Application Deadline: 3 April 2026
Open Call for TRAJECTS Master Scholarships 2026–2028
The Transnational Centre for Just Transitions in Energy, Climate and Sustainability (TRAJECTS) is pleased to announce the opening of applications for its fully funded Master scholarships covering the period from August 2026 to July 2028. This opportunity offers eight scholarships at partner universities located in South Africa and Colombia. The initiative aims to support Master’s candidates whose research and academic pursuits are dedicated to promoting equitable transitions in the fields of energy, climate action, and sustainability, while actively participating in the vibrant TRAJECTS transnational academic network.
TRAJECTS promotes a dynamic South–South–North collaboration, fostering shared academic exchange and cooperative efforts between institutions and scholars. Recipients of these scholarships will be expected to develop their research projects within this cooperative framework, contributing meaningfully to network dialogues, workshops, and training sessions organized by TRAJECTS.
Focus Areas for Research Projects
Successful applicants should orient their Master’s thesis around topics that align with the central objectives of TRAJECTS, especially emphasizing:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by phasing out fossil fuel use, with attention to policy, labor, and governance issues.
- Advancing the sustainable adoption of renewable energy systems, including strategies related to energy access, circular economy models, and environmentally conscious industrial growth.
- Exploring socio-ecological transitions in critical sectors, particularly within regions heavily reliant on fossil fuels or extractive industries.
Scholarship Allocation by Institution
| University | Location | Number of Scholarships |
|---|---|---|
| University of Cape Town (UCT) | South Africa | 2 |
| University of Magdalena (UMS) | Santa Marta, Colombia | 4 |
| Institute of Environmental Studies (IDEA), National University of Colombia | Bogotá Campus, Colombia | 2 |
Scholarship Benefits
Each awardee will receive a monthly stipend of 1,000 EUR, which will be disbursed in local currency, subject to current exchange rates. Beyond financial support, recipients gain access to TRAJECTS workshops, mobility assistance, and funding to support language acquisition where necessary. It is important to note that this stipend is intended to cover tuition fees as well, so applicants should carefully review the updated fee structures on the official websites of the respective Master’s programs.
Applicants should be aware that TRAJECTS does not manage the admissions procedures for the Master’s programs at the partner universities. Each candidate is responsible for independently meeting and fulfilling all entry requirements established by the chosen institution.
Eligibility and Candidate Expectations
To be considered in the selection process, applicants must fulfill the following criteria and agree to the commitments if awarded a scholarship:
- Possess an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree.
- Have earned their most recent academic qualification no more than six years prior to the application date.
- Not hold a Master’s degree at the time of application.
- Have been admitted to, or be currently enrolled in, the first or second semester of one of the Master’s programmes listed in this call. Note that the University of Magdalena requires applicants to be newly admitted students.
- Show demonstrated interest or prior experience in the thematic areas embraced by TRAJECTS.
- Commit to developing a Master’s thesis relevant to TRAJECTS’ mission.
- Dedicate themselves full-time to Master’s level research and participate actively in TRAJECTS activities. The scholarship does not permit combining the research with other off-campus work unless it synergizes with the Master’s program and TRAJECTS goals.
- Comply with the regulations and statutes of the host university, DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), and TRAJECTS itself.
- Participate in TRAJECTS events, conferences, and courses throughout the scholarship duration and meet all academic obligations tied to these activities.
- Enroll in and complete the joint virtual TRAJECTS Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) within the first semester of funding.
- Submit regular academic progress reports to the TRAJECTS coordination team at the respective university hosting their postgraduate studies.
- Maintain respectful and collegial relationships with fellow scholars, staff, and TRAJECTS personnel.
Required Documents for Application
- Certified copy of Bachelor’s degree diploma or graduation certificate.
- Official transcripts of undergraduate academic records.
- Proof of admission or current enrollment in one of the eligible Master’s programmes listed in this announcement.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV), limited to two pages.
- Motivation letter outlining academic interests and goals, not exceeding two pages.
- Research proposal for the Master’s thesis, with a maximum of three pages.
- One academic reference letter.
- If applicable, a self-declaration indicating vulnerability, marginalization, or minority status.
Prospective applicants interested in submitting their application are encouraged to follow the official application link below.
