The African Climate Collaborative Doctoral Training Fellowship 2027 offers fully funded opportunities for African students seeking to pursue advanced research in climate and development. Hosted by the University of Cape Town (UCT), the programme is designed to train researchers who can help solve climate-related challenges across Africa.
A total of 12 PhD fellowships are available for the 2027 intake. The fellowship covers a four-year doctoral training programme, beginning with structured coursework before students move into independent research and thesis development.
African Climate Collaborative Doctoral Training Fellowship
The programme focuses on the connection between climate change and development in Africa. Students will spend the first year completing structured pre-doctoral coursework, followed by three years of independent PhD research under academic supervision.
Applicants will choose from specific research topics provided by the programme and must apply to only one topic.
The fellowship is open only to citizens of African countries. Applicants living outside Africa can also apply, provided they meet the other requirements.
Deadline: October 15, 2026
Study level: PhD
Funding: Fully funded
Host institution: University of Cape Town, South Africa
Benefits of the African Climate Collaborative Doctoral Training Fellowship 2027
- Fully funded four-year PhD fellowship.
- One year of structured pre-doctoral coursework.
- Three years of independent PhD thesis research.
- Expert supervision and support throughout the doctoral programme.
- Doctoral skills training.
- Opportunity to research major climate and development challenges affecting Africa.
- Access to a structured interdisciplinary research environment at the University of Cape Town (UCT).
- Opportunity to contribute research that can inform climate policy, practice, and sustainable development.
African Climate Collaborative Doctoral Training Fellowship Eligibility
Below are the eligibility criteria applicants must meet for this fellowship;
- Be a citizen of an African country.
- Be under 35 years old as of February 1, 2027.
- Hold a completed Master’s degree relevant to climate and development in Africa.
- Meet the academic requirements for the specific research topic selected.
- Apply to only one of the available research topics.
- Be prepared to apply for and gain admission to a PhD programme at the University of Cape Town.
However, women and applicants with lived experience of displacement or disability are particularly encouraged to apply.
Required Application Documents
Here are some of the documents applicants should prepare before applying;
- A CV of no more than five pages.
- A writing sample, preferably from a Master’s dissertation.
- Bachelor’s and Master’s academic transcripts.
- A letter of motivation.
- A copy of a national ID or passport.
- Contact details for three referees, including one who supervised the applicant’s Master’s dissertation.
How to Apply for the African Climate Collaborative Doctoral Training Fellowship 2027
With the steps below, you can apply for this fellowship program;
- Review the available research topics and choose the one that matches your academic background.
- Check the specific academic requirements for your chosen topic.
- Prepare your CV, writing sample, transcripts, motivation letter, and identification document.
- Make sure you are applying to only one research topic.
- Complete the fellowship application online.
- Upload all required documents before submitting.
- Submit the completed application before the deadline.
Application/Fellowship Deadline
The application deadline is October 15, 2026, at 23:00 SAST.
Official Scholarship Page
Applicants should use the official University of Cape Town/Africa Climate Collaborative page for the application instructions and current research topics.
You can do that by visiting their official page with the link below.
African Climate Collaborative Doctoral Training Fellowship 2027- Fully Funded PhD
FAQs
Who can apply for the fellowship?
The fellowship is open to citizens of African countries, and African applicants living outside Africa may also apply.
What level of study does the fellowship support?
It supports a PhD in Climate and Development.
How long is the fellowship?
The doctoral programme lasts four years: one year of coursework followed by three years of thesis research.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes, the 2027 call offers 12 fully funded PhD fellowships.
Do I need a Master’s degree?
Yes, applicants must have a completed Master’s degree in a discipline relevant to climate and development and appropriate to their selected research topic.
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