Skip to content

Germany CGIAR++ Science and Impact Hub PhD Scholarship 2027

The Germany CGIAR++ Science and Impact Hub PhD Scholarship 2027 offers fully funded doctoral research in sustainable agriculture and food security. Recipients receive €1,800 monthly for three years with possible extension, plus up to €25,000 in research funding.

October 22, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Nov 30, 2026

Quick Overview

Host CountryGermany
Degree LevelPhD
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyAgricultural Economics, Agricultural Sciences, Biology, Geography, Sociology
DeadlineNovember 30, 2026

Scholarship Overview

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

People Also Checked: Erasmus Mundus AFEPA Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded European Master's (Fully Funded)

Overview

The Germany CGIAR++ Science and Impact Hub PhD Scholarship 2027 supports doctoral researchers pursuing studies at German universities while contributing to international research on sustainable agriculture, food security, biodiversity, climate change, and development. The programme funds 10 PhD candidates per call, connecting university-based doctoral education with applied research at CGIAR++ centres worldwide.

This scholarship is particularly relevant for researchers from Zimbabwe and SADC countries given CGIAR++’s extensive agricultural research programmes across Africa. The Hub specifically encourages applications from CGIAR++ partner countries and female candidates.

People Also Checked: Technical University of Munich Scholarships 2027: Funding Guide for International Students

Scholarship Benefits

The award package includes:

  • Monthly stipend: €1,800 for 36 months (total €64,800)
  • Extension possibility: 12-month extension if research progress indicates PhD completion within that period (extension not guaranteed)
  • Research grant: Up to €25,000 for research-related expenses
  • Joint supervision: Academic guidance from both a German university professor and a senior CGIAR++ scientist
  • Scientific training: Access to courses and seminars through the Hub
  • International research experience: Fieldwork opportunities at CGIAR++ centres globally

The total potential funding reaches approximately €89,800 over four years including the maximum research grant.

People Also Checked: AGNES Junior Researcher Grant 2026: Complete Application Guide (Fully Funded)

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must satisfy all of the following:

  • Hold a Master’s degree in Agricultural Sciences or related field (biology, geography, sociology, veterinary medicine, marine biology, forestry, political science, law, economics, etc.) with above-average final grade
  • Establish a “tridem” partnership: candidate + senior CGIAR++ scientist + German university professor
  • Develop research proposal jointly with both supervisors—only tridem applications accepted
  • Be hosted by a CGIAR++ Centre and attached to ongoing CGIAR++ research activity, preferably an international multidisciplinary project
  • Ensure proposed PhD complements and adds value to existing CGIAR++ research
  • Receive joint supervision from CGIAR++ senior scientist and German university professor
  • Enrol in PhD programme at German university
  • Nationality: Open to all nationalities; CGIAR++ partner country applicants particularly welcome

No German language proficiency is required. No essay is required as part of the application.

Eligible Fields of Study

The scholarship covers research across agricultural and related disciplines including:

  • Agricultural Economics and Farm Management
  • Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
  • Agric-Business and Cooperative Management
  • Agricultural and Bio-Resources Engineering
  • Biology, Marine Biology, Forestry
  • Environmental and Resource Economics
  • Food Security and Nutrition
  • Climate Change and Biodiversity
  • Development Studies and Political Science
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Law and Economics related to agriculture

Application Process

Follow these eight steps:

Step 1: Review requirements

Visit the official application page and confirm your academic background and research interests align with the programme.

Step 2: Identify a CGIAR++ scientist

Find a senior scientist whose expertise matches your research topic. Review relevant centre research activities before contacting potential supervisors. Your project must connect to ongoing CGIAR++ programmes.

Step 3: Identify a German university professor

Establish contact with a professor at a German university authorised to award PhD degrees. The Hub does not arrange these connections—you must build these relationships yourself.

