Closing Date: 23 November 2026
Presidential PhD Programme in Advanced Biotechnology for the SDGs 2027 at Rhodes University, South Africa
Applications are now open for the Presidential PhD Programme in Advanced Biotechnology for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2027 in South Africa. The programme offers doctoral research opportunities for qualified candidates interested in biotechnology, healthcare innovation, sustainable agriculture, environmental protection and other areas contributing to sustainable development.
Led by Rhodes University in partnership with six other institutions, the initiative is supported by South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF). It aims to train a new generation of researchers equipped with advanced scientific knowledge, leadership skills and the ability to translate research discoveries into practical solutions to societal challenges.
The programme will support approximately 45 PhD candidates and 15 postdoctoral research fellows over its first three years, with funding of approximately R21 million. The first cohort of doctoral candidates is expected to enrol in 2027.
About the Presidential PhD Programme
The Presidential PhD Programme (PPhP) is a national initiative led by the National Research Foundation to transform doctoral education in South Africa.
Rhodes University has been selected to lead the Advanced Biotechnology for the SDGs hub, working alongside Nelson Mandela University, the University of Fort Hare, Walter Sisulu University, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Tshwane University of Technology and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
The programme combines advanced biotechnology research with interdisciplinary training, innovation, entrepreneurship and policy engagement. Unlike conventional doctoral programmes, candidates will participate in structured workshops, accredited courses, collaborative supervision and opportunities to engage with industry, communities and policymakers.
The initiative aims to develop researchers capable of pursuing careers in academia, industry, entrepreneurship, governance and public policy.
Available PhD Research Opportunities
Several doctoral research projects are available across the participating institutions. Research areas include:
- Healthcare and Medical Biotechnology: Research in cancer biotechnology, precision medicine, drug discovery, diagnostics and the development of innovative healthcare technologies.
- Agricultural Biotechnology: Development of biofertilisers, sustainable agricultural technologies, climate-smart agriculture and biological solutions to improve food production.
- Environmental Biotechnology: Research involving microbial resources, bioremediation, environmental monitoring, water quality and biological control.
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Research: Application of computational and molecular techniques to healthcare, disease surveillance and biological research.
- Industrial Biotechnology: Development of biocatalysts, sustainable chemical manufacturing, biomass processing and innovative biomaterials.
Some of the advertised PhD projects include the development of biofertiliser technologies for sustainable crop production, paper-based diagnostics for healthcare, molecular diagnostics for plant pathogens, and research into hydrogen-driven biocatalytic processes for sustainable chemical manufacturing.
Applicants can explore the available projects and identify a prospective supervisor at one of the participating institutions.
Participating Institutions
The Advanced Biotechnology PhD Programme is delivered through a consortium comprising:
- Rhodes University (RU) – Programme hub leader.
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU).
- University of Fort Hare (UFH).
- Walter Sisulu University (WSU).
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
Each institution contributes specialist research expertise and provides opportunities for doctoral candidates to work within established research environments.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants interested in the PhD Programme should meet the following academic funding requirement:
- Must have achieved a minimum academic average of 65% in their previous degree, in accordance with the NRF postgraduate funding criteria.
- Must meet the admission requirements of the relevant host institution and selected PhD research project.
- Must demonstrate an appropriate academic background and research interest related to the proposed biotechnology project.
The programme welcomes applicants whose academic and research interests align with its priorities in advanced biotechnology and sustainable development.
Scholarship Funding and Benefits
Successful applicants may receive either Full Cost of Study (FCS) or Partial Cost of Study (PCS) funding through the NRF.
Full Cost of Study funding is available exclusively to South African citizens and permanent residents who meet at least one of the following conditions:
- Come from financially needy households with a combined annual household income of R350,000 or less.
- Have a disability.
- Qualify as exceptional academic achievers.
Partial Cost of Study funding is available to a limited proportion of international students, as well as eligible South African applicants who do not qualify for Full Cost of Study funding but meet the other NRF scholarship requirements.
In addition to scholarship support, successful PhD candidates will participate in the structured doctoral training programme. Travel and attendance at programme workshops will also be funded.
Participants may benefit from multidisciplinary supervision, specialist short courses, international research visits and opportunities to collaborate with industry and other research stakeholders.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must first identify a research project that matches their academic background and interests.
To apply:
- Visit the official Presidential PhD Programme webpage.
- Open the PhD Application Information section.
- Explore the available research projects across the participating institutions.
- Identify the prospective PhD supervisor associated with your preferred research project.
- Prepare your updated CV, academic transcript and cover letter.
- Email the three documents directly to the prospective PhD host for the research area you are interested in.
Application Website: https://www.ru.ac.za/pphp/
PhD Projects and Application Information: https://www.ru.ac.za/pphp/phdapplicationinformation/
Applicants should contact their prospective supervisors for further information about individual research projects and application arrangements. The official programme webpage does not currently specify a single closing date for all projects.
Conclusion
The Presidential PhD Programme in Advanced Biotechnology for the SDGs 2027 provides an opportunity for aspiring researchers to pursue doctoral studies while developing the scientific, leadership and innovation skills needed to address major development challenges.
With participating institutions offering research opportunities in healthcare, agriculture, environmental sustainability and industrial biotechnology, the programme presents an attractive opportunity for qualified candidates interested in using scientific research to advance sustainable development.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to explore the available PhD projects, contact their preferred supervisors and prepare their applications for the 2027 academic intake.
