Call for Applications: Fully Funded 2026 UKUDLA Doctoral Scholarships for African candidates

0 755 4 minutes read

Closing Date: 6 February 2026

Call for Applications: Fully Funded 2026 UKUDLA Doctoral Scholarships for African candidates

The 2026 UKUDLA Doctoral Scholarship call for African candidates, features 16 PhD research topics. The topics reflect the breadth of UKUDLA’s work, ranging from sustainable agriculture and food safety to nutrition, climate resilience, and data-driven approaches to agri-food systems.

The African German Centre for Food Systems and Data Science oﬀers scholarships to support a PhD-Thesis research project in South Africa and Malawi in cooperation with one of its partner institutions. The scholarship is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with funds from the Federal

Overview

The African German Centre of Excellence UKUDLA invites applications for PhD scholarships in the area of sustainable, resilient food systems and data science. Scholarships will be awarded for a period of 36 months (extension possible for a maximum of 6 months up to a maximum duration of 42 months). During this period, a 6-month exchange period at the German partner University of Hohenheim is an integral part of the UKUDLA Doctoral scholarship. The scholarship is financed by the DAAD with funds from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH), Germany. Primary Objective

UKUDLA’s primary objective is to advance the expertise of Master’s and PhD students, early-career researchers, and university lecturers in agri-food systems and applied data science. It also aims to enhance teaching methodologies and mentorship programmes within these interdisciplinary fields.

For this purpose, PhD scholarships for food systems-related doctoral studies are awarded to individuals from the target group described below and are selected through a competitive process.

By training future academic and professional leaders, the programme contributes to the following long-term impacts:

Promoting knowledge exchange with and transfer to stakeholders of the agri-food systems.
Qualified professionals’ involvement in agri-food systems and applied data science-related research projects in Sub-Saharan Africa;
Graduates strengthening education and research in Sub-Saharan Africa;
Structural strengthening and regional networking of partner institutions and partner universities.

Participating Institutions

Successful candidates will enrol for full-time doctoral study at one of the network’s institutions: the University of the Western Cape, the University of Mpumalanga, the University of Pretoria (South Africa), or the Lilongwe University of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (Malawi).

Place Of Tenure

For the duration of the degree, successful candidates must be based in the city or town where the university at which they are registered is located. A 6-month exchange program with the University of Hohenheim (Germany) is an integral part of the scholarship.

Scholarship Benefits

Stipend: A monthly stipend of EUR 900 basic rate (Malawi EUR 300 basic rate) + EUR 30 rent subsidy (in case a place on campus or in halls of residence is not provided or possible) will be provided to PhD candidates for a maximum of 42 months. Additionally, a contribution to medical aid can be included up to 20 EUR / month (medical aid contract and proof of payment must be provided). Payment schedules may vary according to the procedures of the home institutions.
Additional research funds in reasonable amounts for material costs, equipment, consumables, labour, local travel, etc., are available and can be applied for.
UKUDLA Graduate Centre educational modules, short courses, summer schools and workshops are integral to the UKUDLA project. Scholarship holders will have an opportunity to apply to participate in these educational activities.
A six-month research exchange at the University of Hohenheim (Germany), including travel costs, is also covered within the scholarship funding period.

PhD Scholarships Target Group

Candidates who have a master’s degree in a discipline that is broadly linked to food systems or data sciences and are interested in how these fields intersect.
Candidates who have not yet started with their doctoral degree.
Candidates with an average of 68% or higher must have achieved the first degree awarded by an internationally recognised university.
Candidates who are prepared to undertake the doctoral degree as full-time students.
Candidates who have English language proficiency, with one of the following qualifications as a minimum requirement: TOEFL 79/80 points or IELTS Band
Candidates who can prove that English has been the language of instruction at least since secondary school will also be considered.

Application Requirements

Graduates with a first academic degree, who have successfully completed a master’s degree with above average results (at least: 68% overall average / Second Class/Upper Division or equivalent, as applicable)
Clearly show motivation and strong commitment through a written statement;
Have a thorough knowledge of the language of instruction (English);
Have completed their last university degree not more than 6 years ago at the time of application;
Must already be in an African country either as a national or permanent resident;
Candidates must supply at least one academic reference, where possible, one
from the potential supervisor.
Willingness to dedicate 10 hours per week to work at the host university as compensation for the waived tuition fees.

Please note: The university from the network you choose might have additional requirements for admission to the university, in which case it is the applicant’s responsibility to be aware of what these are and be compliant.

Submission Of Application

As a first step, all applicants must submit a completed application form, which can be completed here. The most important part will be the development of a research project proposal addressing one of the announced research topics at our website.

The following attachments must be uploaded as part of the application:

A copy of your National Identification Card or, if not applicable, a copy of your passport.
A completed research project proposal form addressing one of the announced research topics at the homepage: https://ukudla-coe.ac.za/opportunites/ (proposal form available to download here).
A cover letter including your motivation
Max. two academic recommendation letters (which provide information about your qualifications and your academic performance). Your potential supervisor can provide one of your recommendation letters.
Letter of admission from the host university (this can be subsequently submitted before the scholarship begins if it is not available at the time of application, the Letter of Award only becomes effective if you are admitted to the selected university).
Certified copies of university degree certificates, including transcripts.
Short CV (2 pages maximum)
Evidence of English proficiency (TOEFL 79/80 points or IELTS Band 6 or English as the language of instruction at least since secondary school).