Updated: August 2026 by Study Tribune Team
Queen Elizabeth Scholarship for Early Career Women – Advanced Scholars West Africa (QES-AS-WA) cohort for early-career female researchers (including the “Wurin ta na yin rubutu – Her own room to write” initiative) completed its primary 2021–2025 operational cycle. Active funding under the Queen Elizabeth framework has transitioned into new multi-year project cycles (such as QES 2025–2028) and broader Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS).
Current Program Overview & 2026 Status
| Program Detail | Updated Status & Details |
| Original Specific Initiative | QES Advanced Scholars West Africa (“Wurin ta na yin rubutu”) |
| Target Audience | Female PhD candidates in final stages, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career academics |
| Target Region | 25 West and Central African nations |
| Original Cycle Status | Program completed (2021–2025 cycle concluded). |
| Active Successor Program | Adapting for Resilience – QES 2025–2028 (Carleton University & African partner institutions) |
| Parallel Active Award | Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) |
| Next QECS Application Deadline | September 30, 2026 |
Key Benefits Provided Under QES Frameworks
- Tuition & Placement Fees: 100% coverage for approved host institution research placements.
- Living Allowance: Monthly stipend to cover housing, meals, and personal living expenses.
- Travel & Mobility: International airfare (economy), visa fees, and ground transportation expenses.
- Research Expenses: Dedicated grants for research placement costs and field work support.
- Insurance: Comprehensive travel and health insurance coverage throughout the exchange duration.
Eligible West & Central African Countries
- Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo.
Active Replacement Opportunities for 2026–2027
- Carleton University QES: Adapting for Resilience (2025–2028): Focuses on climate change resilience, societal transformation, and gender equality (SDG 5) in Sub-Saharan Africa in partnership with African universities.
- Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS): Managed by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), offering fully funded 2-year Master’s and research opportunities across Commonwealth partner universities in low/middle-income nations.
Application Steps for Active Opportunities
- Verify University Affiliation: Confirm employment or enrollment at an eligible higher education institution in West Africa or a Commonwealth member state.
- Review Open Calls: Visit the official Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) QECS portal or host university QES research pages.
- Submit Application Package: Prepare academic transcripts, 2–3 reference letters, proof of citizenship, and research proposals prior to the closing deadline.
Also Helpful: NALAFEM, WAAW Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship, Scholarships for African Students
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship for Early Career Women currently open?
The original 2021–2025 cohort of the QES Advanced Scholars West Africa program (“Wurin ta na yin rubutu – Her own room to write”) has concluded its operational cycle. However, funding under the broader Queen Elizabeth Scholars (QES) framework continues through new multi-year university partnerships (such as QES 2025–2028) and the annual Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS).
What replaced the QES Advanced Scholars West Africa program?
Active research and academic mobility funding has transitioned into new institutional QES cycles—such as the Adapting for Resilience (2025–2028) initiative led by Canadian and West African university partners—and the broader Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) managed by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU).
Who is eligible for Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS)?
QECS is open to citizens and refugees of any Commonwealth country who hold a minimum 2:1 upper second-class undergraduate degree (or equivalent). Applicants must apply to pursue a master’s degree at a participating host university located in a Commonwealth country other than their country of citizenship. There is no upper age limit.
What benefits does the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship framework cover?
Fully funded awards under the QES and QECS frameworks typically provide 100% tuition coverage, a monthly living allowance or stipend, return economy airfare, a one-off arrival allowance, comprehensive travel and health insurance, and institutional research/fieldwork support grants.
Which African countries were eligible under the QES West Africa quota?
Female researchers from 25 West and Central African nations were eligible under the Advanced Scholars West Africa initiative: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
Are undergraduate degrees supported by the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship for Early Career Women?
No. The Early Career Women initiative specifically targeted doctoral candidates (PhD candidates in their final writing stage), postdoctoral researchers, and early-career university faculty. Undergraduate students seeking funding should explore general regional schemes, such as the Mauritius-Africa Scholarship Scheme or corporate bursaries.
How do I apply for active Queen Elizabeth research fellowships?
To apply for current opportunities, candidates must register on the official myACU portal during active application cycles for QECS, or apply directly through participating host universities in Canada and Africa hosting active QES project grants. Applications require academic transcripts, a detailed research proposal, proof of citizenship, and 2–3 academic references.