Overview: What Is the Borel Global Fellows Program?
The Borel Global Fellows Program at Iowa State University (ISU) is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship opportunity designed specifically for graduate students from Sub-Saharan Africa. Offered through ISU’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, this program provides up to $25,000 per year to support graduate student stipends for those pursuing a Master’s or PhD degree in the United States. If you are an ambitious student from Sub-Saharan Africa with a passion for agriculture, food systems, or life sciences, this scholarship could be your gateway to world-class education in the USA.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Borel Global Fellows Program is considered fully funded, which means it goes far beyond just paying for tuition. The award of up to $25,000 annually is directed toward graduate student stipends, helping fellows cover living expenses while they focus on their academic and research goals. In addition to the stipend support, fellows benefit from being enrolled at Iowa State University — a top-ranked research institution with exceptional resources, faculty mentorship, and a strong international community. Fellows gain access to cutting-edge agricultural research facilities and a network of global scholars.
Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, make sure you meet the core eligibility criteria for the Borel Global Fellows Program:
1. Geographic Origin: Applicants must be from a Sub-Saharan African country. This is a firm requirement and is central to the program’s mission of building agricultural capacity across the African continent.
2. Academic Level: The scholarship supports students at the graduate level — specifically those pursuing a Master’s or PhD degree. Undergraduate students are not eligible.
3. Field of Study: Applicants must be enrolled in or applying to a program within Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). This includes disciplines such as agronomy, animal science, food science, horticulture, agricultural economics, and related fields.
4. Admission to ISU: Candidates must be admitted to a graduate program at Iowa State University as part of the application process. The fellowship and graduate admission are closely linked, so you will need to work with a faculty advisor or department when applying.
5. Academic Excellence: Strong academic records and a demonstrated commitment to contributing to agricultural development in Africa are expected. Research experience and clear career goals aligned with the program’s mission will strengthen your application.
How to Apply
The application process for the Borel Global Fellows Program involves a few important steps that require careful planning:
Step 1 – Identify a Faculty Advisor: Reach out to faculty members within ISU’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences whose research aligns with your interests. Having a faculty sponsor is typically a critical part of the fellowship nomination process.
Step 2 – Apply for Graduate Admission: Submit a graduate school application to Iowa State University through the official ISU Graduate College portal. Make sure your application clearly reflects your research interests and background.
Step 3 – Express Interest in the Fellowship: Communicate your interest in the Borel Global Fellows Program to your prospective faculty advisor and department. Fellows are often nominated through their department, so early communication is key.
Step 4 – Prepare Your Documents: Gather all required materials, which typically include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a CV/resume, and English language proficiency test scores (such as TOEFL or IELTS).
Deadlines and Important Dates
Specific application deadlines may vary by department and program cycle, so it is essential to check directly with Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the graduate program you are interested in. Scholarship cycles for the 2027 intake are expected to open in the coming months — staying proactive and reaching out early to potential faculty advisors is strongly recommended.
Why This Scholarship Is Worth Pursuing
Iowa State University is consistently ranked among the best agricultural universities in the world. The Borel Global Fellows Program is not just financial support — it is an investment in future African agricultural leaders. Fellows graduate with internationally recognized degrees, strong research skills, and a professional network that spans continents. For students passionate about transforming food security and agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa, this fellowship offers an unmatched opportunity.
Ready to apply? Visit the official page here: Apply Now
