The African German Centre of Excellence for Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems and Applied Agricultural and Food Data Science (UKUDLA) invites African candidates to apply for PhD scholarships in the areas of sustainable food systems, resilient agriculture, and data science.

This exciting opportunity is supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL).
The scholarships are aimed at enhancing research capabilities in African countries and fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and solutions related to food security and sustainability in Africa.
The UKUDLA Centre is a collaboration between top universities and research institutions across Europe and Africa.
It strives to address pressing issues surrounding sustainable agriculture, climate change, and food systems using innovative approaches, including the application of big data, advanced analytics, and machine learning.
Through the scholarship program, selected PhD candidates will have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research while strengthening academic ties between Africa and Germany.
Scholarship Benefits UKUDLA
- Scholars will receive a monthly stipend of €900. An additional €30 rent subsidy will be provided if accommodation is not arranged by the program.
- Scholars will receive up to €20/month for medical aid (upon submission of proof of need).
- A six-month fully funded research exchange at the University of Hohenheim, Germany, which will allow scholars to enhance their research skills, engage with leading experts in their field, and gain valuable experience in an international academic setting.
- Scholars will have access to UKUDLA Graduate Centre modules, short courses, workshops, and summer schools, designed to enhance research methodologies and professional development.
- Additional research funding will be available for materials, travel, and other project-related needs. This is to ensure that scholars can fully conduct their research without financial limitations.
What the UKUDLA Program Offers
This program is designed to support the next generation of researchers working on topics that directly impact Africa’s sustainable development.
Scholars will be guided by internationally recognized professors and experts in the field of food systems, data science, and agricultural sustainability.
PhD candidates will work on independent research that addresses key challenges in African agriculture and food systems. The research will be data-driven, utilizing cutting-edge technology and analytical tools to develop solutions that will have a real-world impact.
Additionally, UKUDLA offers opportunities for candidates to engage in collaborative research with international academic institutions, fostering an environment of knowledge exchange and global partnerships.
Scholars will also benefit from the program’s wide network of professionals in both academia and industry. These connections provide ample opportunities for future collaborations, career development, and participation in high-impact research projects across the world.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for this PhD scholarship, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, including but not limited to:
- Agriculture
- Food Science
- Environmental Sciences
- Data Science
- Engineering
- Economics
- Other related fields
- Strong interest in sustainable agriculture, food systems, and data science.
- Demonstrated research potential and a strong academic record.
- Proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
- This scholarship is open to African candidates only, with a strong focus on nurturing the next generation of leaders in sustainable food systems and data-driven agricultural research.
How to Apply:
To apply, candidates must submit their applications via the official application portal. Visit HERE