African Climate Collaborative PhD Fellowships 2026: Fully-funded Doctoral Opportunity

The African Climate Collaborative is offering 12 fully-funded PhD fellowships in Climate and Development for African citizens. This four-year doctoral program aims to train a new generation of scholars to address critical climate and development issues on the continent. Applications are open to individuals with a Master’s degree relevant to the field and who are under 35 years old.

Application Closing Date: October 15, 2026
Location: South Africa (University of Cape Town)
Programme Duration: 4 years
Stipend: Fully-funded
Minimum Qualification: Master’s Degree

About the African Climate Collaborative PhD Fellowships

The African Climate Collaborative PhD Fellowships in Climate and Development are designed to provide advanced academic training and research opportunities. The program focuses on building capacity among African scholars to tackle the complex challenges of climate change and its impact on development across the continent. It is a rigorous program that combines structured learning with independent research.

This initiative is crucial for fostering local expertise and driving innovative solutions tailored to African contexts. The fellowships support research that is relevant to the continent’s specific environmental and socio-economic conditions. Participants will engage with leading researchers and gain valuable experience in their chosen fields.

About the African Climate Collaborative

The African Climate Collaborative is an organization dedicated to advancing research and action on climate change and development in Africa. It brings together researchers, institutions, and policymakers to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing. The collaborative aims to support the development of sustainable solutions that address the unique challenges faced by African nations.

The organization works to empower African scholars and institutions by providing resources and opportunities for advanced study and research. Their work is essential in building a resilient and sustainable future for the continent in the face of a changing climate.

Available PhD Fellowship Opportunities

The fellowship program offers 12 positions, each linked to a specific research topic and a dedicated supervisory team. While the specific research topics are numerous and varied, they all fall under the broad umbrella of Climate and Development in Africa. Applicants must choose and apply to only one research topic.

What the PhD Fellowship Offers

Successful applicants will benefit from a comprehensive doctoral program that includes significant financial and academic support. The fellowship covers all costs associated with doctoral studies, allowing fellows to focus entirely on their research and academic development.

The program offers:

• A year of structured pre-doctoral coursework.
• Three years of independent thesis research under expert supervision.
• Doctoral skills training to enhance research capabilities.
• Exposure to a network of leading academics and practitioners in climate and development.
• A fully-funded opportunity, covering tuition, living expenses, and research costs.
• Support with the application process for admission to the University of Cape Town (UCT).

Programme Duration and Location

This is a four-year doctoral program. The first year involves intensive coursework, followed by three years dedicated to thesis research. The program is hosted at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in South Africa.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the African Climate Collaborative PhD Fellowships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a citizen of an African country. Applicants residing outside Africa are also welcome.
• Hold a completed Master’s degree in a discipline relevant to climate and development in Africa, and specifically aligned with the chosen research topic.
• Be under 35 years of age as of February 1, 2027.
• Be able to apply for and gain admission to a PhD program at UCT.
• Applicants are permitted to apply to only one research topic.

Competencies Required

The program seeks candidates who demonstrate strong academic potential and a commitment to addressing climate and development challenges. Key competencies include:

• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Excellent academic writing and communication abilities.
• A clear motivation for pursuing doctoral studies in climate and development.
• The ability to work independently and manage a research project.
• Adaptability and a willingness to learn.
• A proactive approach to research and problem-solving.

Who Should Apply?

This fellowship is ideal for ambitious African scholars who have completed a Master’s degree and are passionate about contributing to climate and development research in Africa. It is particularly suited for individuals who want to deepen their expertise and conduct impactful research that can inform policy and practice.

The program particularly encourages applications from women and individuals with lived experience of displacement or disability, aiming to foster diversity within the field. If you are driven to make a difference in climate action and sustainable development on the continent, this fellowship is an excellent opportunity.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents for their application:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Maximum 5 pages, including contact details for 3 referees, one of whom must have supervised your Master’s dissertation.
• Writing Sample: A sample of previous academic or research writing, preferably from your Master’s dissertation.
• Academic Transcripts: Transcripts for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
• Letter of Motivation: Clearly explain your interest in the chosen research topic and the program, and how your background prepares you for it.
• Copy of Identification: A copy of your national ID or passport.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted by October 15, 2026. Applicants need to clearly indicate the single research topic they are applying for.

Click here to apply for the African Climate Collaborative PhD Fellowships

Applicants should ensure all required documents are attached and that they have carefully read all instructions before submitting their application.

Important Notes

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying. Submitting applications for more than one research topic may lead to disqualification. Successful fellowship applicants will receive assistance with the UCT PhD admission application process.

Closing Date

The closing date for the African Climate Collaborative PhD Fellowships 2026 is October 15, 2026.

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