Step 4: Develop your research proposal

Work with both supervisors to create a scientifically sound proposal covering research problem, objectives, methodology, expected contribution, and relationship to ongoing CGIAR++ activity. Use the prescribed template.

Step 5: Prepare application documents

Gather: motivation letter (one page), CV (one page), research proposal, MSc certificate, transcript, and accepted proof of English proficiency. Ensure documents are signed where required.

Step 6: Arrange supervisor documents

Request your German professor and CGIAR++ scientist to prepare recommendation and supervision documents. Obtain the Hosting Agreement from the relevant CGIAR++ centre. Allow sufficient time—supervisors and institutions need lead time.

Step 7: Submit application

Apply through: https://hub.landscapealliance.org/phd-research-scholarship/application

Submit all documentation before the deadline according to instructions.

Step 8: Monitor communications

Check email regularly for application updates, clarification requests, or next steps.

Application Timeline

Phase Status
Application Open Currently accepting applications
Under Review Applications being reviewed after submission
Assessment Phase Candidates being assessed
Winners Announced Results published

Strategic Advice for African Applicants

Leverage CGIAR++ presence in Africa: CGIAR++ operates multiple research centres across sub-Saharan Africa including CIMMYT (maize and wheat), IITA (tropical agriculture), ILRI (livestock), WorldFish, and others. Identify scientists at these centres for your tridem partnership.

Start supervisor outreach early: Building relationships with both a German professor and CGIAR++ scientist takes months. Begin networking at least 6-8 months before the deadline.

Align with ongoing projects: Your proposal must demonstrably add value to existing CGIAR++ research. Review current CGIAR++ initiatives in your field before developing your topic.

Document preparation: The one-page CV and motivation letter limits require precision. Focus on relevant research experience and clear articulation of how your work contributes to CGIAR++ goals.

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

Funding Coverage

€1,800 per month for 36 months (possible 12-month extension), plus research grant up to €25,000

Eligibility Criteria

Master's degree in agricultural sciences or related field with above-average grade; must form tridem with CGIAR++ scientist and German university professor; must be hosted by CGIAR++ Centre and attached to ongoing CGIAR++ research; open to all nationalities, CGIAR++ partner countries encouraged

Required Documents

Motivation letter (1 page), CV (1 page), research proposal, MSc certificate, transcript, proof of English proficiency, supervisor recommendation documents, Hosting Agreement from CGIAR++ centre

Application Process

1) Review official requirements, 2) Identify CGIAR++ scientist, 3) Identify German university professor, 4) Develop joint research proposal, 5) Prepare application documents, 6) Arrange supervisor documents and Hosting Agreement, 7) Submit via official portal, 8) Monitor email for updates
Apply Now — Official Website

You will be redirected to the official scholarship application page.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. German language proficiency is not required for this scholarship. However, you should confirm language requirements with your intended German university PhD programme, as some institutions may have specific requirements.
No. Applications are only accepted from established "tridems" (candidate + CGIAR++ scientist + German professor). You must develop your research proposal jointly with both supervisors before applying. The Hub does not arrange these connections for you.
The programme supports 10 PhD candidates per call. Selection depends on the quality of your research proposal, alignment with CGIAR++ priorities, strength of supervisory team, and your academic record. Given the competitive nature, ensure your proposal clearly demonstrates how your research adds value to ongoing CGIAR++ activities.
No. The extension is conditional on research progress indicating that your PhD can be completed within the additional 12-month period. It must be justified and approved based on demonstrated progress.
The research grant covers eligible expenses associated with your doctoral project. This typically includes fieldwork costs, equipment, data collection, travel for research purposes, and other direct research expenses. Expenditure must support research objectives and comply with programme funding rules.
Yes. The scholarship is open to all nationalities, and applicants from CGIAR++ partner countries are particularly encouraged. Zimbabwe and SADC researchers should leverage CGIAR++'s strong presence in the region (CIMMYT, IITA, ILRI, WorldFish) to identify potential supervisors and align proposals with ongoing regional research programmes.