Scholarship Overview
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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.
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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.
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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.
Official scholarship page: https://scholarsregion.com/scholarship/germany-cgiar-science-zpu13j
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
