DEADLINE: 1 MARCH 2025
Established in 2018, The Africa Institute, located in Sharjah, UAE, is an interdisciplinary academic research institute focused on the study, research, and documentation of Africa and the African diaspora. As the only institution of its kind in the Gulf—a historical nexus of African-Arab cultural exchange—the institute is uniquely positioned to enhance global understanding of African and African diaspora studies.
The Africa Institute offers a comprehensive curriculum for postgraduate studies designed to cultivate the next generation of critical thinkers in these fields. Through international symposia, conferences, visual art exhibitions, artist commissions, film and performance series, and community outreach events, the institute fosters an expanded public understanding of African-Arab exchange not only within the academic community but also in the local Sharjah community, the region, and globally.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
The Master’s programs at The Africa Institute engage with some of the most pressing issues in the study of global Africa today, covering a wide range of topics across the humanities and social sciences. The MA curriculum is organized into three key tracks:
Museum and Critical Heritage Studies
Diplomacy and Africa’s International Relations
Afro-Arab Relations
These interdisciplinary graduate programs explore major cross-cutting themes such as intellectual thought, the Indian Ocean world, the Muslim world, gender studies, feminist futures, and diaspora. Additionally, all MA students are required to complete three semesters of coursework in a chosen African language, culminating in a certificate upon completion. The institute’s diverse faculty, skilled in trans- and inter-disciplinary collaboration, ensures that students receive an education that addresses contemporary questions in innovative and meaningful ways.
Scholarship Benefits
Global Studies University (GSU) offers graduate students at The Africa Institute comprehensive scholarships, covering all educational expenses and providing a monthly stipend. The scholarship package includes:
Full tuition coverage
UAE visa sponsorship and health insurance
Air tickets for international students
Student accommodation
Monthly stipend
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
An acceptance letter from the GSU admissions office
A minimum CGPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale in their bachelor’s degree
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The admission requirements for applicants to a master’s degree program are specified with regard to academic qualifications, CGPA, and English language proficiency. Here are the key requirements:
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0 out of 4.0, or its equivalent from an independently accredited university.
The university should be recognized by both the UAE Ministry of Education’s Higher Education Affairs Division and the institution you are applying to.
Applicants must submit official transcripts and graduation certificates of their Bachelor’s degree, both attested by the UAE Ministry of Education. If the Bachelor’s degree and transcript are not in English, a legal translation is required.
If the Bachelor’s degree was obtained outside the UAE, applicants must submit an equivalency certificate of their degree from the UAE Ministry of Education’s Higher Education Affairs Division. This is to ensure that the foreign degree is recognized within the UAE. Please refer to the details on how to apply for this certificate, which can be found on the Ministry of Education website under “Certificate Equivalency Information” and “Required Documents for Equivalency.”
Valid passport copy
Emirates ID and visa (if applicable)
One passport-sized photo with a white background
Valid English proficiency score: IELTS 6.5 or iBT TOEFL 91
CV/Resume
Recommendation letters from two referees.
Statement of Interest: A personal statement of 1,000 to 1,500 words is required and should encompass two key sections:
Section I: Focuses on the applicant, detailing their personal journey, motivations, and aspirations. This includes:
An introduction that showcases the applicant’s background and interests.
The motivation behind pursuing a graduate program in their area of interest.
A highlight of accomplishments and skills that demonstrate their suitability for the program. This can include volunteer work, professional experiences, and personal or academic achievements, articulating how these experiences align with the field of intercultural communication.
Section II: Focuses on the applicant’s research interests and reasons for choosing one of the three tracks/topics within the program. This includes:
A detailed explanation of specific research interests within the field of Global African Studies.
The reasons for interest in this area.
An overview of how past academic and professional experiences (if applicable) have prepared the applicant to pursue research in this field.
A discussion of the potential impact the applicant hopes to achieve through their research and how it aligns with future career objectives.
A brief proposal outlining the research projects intended to be pursued during studies in the program.
12. Admission interviews will be conducted in person or online via the Zoom application for shortlisted students. Once the applicant meets the standards for admission to the graduate program, they will be interviewed by the student recruitment committee, which is composed of faculty and academic affairs staff, taking into consideration faculty specialization in areas related to the prospective student’s academic interests.
13. Application fee AED 365 (non-refundable)
For further inquiries, prospective students can contact the Admissions Office at admissions@theafricainstitute.org or call +971 6 5112445.
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