Application Deadline: 30 September 2026
African researchers interested in improving education leadership now have an exciting funding opportunity. The African Centre for School Leadership (ACSL) has opened applications for its School Leadership Research Grants 2026 (Cohort II), offering grants of up to $35,000 to support research that can strengthen school leadership systems across Africa.
The program is designed to encourage high-quality research that informs policy, improves school management, and contributes to better learning outcomes for children across the continent.
Overview of the ACSL Research Grants 2026
| Item | Details |
| Programme | ACSL School Leadership Research Grants 2026 (Cohort II) |
| Funding Amount | Up to $35,000 |
| Eligible Applicants | Researchers from African countries |
| Focus Area | School leadership and education research |
| Application Deadline | 30 September 2026 |
About the African Centre for School Leadership (ACSL)
The African Centre for School Leadership works to improve school leadership and educational outcomes across Africa through research, capacity building, and evidence-based policy engagement. Through this grant programme, ACSL aims to support researchers whose work can generate practical insights for schools, education ministries, and development partners.
Read: How to Write a Winning Grant Proposal
What the Grant Supports
Selected researchers may receive funding for activities such as:
- Field research and data collection
- Research assistants and technical support
- Data analysis and software
- Travel related to approved research activities
- Workshops and stakeholder engagement
- Preparation of research reports and policy briefs
- Dissemination of findings
The maximum funding available is $35,000 per project, depending on the scope and quality of the proposal.
Research Areas of Interest
ACSL is particularly interested in studies related to:
- School leadership practices
- Instructional leadership
- Teacher support and professional development
- School governance and accountability
- Leadership in low-resource schools
- Gender and inclusive leadership
- Education policy implementation
- School improvement and student learning outcomes
- Leadership development programmes
Applicants are encouraged to propose research that addresses real challenges faced by African schools and education systems.
Who Can Apply?
The call is open to researchers based in Africa. Eligible applicants may include:
- University academics
- Education researchers
- Policy researchers
- Research institutes and think tanks
- Doctoral or postdoctoral researchers (where permitted by the programme)
- Collaborative research teams led by an African researcher
Applicants should demonstrate research experience and the ability to complete the proposed project within the required timeframe.
Expected Outputs
Successful grantees will typically be expected to produce:
- A completed research study
- A final research report
- Policy recommendations or policy briefs
- Presentations or dissemination activities
- Evidence that can inform school leadership policy and practice
Why This Opportunity Matters
Education systems across Africa continue to face leadership challenges that affect school quality and student achievement. By funding locally led research, ACSL is investing in African scholars who can provide context-specific solutions rather than relying solely on external evidence.
This grant is especially valuable for researchers seeking:
- Internationally recognized research funding
- Support for policy-relevant education research
- Opportunities to influence educational leadership reforms
- Collaboration with education stakeholders across Africa
How to Apply
Interested applicants should carefully read the full call for proposals and submit their application through the official ACSL portal.
Official Application Link
Apply here: African Centre for School Leadership Research Grants
Before submitting, ensure that all required documents are complete and that your proposal clearly explains the research problem, methodology, expected outcomes, budget, and policy relevance.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications is 30 September 2026. Late applications are unlikely to be considered, so applicants are advised to prepare and submit their proposals well before the closing date.
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve your chances of success:
- Focus on a clearly defined school leadership problem.
- Demonstrate how the research will benefit African education systems.
- Use a realistic methodology and timeline.
- Present a transparent and justified budget.
- Highlight previous research experience and publications where applicable.
- Show how findings will be shared with policymakers and practitioners.
Final Thoughts
The ACSL School Leadership Research Grants 2026 offer a significant opportunity for African researchers to conduct impactful education research with funding of up to $35,000. If your work focuses on school leadership, educational improvement, or policy-relevant research, this programme could provide the resources needed to turn your research idea into meaningful evidence for change.
Prospective applicants should review the official guidelines and submit their applications before 30 September 2026.
