Application Deadline: 6 February 2026
Invitation to Apply: Fully Funded UKUDLA Doctoral Scholarships 2026 for African Candidates
The 2026 UKUDLA Doctoral Scholarship programme is now open for applications from African candidates, offering research opportunities across 16 diverse PhD topics. These themes highlight the extensive scope of UKUDLA’s work, covering areas such as sustainable agriculture, food safety, nutrition, climate resilience, and innovative data-driven methods applied to agri-food systems.
The African German Centre for Food Systems and Data Science (UKUDLA) provides these scholarships to support PhD thesis research conducted primarily in South Africa and Malawi, in collaboration with one of its affiliated partner institutions. This scholarship initiative is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) through financial support from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH), Germany.
Programme Overview
The African German Centre of Excellence UKUDLA is inviting applications for doctoral scholarships focused on advancing sustainable and resilient food systems alongside data science disciplines. Selected recipients will be awarded scholarships for a standard period of 36 months, with a possible extension of up to 6 additional months—bringing the maximum duration to 42 months.
An essential component of the scholarship includes a mandatory 6-month research exchange at the University of Hohenheim in Germany, fostering international collaboration and academic exchange. Funding for the scholarship is provided by the DAAD, backed by the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH).
Main Objective
UKUDLA’s core mission is to enhance the capacity and expertise of Master’s and PhD students, emerging researchers, and academic staff engaged in agri-food systems and applied data science. Beyond individual capacity building, the programme seeks to improve pedagogical approaches and mentorship within these interdisciplinary research areas.
The scholarship targets candidates from specific backgrounds (detailed below), selected through a competitive process, promoting future academic and professional leaders. By doing so, the programme aims to achieve the following long-term outcomes:
- Facilitate knowledge exchange and transfer with key stakeholders involved in agri-food systems.
- Enable qualified professionals to contribute to research projects centered on agri-food systems and applied data science across Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Empower graduates to strengthen educational and research capacities within Sub-Saharan African institutions.
- Support structural development and foster regional networking among partner universities and institutions.
Participating Universities
Successful applicants will enroll as full-time PhD students at one of the universities within the UKUDLA network. Eligible institutions include the University of the Western Cape, University of Mpumalanga, University of Pretoria in South Africa, and the Lilongwe University of Natural and Agricultural Sciences in Malawi.
Location Requirements
Throughout their doctoral studies, scholarship holders are expected to reside in the city or town where their chosen university is located. The programme also mandates a six-month research exchange at the University of Hohenheim, Germany, which constitutes an integral part of the scholarship experience.
Scholarship Benefits
- Monthly Stipend: Recipients will receive a base stipend of EUR 900 per month (or EUR 300 for Malawi-based candidates), along with an additional EUR 30 monthly rent subsidy if campus or university-provided accommodation is unavailable.
- Medical Aid: A medical aid contribution of up to EUR 20 per month can be included, contingent upon submission of a medical aid contract and proof of payment.
- Research Funding: Applicants can request reasonable additional funds to cover research-related expenses such as materials, equipment, consumables, labor, and local travel.
- Educational Opportunities: Scholarship recipients will have access to UKUDLA Graduate Centre’s educational modules, short courses, summer schools, and workshops as part of their training.
- International Exchange: Travel and living expenses during the six-month research exchange at the University of Hohenheim in Germany are fully covered by the scholarship.
Who Should Apply?
The scholarships are aimed at candidates who fulfill the following criteria:
- Hold a Master’s degree related broadly to food systems or data sciences, with a keen interest in the intersection of these fields.
- Have not yet commenced a doctoral degree.
- Achieved a minimum academic average of 68% (or equivalent, e.g., Second Class Upper Division) from a university recognized internationally.
- Are willing to pursue their PhD studies on a full-time basis.
- Demonstrate English language proficiency with a minimum TOEFL score of 79/80 or IELTS Band 6, or provide evidence that English has been the medium of instruction since at least secondary school.
Application Criteria
Applicants are expected to satisfy the following conditions:
- Possess a completed Master’s degree with above-average academic results (at least 68% overall average or equivalent).
- Submit a compelling motivation statement expressing their commitment and research interests.
- Show proficiency in English as the language of instruction.
- Have completed their most recent degree within six years prior to applying.
- Be nationals or permanent residents residing in an African country at the time of application.
- Provide at least one academic reference letter, ideally including one from a potential supervisor.
- Be willing to dedicate approximately 10 hours per week contributing to university activities as compensation for waived tuition fees.
Note: Candidates should verify any additional admission requirements specific to their chosen university within the network and ensure compliance accordingly.
How to Apply
To begin the application process, all prospective candidates must complete the official application form, which is available online here. A critical part of the application is developing a research project proposal related to one of the predefined research topics listed on the UKUDLA website.
The application package must include the following documents:
- Copy of National Identification Card or, if unavailable, a valid passport.
- A completed research project proposal form corresponding to one of the listed research themes, downloadable from https://ukudla-coe.ac.za/opportunites/. The proposal form itself is accessible here.
- A cover letter clearly outlining your motivation for applying.
- A maximum of two academic recommendation letters, providing insights into your qualifications and academic performance. One letter can be from your prospective supervisor.
- A letter of admission from your chosen host university. If this is not available at the time of application, it can be submitted later, but the scholarship offer depends on admission confirmation.
- Certified copies of all university degree certificates and transcripts.
- A concise CV (maximum two pages).
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL 79/80, IELTS Band 6, or evidence that English has been the medium of instruction since secondary school).
For more information and to submit your application, please visit Click Here To Apply.
