Fully Funded Scholarship in Sustainable Agriculture and Landscape Research 2027

Want to conduct doctoral research that contributes to sustainable agriculture, environmental protection and development in the Global South? The Germany–CGIAR++ Science and Impact Hub is offering 10 PhD scholarships for researchers interested in addressing real-world challenges in agriculture, biodiversity, food systems, natural resource management and rural development.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineNovember 30, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorGermany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

The Hub supports you with:

• a scholarship of EUR 1,800 per month for a period of three years with the possibility for a 12-month extension if the progress of the PhD project indicates that the PhD can be completed within these 12 months.
• in addition to the monthly scholarship a research grant of EUR 25,000 may be requested, which can be used for research related to the PhD project.
• a scientific support program in the form of courses and seminars, which are recognized in the respective universities for the structured PhD programs.

Requirements

In order to be eligible candidates must:

• have a Master's degree in Agricultural Sciences or a related field (e.g. biology, geography, sociology, veterinary medicine, marine biology, forestry, political sciences, law, economics etc.) with an above average final grade. For non-European degrees, a ranking from the issuing university must be included.
• get in contact with a senior CGIAR++ Scientist and a professor affiliated to a German university to develop the scientific proposal together. Only applications from such “tridems” will be accepted.
• be hosted by a CGIAR++ Center, attached to an ongoing CGIAR++ research activity, best in form of an international, multidisciplinary project. The envisaged PhD project must be complementary and provide an added value to the ongoing CGIAR++ research activity.
• be jointly supervised by a CGIAR++ senior scientist and a professor affiliated to a German university.
• enroll into a PhD study program at a German University but do not need to be German nationals. Applicants from CGIAR++ partner countries are welcome and we particularly encourage female students to apply.

Application Documents

• Letter of motivation (signed by the applicant and max. 1 page)
• Curriculum vitae (in tabular form, signed and dated, max. 1 page
• Research proposal. Please use the provided template - Template download
• MSc certificate and transcript of academic records issued by the examination office
• TOEFL or IELTS certificate or other English proficiency certificate

Following documents have to be sent by the respective supervisors as one PDF by e-mail to [email protected]

• Letter of recommendation and supervision confirmation from a professor affiliated to a German university (University supervisor). Please use the provided template - Template download
• Letter of recommendation and supervision commitment from a CGIAR++ center scientist (CGIAR++ supervisor), stating the attachment to a CGIAR++ research program/project. Please use the provided template - Template download
• Hosting Agreement from the respective CGIAR++ center. Please use the provided template - Template download

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Eutopia PhD Co-tutelle Call

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Applications are made via the Application Portal.

For more information, kindly visit the BMZ webpage.