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Published: 20 Feb 2025

The Right Livelihood College (RLC) at the Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Germany, is offering a DAAD-funded PhD research scholarship for a project focused on Land Degradation, Environmental Justice, and Socio-Cultural Dynamics in Africa.

The RLC is a transdisciplinary global initiative that collaborates with universities and the Right Livelihood Foundation, the organization behind the “Alternative Nobel Prize.” The ZEF campus at the University of Bonn hosts one of the RLC’s nine worldwide campuses. Through this initiative, the University of Bonn is supporting critical research on land degradation in Africa, an issue that affects the continent’s rural populations, particularly smallholder farmers.

DAAD PhD Research Scholarship Program

Benefits of DAAD PhD Research Scholarship Program

Research Position: Following the language course, the successful candidate will begin a 40-month Junior Researcher position at ZEF, University of Bonn, starting October 1, 2025.

Program Structure: During the first year, the candidate will participate in the ZEF Doctoral Studies Program, which includes comprehensive training and research support.

Funding: The DAAD scholarship covers the costs of the language course, travel, research, and provides a stipend for living expenses.

Requirements for DAAD PhD Research Scholarship Program

• Nationality: Must be a citizen of an African country and currently residing in Africa.
• Education: Applicants must hold an excellent master’s or equivalent degree in social sciences, humanities, political science, development studies, or a related field from a recognized institution.
• Research Skills: Applicants should have outstanding proficiency in empirical and qualitative research methods. Experience in critical action and interdisciplinary research is an advantage.

CHECK OUT : Requirements for Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visas

• Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is mandatory.
• Additional Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate a genuine interest in the topic of land degradation, environmental justice, and socio-cultural dynamics

Selection Process

Duration: 3.5 years

• Start of Language Course: August 1, 2025
• Start of Junior Researcher Position: October 1, 2025

Application Documents

1. Hand-signed checklist (available on the DAAD website)
2. DAAD application form for research grants and study
3. Letter of motivation
4. CV in EUROPASS format (including current date)
5. Certified copies of academic degrees and transcripts (with English translations if necessary)
6. Letter of recommendation from the current employer (including official letterhead, signature, and stamp)
7. Certificate(s) of employment showing a minimum of two years of relevant working experience (including official letterhead, signature, and stamp)

CHECK OUT : Requirements for Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visas

8. Recommendation letter from the university

CHECK OUT : Requirements for Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visas

9. Short PhD research proposal (maximum 5 pages) that narrows down the research scope, identifies a case study, and outlines a methodology.

Application Deadline

March 15, 2025

How to Apply