Scholarship: DAAD PhD Research Scholarship Program at University of Bonn 2025 - Deadline March 15, 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.

About German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

DAAD scholarship in Germany is a private, federally funded and state-funded, self governing national agency of the institutions of higher education in Germany, representing 365 German higher education institutions (100 universities and technical universities, 162 general universities of applied sciences, and 52 colleges of music.
DAAD PhD Research Scholarship Program

Application Deadline15 Mar 2025

Aim and 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 Qualification

• 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.

• 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

Interview date, Process and Venue for DAAD PhD Research Scholarship Program

Duration: 3.5 years

• Start of Language Course: August 1, 2025

• Start of Junior Researcher Position: October 1, 2025
Documents Required for Application

• Hand-signed checklist (available on the DAAD website)

• DAAD application form for research grants and study

• Letter of motivation

• CV in EUROPASS format (including current date)

• Certified copies of academic degrees and transcripts (with English translations if necessary)

• Letter of recommendation from the current employer (including official letterhead, signature, and stamp)

• Certificate(s) of employment showing a minimum of two years of relevant working experience (including official letterhead, signature, and stamp)

• Recommendation letter from the university

• 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

Please send your completed application to Dr. Till Stellmacher, RLC Campus Bonn Programme Coordinator, via email at: t.stellmacher@uni-bonn.des