The African German Centre of Excellence UKUDLA is now accepting applications for fully funded PhD scholarships focused on sustainable and resilient food systems and applied data science.
This prestigious opportunity supports doctoral research that addresses Africa's agri-food challenges through interdisciplinary, data-driven approaches.
The scholarships are financed by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with funding from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH), Germany.
📌 Scholarship Overview
Successful candidates will receive funding for 36 months, with a possible extension of up to 6 additional months (maximum of 42 months). A defining feature of the programme is a mandatory 6-month research exchange at the University of Hohenheim in Germany, designed to strengthen international collaboration and research excellence.
🎯 Programme Objectives
UKUDLA aims to build advanced expertise among PhD students, early-career researchers, and academic staff in:
- Sustainable and resilient agri-food systems
- Applied data science and analytics
- Interdisciplinary research and innovation
By training future academic and professional leaders, the programme contributes to long-term impacts such as:
- Strengthening agri-food systems research in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Promoting knowledge exchange with policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders
- Enhancing teaching, mentorship, and institutional capacity
- Supporting regional and international research collaboration
🏫 Participating Universities
PhD candidates will be registered full-time at one of the following institutions:
- University of the Western Cape (South Africa)
- University of Mpumalanga (South Africa)
- University of Pretoria (South Africa)
- Lilongwe University of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (LUANAR) (Malawi)
Students must reside in the city or town of their host university for the duration of their studies, except during approved fieldwork or the German exchange period.
💰 Scholarship Benefits
The UKUDLA PhD scholarship includes:
- Monthly stipend
- South Africa: EUR 900 + EUR 30 rent subsidy
- Malawi: EUR 300 + EUR 30 rent subsidy
- Medical aid contribution of up to EUR 20 per month
- Six-month funded research exchange at the University of Hohenheim (Germany), including travel costs
- Additional research funding for materials, equipment, fieldwork, and local travel
- Access to UKUDLA Graduate Centre modules, workshops, summer schools, and short courses
👤 Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a master's degree in a field related to food systems or data science
- Have achieved at least 68% (or equivalent) in their most recent degree
- Not yet have started a doctoral programme
- Be willing to study full-time
- Demonstrate English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or prior English instruction)
- Have completed their last degree within the past six years
- Be resident in an African country, either as a national or permanent resident
- Commit to 10 hours per week of academic work at the host university (in lieu of tuition fees)
Note: Research involving the commercial development of genetically modified or genome-edited organisms for food or feed is not eligible for funding.
📝 Application Process
Applicants must submit an online application, including:
- Completed UKUDLA application form
- Research proposal aligned with advertised UKUDLA research themes
- Cover letter outlining motivation and commitment
- Academic CV (maximum 2 pages)
- Certified academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Proof of English proficiency
- At least one academic reference (preferably from a potential supervisor)
- Copy of passport or national ID
- Letter of admission from the host university (may be submitted later)
📧 Enquiries: [email protected]
