Applications Open for the GAIN Program (Fully Funded) | Uganda

Opportunity Type: Graduate Program Support (Mentoring + Guidance + Financial Support)

Level: Master’s and PhD Pathway (Economics and related fields)

Location: Open to applicants from all African countries (Online program)

Funding: Fully Funded Support (for selected components and participants)

Application Method: Apply Online

Application Deadline: 11 February 2026

Overview

Applications for the GAIN cohort are now open. The GAIN Program provides information sharing, mentoring, and financial support to high-potential African students interested in pursuing graduate studies in economics and closely related social science fields at top institutions worldwide.

GAIN strengthens access to graduate education by equipping participants with practical skills, mentorship, and guidance to successfully apply to competitive Master’s and PhD programs.

About the GAIN Program

GAIN supports African students who want to build careers in academic research, policy, and development economics. The program runs in phases, starting with an open webinar series and progressing to a competitive mentoring stage for selected participants.

What GAIN Supports

• Graduate school admissions guidance
• Exposure to research and policy career pathways
• One-on-one mentoring by experienced economists (for selected participants)
• GRE preparation support for selected participants

Who Can Apply

The program is open to motivated students from all African countries preparing to apply for graduate programs in economics or closely related fields.

Strong candidates typically include:

• Final-year undergraduate students or recent graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in economics or a related field
• Final-year students or graduates with a Master’s degree in economics or a related discipline
• Applicants aiming to pursue:
  • A PhD in economics or related social sciences, or
  • A Master’s degree in economics with the intention of pursuing a PhD afterward

GAIN strongly encourages applications from top-performing African students with a demonstrated interest in research, policy, or academic careers.

Program Structure and Phases

1) Webinar Series (Mandatory First Stage)

Accepted participants will take part in a free biweekly webinar series beginning in January. Sessions feature guest speakers and cover:

• Graduate school application strategies
• Writing strong statements of purpose
• Research careers in academia, policy, and international institutions
• Funding opportunities and fellowships

Participation in the webinar series is mandatory for anyone who wishes to apply to the mentoring program.

Typical time commitment: 3 to 5 hours per week from January onwards.

2) Mentoring Program (Second Stage, Competitive)

After completing the webinar series, participants may apply for the mentoring phase. Entry into this stage is competitive.

• Selected candidates participate in a GRE bootcamp
• Selected candidates sit for the GRE examination
• Candidates are assessed based on performance and commitment
• Applicants who meet the GRE score requirement are admitted into the mentoring program
• Admitted participants are matched with an experienced mentor and guided through the full graduate application process

Additional requirements for the mentoring phase will be communicated during the webinars.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

• Be in the final year of study or have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in economics or a related field
• Intend to pursue a PhD in economics or related fields, or a Master’s degree leading to a PhD
• Be willing to study abroad
• Commit sufficient time to attend and actively participate in the GAIN Webinar Series

Important Dates

• Information Session: 21 January 2026, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm CET (8:00 pm to 10:00 pm EAT)
• First Official GAIN Webinar: 28 January 2026
• Application Deadline: 11 February 2026 (rolling review)

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply before the first official webinar date. Those who apply later will be responsible for catching up on missed content.

GAIN Information Session Details

On 21 January 2026, GAIN will host an online information session open to all interested applicants. During the session, the GAIN team will introduce the program structure, successful GAIN alumni will share experiences, and participants will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Recordings of previous information sessions are available under GAIN Resources, and the recording of the 2026 session will be uploaded by the end of January.

How to Apply

Eligible candidates should submit their applications using the official GAIN Program Application Form. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and accepted participants will be notified by the end of February at the latest.

Official communication email: [email protected]

Application Tip

• Apply early so you can attend the first webinars and keep up with the full learning sequence.
• Prepare a clear academic CV and be ready to show interest in research, policy, or academic careers.
• Use an active email address and check it regularly for webinar updates and admission notices.

Note: Only applicants who follow the official application process and meet participation requirements will progress to later stages.