intention to work and live in Sub-Saharan Africa after completing their graduate studies.
How are Applicants Selected?
Selection is made through faculty nominations from ISU professors who:
- Submit applications on behalf of eligible students.
- Demonstrate their commitment to provide the remaining required funding (tuition, fees, and research costs).
- Support the student’s field research and professional development in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Applications are not accepted directly from students.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Sub-Saharan African countries
Where will the Grant be Taken?
Iowa State University (ISU), Ames, Iowa, USA
Graduate research will be primarily conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa.
How Many Grants?
Not specified — awarded based on available funding and qualified applicants.
What is the Benefit of the Grant?
- Up to $25,000 per year per student to support:
- Graduate student stipends or partial stipends
- Research expenses
- Funding duration:
- Up to 30 months for Master’s students
- Up to 42 months for PhD students
- Additional travel funding for research in Africa (for both student and advisor).
How Long Will the Grant Last?
- Up to 30 months (Master’s)
- Up to 42 months (PhD)
How to Apply:
Applications are submitted by Iowa State University faculty (not directly by students). A complete application includes:
- Cover Letter from the major professor, outlining:
- Commitment to provide the remaining required funding.
- Support for the student’s research in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Student’s CV
- Student’s Goal Statement
Submit applications to:
📧 Dr. David Acker, Associate Dean for Global Engagement
Email: dacker@iastate.edu
Visit the Award Webpage for Details:
👉 Borel Global Fellows Program – Iowa State University
