Closing Date: 10 April 2026
Call for Applications: Apply now for the TRAJECTS PhD Scholarships 2026!
Call for TRAJECTS PhD Scholarships (2026-2030)
The Transnational Centre for Just Transitions in Energy, Climate and Sustainability (TRAJECTS) invites applications for nine fully funded PhD scholarships for the period August 2026 – July 2030 at partner universities in Germany, South Africa and Colombia. TRAJECTS supports doctoral research that advances socially just transitions in energy, climate and sustainability and strengthens South–South–North academic exchange and collaboration. Each selected candidate will be enrolled at one host institution and co-supervised within the TRAJECTS network.
TRAJECTS publishes a list of suggested PhD topics within the Call that applicants can apply to. However, candidates may also propose a combination of several topics or self-developed research ideas that align with the overarching objectives of TRAJECTS, which are:
- Mitigating climate change by phasing-out fossil fuels (i.a. climate policies or employment effects of the energy transition).
- Sustainable integration of renewable energy systems (i.a. topics from energy access, circular economy of renewable energy to hydrogen production).
- Socio-ecological transitions in critical areas, with emphasis on regions highly dependent on fossil fuels (i.a. social-ecological considerations of renewable energy, post-carbon urban transitions, agroecological transitions, environmental conflicts due to land and energy extractive activities, and hydroclimatological perspectives).
Applicants are also required to clearly specify the geographical focus of their proposal. This may include Colombia and/or South Africa, or a wider analysis covering neighbouring regions or a global scope.
The TRAJECTS PhD Scholarships provide a monthly stipend of around 1,300–1,400€ (depending on location), mobility funding within the TRAJECTS network and access to training and language support. Tuition fees are not covered and must be clarified directly with the respective host institution. Applicants are required to indicate the corresponding topic code in the application form and are strongly encouraged to review the full Call for Applications before submitting their materials.
Required documents for application
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Exposé / pre-proposal of the proposed PhD project (3–6 pages)
- Motivation letter (1 page)
- One academic recommendation letter
- Proof of completed academic studies (transcript and/or certificate of Master’s degree)
- Optional supporting documents:
- Certificates of relevant work experience, training, or internships
- Self-declaration or certification as member of an underrepresented group (if applicable)
- Proof of enrolment/acceptance as a PhD student
- Language proof
Academic Requirements and Eligibility
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field. The last degree must not be older than six years at the time of the closing date of the call.
- Strong academic record and demonstrated capacity for independent research.
- Adequate proficiency in English. (It is not a requirement for students in Colombia, but gives extra points to candidates that meet this criteria).
- Commitment to full-time doctoral research and active participation in TRAJECTS activities (i.a. no possibility to combine it with other off-campus employment options, unless they provide synergies with the PhD and TRAJECTS).
- For scholarships at EUF, applicants must be citizens of a Global South country, and must have completed the majority of their higher education within the Global South. Current residence in the Global South nor Germany is required upon point of application.
Scholarship Conditions and Expectations
- Full-time dedication to the PhD research project.
- Active contribution to TRAJECTS activities (i.a. assistance with organisation and active participation in workshops, dialogues, mobile schools etc.).
- Mandatory enrolment and finalisation of the TRAJECTS Just Transitions MOOC (JT-MOOC), “Building a Sustainable Future: Essential Dialogues for Just Transitions”, during the first semester.
- Interim evaluation
- after six months: based on submission of a revised PhD proposal (minimum 10 pages), successful registration as PhD student at host institution and satisfactory participation progress within TRAJECTS.
- after 18 months: based on submission of a PhD report (incl. stage of research and time plan) and satisfactory participation within TRAJECTS.
- after 34 months: based on submission of a PhD report (incl. stage of research and time plan) and satisfactory participation within TRAJECTS.
- Engagement in language training in English, Spanish, and/or German is expected (depending on existing knowledge, host institution and geographical focus of PhD).
Application procedure
Applications must be submitted through the call published on the TRAJECTS website together with the required general documents, before the closing date of the call.
Applicants may apply for more than one TRAJECTS PhD position and topic (at the same or also different institution), but must submit separate exposes if applying for several topics/placements.
