Admissions

Applications for the 2026/2027 intake are now open and will close on 31 Sept 2027. Early applications are strongly encouraged, as candidates will be shortlisted on a rolling basis. Applications submitted after the deadline may be considered only if spaces remain available.

Yes. IVAN Research Institute is affiliated with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), which serves as its parent institution. Degrees are awarded by UNN in partnership with IVAN. The Institute also maintains research and academic collaborations with several leading 15 global institutions in the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Yes. We welcome applications from students across Africa and around the world. International applicants must submit certified copies of their academic credentials, a valid international passport, proof of English-language proficiency where applicable, and meet Nigerian student visa requirements. Our international admissions team is available to guide applicants throughout the admissions and visa process.

Required documents include: (1) Completed online application form; (2) Research concept paper (2,000–3,000 words); (3) Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates; (4) CV/Résumé; (5) Three signed reference letters; (6) Statement of purpose; (7) NYSC discharge/exemption certificate (Nigerian applicants); (8) Evidence of previous publications or research reports (if available); (9) Proof of identity (National ID or passport).

Yes, a non-refundable application processing fee of ₦25,000 (or $30 USD for international applicants) is required upon submission of your application. Payment can be made via Paystack (debit/credit card, bank transfer) or Flutterwave. Payment details are provided on the online application portal.

Implementation Research is a field of scientific inquiry that examines how health interventions, policies, and programmes that are proven to work in controlled settings can be effectively delivered, scaled, and sustained in real-world health systems. In Africa, there is a major gap between what works in evidence and what is actually implemented on the ground. IVAN's PhD in Implementation Research trains scholars to close this gap — producing health system change-makers who translate evidence into impact.

Our PhD programmes are typically completed in 3 to 5 years for full-time students. The duration depends on the programme, your research design, and the pace of data collection and writing. Our academic council reviews and approves extensions where necessary. Part-time options may be available for selected programmes — enquire with the admissions office.

The Institute will separately communicate funding and scholarship information where available.

Yes. Every PhD student is assigned a primary supervisor and at least one co-supervisor from our faculty or partner institutions. Supervisors are matched based on your research interest and the faculty's areas of expertise. In some cases, an international co-supervisor from one of our partner universities (e.g., Michigan State, Johns Hopkins) may be appointed to provide additional mentorship.

IVAN PG School actively connects admitted students with scholarship opportunities. Available funding sources include IVAN Internal Research Scholarships, Tetfund Postgraduate Scholarships (for Nigerian academics), African Development Bank fellowships, WHO/TDR Implementation Research Grants, and bilateral scholarships from our partner countries. Shortlisted applicants will receive information about funding options available in their cohort.

Tuition fees vary by programme and student category (Nigerian vs. international). As a guide, annual tuition for Nigerian students ranges from ₦450,000 to ₦600,000, while international students are charged in USD. A full fee schedule is provided in your admission offer letter. Fees cover academic supervision, research workshops, access to IVAN's digital library, and use of research facilities. Accommodation and living costs are separate.

IVAN hosts five core research centres: (1) Centre for Implementation Science (CSI) — our flagship hub for implementation methodology and practice; (2) Nigeria Research and Innovation Centre (NRIC) — driving locally relevant health innovation; (3) SOAR Centre — Strategic Outcomes and Applied Research for health systems improvement; (4) Centre for Behavioural Science Research (CBSR) — studying psychosocial and behavioural determinants of health; and (5) Centre for Translational and Applied Implementation Research (CTAIR) — bridging laboratory findings and community health practice.

Your application will be acknowledged and reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps, including interviews where applicable.

Review timelines vary depending on application volume. Candidates will be notified once the review process has been completed.

Candidates who are s uccessfully shortlisted after the initial review will be invited for an interview. The interview format (virtual or in - person) will be communicated to selected applicants via email.

All applicants will receive an official admission decision via the email address provided during application.

The program may be offered in flexible formats including full - time, part - time, or hybrid delivery depending on candidate needs and institutional arrangements.

Successful candidates will be awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree upon completion of all academic and research requirements.

Yes. Applica nts are encouraged to review faculty profiles and may reach out to potential supervisors to discuss research alignment where appropriate

Minor refinements by the prospective scholar may be allowed by the institution after admission in consultation with the assigned supervisor and releva nt academic approval.

Information regarding payment structure and instalment options will be provided upon official program admission