Africa Climate Collaborative PhD Fellowships in Climate and Development 2027

The African Climate Collaborative offers 12 fully funded PhD fellowships for a 4-year doctoral training programme in Climate and Development, combining structured coursework with thesis research. The programme targets African scholars tackling climate and development challenges, with a focus on African urban flooding-health contexts, locust outbreaks under climate change, and energy transition governance. Fellowships cover R390,000 annually, including a R315,000 stipend and fees, plus relocation, insurance, and research support. Eligibility is restricted to African citizens under 35 (as of 1 February 2027), with open residency status for applicants outside Africa. Each candidate must apply to one of 19 research topics, requiring a Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Human Geography, Anthropology, Public Health). UCT admission is mandatory for fellowship qualification, though assistance is provided to applicants. The programme encourages applications from women and those with lived experience of displacement or disability.

What it offers

• Fully funded PhD stipend and fees (R315,000/year)
• Relocation, medical insurance, and research support (up to R75,000/year)
• Structured coursework (Year 1) + thesis research (Years 2–4)
• Assistance with UCT admission
• Focus on interdisciplinary, socially relevant research

Who can apply

• African citizens under 35 years old (as of 1 February 2027)
• Open to applicants residing in or outside Africa
• Must hold a Master’s degree in a discipline relevant to the chosen research topic (e.g., Geography, Anthropology, Public Health)
• Each candidate applies to only one of 19 research topics

What you'll do

• Conduct four years of doctoral research under a named supervisor
• Engage in structured coursework (Year 1) and thesis research (Years 2–4)
• Apply qualitative/quantitative research methods (e.g., ethnography, modelling, creative methods)
• Contribute to climate adaptation, urban inequality, and governance studies

How to apply

• Submit a single application per research topic (no multiple submissions)
• Provide proof of Master’s degree and UCT admission confirmation
• Include research proposal aligned with the chosen topic
• Submit supervisor confirmation (if applicable)

Good to know

• Deadline not explicitly stated (assume ongoing or per topic)
• Fluency in isiXhosa is advantageous for one topic
• Priority given to women and displaced/disabled applicants
• UCT acceptance is mandatory for fellowship eligibility.