Borel Global Fellows Program 2027 at Iowa State, USA | How to Apply
The Borel Global Fellows Program is a graduate funding programme at Iowa State University (ISU) in the USA for students who are committed to improving food security and agricultural development in Sub-Saharan Africa. It was started in 2018 through a gift from ISU alumni Jim and Marcia Borel, and it supports MS and PhD students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The goal is to train scientists who will go back and live and work in Sub-Saharan Africa as knowledge leaders.
This is not a normal scholarship where you apply on your own. You must already be admitted into a graduate programme in the college, and your major professor is the one who sends the application for you. The funding is up to $25,000 per year, but it is partial funding, and your professor must cover the rest. Applications are due on 15 January each year, so read the sections below to see what you and your professor each need to do.
Borel Global Fellows Program Summary
| Scholarship Name ⇒ | Borel Global Fellows Program |
| Host Country ⇒ | USA |
| Study Level ⇒ | Master’s, PhD |
| Benefits ⇒ | Up to $25,000 per year toward stipend and research funding, plus travel funding to and from Africa for research |
| Funded by ⇒ | Jim and Marcia Borel gift to Iowa State University |
| Eligible Countries ⇒ | Students committed to working in Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Application Deadline ⇒ | 15 January (every year) |
Benefits and Funding
- Up to $25,000 per year per student
- The money pays for a graduate stipend, or a combination of a partial stipend and research funding
- Funding lasts up to 30 months for MS students
- Funding lasts up to 42 months for PhD students
- Funding for the student’s travel to and from Africa for research purposes
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This is partial funding. Your major professor must commit to providing the remaining funding, which typically covers tuition, fees and research costs. Make sure you have this conversation before you apply.
Who Can Apply for the Borel Global Fellows Program
To be considered, you must:
- Be admitted into a graduate programme in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University
- Commit to completing your graduate studies as preparation for a career that contributes to food security in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Do the majority of your graduate research in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Show that you intend to work and live in Sub-Saharan Africa after your studies
Nigeria is in Sub-Saharan Africa, so Nigerian students who plan to return home after their studies fit the programme.
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Who Submits the Application
Applications are not accepted directly from graduate students. Only Iowa State University professors can apply, to request support for students who have already been accepted into a graduate programme in the college. Any faculty member with a majority appointment in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences can submit one.
So you cannot apply for this fellowship until you have both an admission and a professor willing to submit for you.
Documents for the Application
A complete application includes:
- A cover letter from your major professor
- Your CV
- A copy of your goal statement
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The professor’s cover letter must address two things: their commitment to provide the remaining required funding, and their commitment to support your research in Sub-Saharan Africa.
How to Apply for the Borel Global Fellows Program
- Apply for admission. Apply to a graduate programme in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University and get accepted.
- Find a major professor. Choose a faculty member whose work fits food security or agricultural development in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Agree on the funding plan. Confirm that your professor will cover tuition, fees and research costs beyond the Borel award, and that they will support your research in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Write your goal statement. Explain your commitment to food security work in Sub-Saharan Africa and your plan to live and work there after your studies.
- Prepare your CV.
- Ask your professor to apply. They send the cover letter, your CV and your goal statement by 15 January. Professors who want to apply can contact the Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nigerians apply for the Borel Global Fellows Program?
Yes, if you are admitted into a graduate programme in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State, you plan to do most of your research in Sub-Saharan Africa, and you intend to live and work there afterwards. Nigeria is in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Can I apply for the fellowship myself?
No. Applications are not accepted from students. Your Iowa State professor must submit it for you after you have been admitted.
How much funding does the program give?
Up to $25,000 per year for stipend and research funding, for up to 30 months for MS students and up to 42 months for PhD students. Travel funding to and from Africa for research is also available.
Does the fellowship cover my tuition?
Not fully. The award is partial, and your major professor must commit to providing the remaining funding, which typically covers tuition, fees and research costs.
What is the deadline?
15 January each year.
Disclaimer: All scholarship details, deadlines, award values, and eligibility criteria in this post were verified from official sources as of October 2026. Information is subject to change without notice. Always confirm the latest details directly on the official Borel Global Fellows Program website before submitting your application. ScholarWaka is not affiliated with Iowa State University or the Borel Global Fellows Program.
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