UKUDLA PhD scholarships 2025

Omran Aburayya
2 days ago
3 min read

If you're an aspiring African researcher with a passion for sustainable agriculture, food systems, or data science, the UKUDLA PhD Scholarship offers a transformative opportunity to advance your academic journey. Applications are now open for the 2025 cohort, providing fully funded doctoral studies at leading African institutions, complemented by a six-month research exchange in Germany.

🎓UKUDLA Scholarship Summary

Location: South Africa or Malawi (with a 6-month exchange in Germany)
Host Institutions: University of the Western Cape, University of Mpumalanga, University of Pretoria (South Africa); Lilongwe University of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (Malawi)
Study Level: PhD
Target Group: African nationals or permanent residents
Fields of Study: Sustainable and resilient food systems, applied agricultural and food data science
Award : €900 monthly stipend, €30 rent subsidy, up to €20/month for medical aid, travel costs for German exchange, additional research funds
Duration: 36 months (with a possible 6-month extension)
Application Deadline: June 1, 2025
Start Date: July 2025
Eligible To: African nationals or permanent residents with a relevant master's degree

🌱 Scholarship Overview

The African German Centre of Excellence for Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems and Applied Agricultural and Food Data Science (UKUDLA) aims to cultivate expertise among master's students, PhD candidates, early-career researchers, and university lecturers in agri-food systems and applied data science. By fostering interdisciplinary research and enhancing teaching methodologies, UKUDLA contributes to:

Engaging qualified professionals in agri-food systems and data science research in Sub-Saharan Africa
Strengthening education and research capacities in the region
Promoting regional networking among partner institutions
Facilitating knowledge exchange with stakeholders in agri-food systems

📚 Programme Structure

Doctoral Studies: Full-time enrollment at one of the partner institutions in South Africa or Malawi
German Exchange: Mandatory six-month research exchange at the University of Hohenheim, Germany
Educational Activities: Participation in UKUDLA Graduate Centre modules, short courses, summer schools, and workshops
Research Support: Access to additional funds for research materials, equipment, consumables, and local travel

🎁 Scholarship Benefits

Monthly Stipend: €900
Rent Subsidy: €30 (if on-campus housing is unavailable)
Medical Aid Contribution: Up to €20/month (with proof of payment)
Research Exchange: Fully funded six-month exchange at the University of Hohenheim, including travel costs
Research Funds: Additional funding for materials, equipment, and local travel
Educational Opportunities: Access to specialized courses and workshops

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Hold a master's degree in a discipline related to food systems or data sciences
Have not commenced doctoral studies prior to application
Achieved a minimum average of 68% or equivalent in previous degrees
Be prepared to undertake full-time doctoral studies
Demonstrate leadership potential or community engagement experience
Prove English proficiency (TOEFL 79/80, IELTS Band 6, or English as the medium of instruction since secondary school)
Have completed the last university degree within the past six years
Be a national or permanent resident of an African country
Commit to 10 hours per week of work at the host university as compensation for waived tuition fees

Note: Projects involving the development of genetically modified organisms for commercial food or feed use are not eligible for funding.

📝 Application Procedure

Application Form: Complete the application form available here.
Required Documents:
- Copy of national ID or passport
- Completed project proposal form
- Two academic recommendation letters (preferably one from a potential supervisor)
- Certified copies of university degree certificates and transcripts
- Short CV (maximum two pages)
- Proof of English proficiency
- Motivational statement (250 words each on research interest, career impact, community/environmental impact, and academic journey)
- Letter of admission from the host university (can be submitted later if not available at the time of application)(ukudla.uni-hohenheim.de)

Note: Ensure compliance with any additional admission requirements of the chosen host university.

📅 Selection Process

Administrative Review: Verification of eligibility and completeness of applications.
Peer Review: Evaluation by two selection committee members based on a rating rubric, with emphasis on the research proposal.
Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview.
Notification: Successful candidates will be informed by the end of June 2025.