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Application Timeline
Key dates for the 2026 funding cycle.
Future application windows will be announced at least 3 months in advance. Join The Common Room newsletter to be notified.
1 September 2026
Applications open
The online application form goes live. Choose your track and begin preparing your submission.
15 October 2026
Application deadline
All applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm WAT. Late or incomplete applications are not reviewed.
October–November 2026
Review & interviews
Eligibility screening, panel scoring against published criteria, and virtual interviews for shortlisted candidates.
30 November 2026
Decisions communicated
All applicants notified by email. Award recipients announced publicly on this site.
October 2026
First scholar cohort
Meet our first cohort of GEF scholars — profiles published on the Scholars page.