DAAD IN-REGION SCHOLARSHIP PHD PROGRAMME IN DEVELOPMENT STUDIES AT ISD SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Application Deadline: April 9th, 2025

LOCATION: South Africa

The programme aims to foster strong, internationally oriented higher education systems in Sub-Saharan Africa with the capacity to contribute to sustainable development. For this purpose, scholarships for development-related Doctoral studies are awarded to individuals who plan to pursue a career in teaching and/or research at a higher education institution in Sub-Saharan Africa

ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants for a PhD degree

postgraduates with a first academic degree, who have successfully completed a two-year university Master’s degree (or equivalent) with above average results (at least: Second Class/Upper Division or equivalent, if applicable) Candidates who cannot provide a Second Class/Upper Division or a higher result are not eligible;

clearly show motivation and strong commitment;

 have thorough knowledge of the language of instruction;

 have completed their last university degree not more than 6 years ago at the time of application;

must be nationals or permanent residents of a Sub-Saharan African country (excluding South Africa or students with a permanent residence in South Africa) ;  

should be a) staff member of a public university, b) or a candidate considered for teaching or research staff recruitment, c) or from the public sector and/or d) Alumni of the DAFI-programme. Fresh graduates, professionals and other candidates who do not fit in the above-mentioned areas are also invited to apply for the programme. Female applicants, refugees with recognised refugee status and candidates from other less privileged regions or groups are especially encouraged to participate in the programme.

Scholarships for PhD studies are initially granted for one year and can be extended to a maximum of the regular period of study upon receipt of an application for extension. Scholars must demonstrate satisfactory progress before an extension is granted. Please note: If you have already received a scholarship for PhD studies from the DAAD, further PhD funding from the DAAD is not possible

Please note: The University of the Western Cape might have additional requirements for admission to the university.

BENEFIT:

The scholarship covers:

Benefits Payment Schedule Amount Tuition Fees (annually). The regularly charged amount will be specified in the letter of award.

Study and research allowance (annually): 920 EUR

Thesis publishing costs (once towards the end of scholarship): 800 EUR

Monthly Scholarship (Accommodation, Food etc.) monthly: 700 EUR

Travel allowance (In-Region only) usually twice (beginning/ end of scholarship)

The flat rate travel allowance will be specified in the letter of award. Health Insurance (In-Region only) Further information regarding the health insurance will be specified in the letter of award.

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FALLING WALLS GLOBAL CALL

Application Deadline: 30 April 2025

LOCATION: Germany

The Falling Walls Global Call is an international competition format that brings together science enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. They are looking for the most recent and innovative Science Breakthroughs of the Year! They encourage and invite nominations and applications from all over the world. To help make the Falling Walls Science Summit 2025 the celebration that excellent science deserves, they launch the Falling Walls Global Call each year.

ELIGIBILITY:

The Falling Walls Global Call is composed of the following categories:

Life Sciences
The scientific study of life and organisms e.g. biology, neuroscience, zoology.

Physical Sciences
The observation and understanding of natural phenomena of the earth, atmosphere and space, e.g. chemistry, physics, astronomy.

Engineering & Technology
The practical application of science and mathematics to every-day life, e.g. artificial intelligence, information technology, mechanical engineering.

Social Sciences & Humanities
The institutions and functioning of human society and the interpersonal relationships of individuals as members of society, e.g. politics, economics, philosophy.

Art & Science
Artists whose work is inspired and influenced by science, which sheds light on societal issues, natural phenomena or simply the wonder of scientific discoveries.

Science Start-ups (Falling Walls Venture)
Innovative start-ups that have translated breakthrough scientific thinking into promising business models.

Science Engagement (Falling Walls Engage)
Forms of participatory science engagement initiatives that generate mutual learning between, and mutual benefits for, science and society.

Women’s* Impact Award (Female Science Talents)
Excellence in interdisciplinary research and engagement contributing to gender equality, diversity in science and academia, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. *Falling Walls Female Science Talents uses an inclusive definition of women and welcomes submissions from cis and trans women, genderqueer and non-binary people.

If you’re interested in participating in the Emerging Talents category (Falling Walls Lab) for students & early-career professionals, you can apply directly to an international Falling Walls Lab via the Falling Walls website by clicking here. Please note that the application process, as well as the deadlines, are different from the Global Call.

You can either nominate outstanding research or apply with your own project.

Our goal is to find excellent and groundbreaking research projects in the different categories. With recent “breakthrough research” we are specifically looking for projects that address global challenges and represent scientific knowledge in an innovative way. We encourage an interdisciplinary approach to science.

For nominations, we invite leading academic institutions, universities, research organisations, companies, private and public research centres, academies, research funders, foundations, and individuals to nominate the bright minds behind the latest breakthroughs and outstanding science projects.

BENEFIT:

Get international visibility for your project.

Be a part of the Falling Walls network and interact with a wide range of decision-makers, innovators and emerging talents from all over the world. Join an interdisciplinary community that is committed to bringing down barriers to address common challenges.

Get the opportunity to take part in the Falling Walls Science Summit 2025, a three-day conference with inspiring keynotes, discussions, exciting pitches and a lot more on topics related to science, its communities and the opportunities connected to science and society.

Take your chance to become one of the Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year and present your breakthrough work to a global audience on 9 November 2025 on our stage at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin.

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