Description

Are you looking for a fully-funded PhD scholarship in Africa? The In-Region Scholarship Programme 2026 at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), South Africa, is now open for applications. This DAAD-funded PhD scholarship aims to support postgraduate students from Sub-Saharan Africa who wish to pursue a PhD in Development Studies at ISD.

Why Apply for the UWC In-Region PhD Scholarship?

This prestigious PhD scholarship is part of the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme, supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It is designed to strengthen higher education and research in Sub-Saharan Africa by training future academic and professional leaders.

Degree Level

University of the Western Cape (UWC) South Africa In-Region PhD Scholarship 2026 - Fully Funded is available to undertake PhD level programs at University of the Western Cape (UWC).

Available Subjects

Eligible PhD Program at UWC

The DAAD In-Region PhD Scholarship 2026 is available for:

• PhD in Development Studies at ISD (Institute for Social Development)

Benefits

• Full tuition fee coverage (paid directly to the university)
• Monthly stipend of €700 for living expenses
• Annual research allowance of €920
• Thesis publishing grant of €800
• Travel allowance (for In-Region students)
• Health insurance coverage (for In-Region students)

Eligible Nationalities

This scholarship is open to international students of all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this fully-funded PhD opportunity in South Africa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum Second Class Upper Division or equivalent.
• Must be a national or permanent resident of a Sub-Saharan African country (excluding South Africa).
• Should have completed their last degree within the past six years.
• Must have English proficiency (language of instruction at UWC).
• Be a university staff member, a prospective teaching or research staff candidate, a public sector employee, or an alumnus of the DAFI program.

Priority Groups

• Special preference is given to female candidates, refugees with recognized status, and applicants from underprivileged regions.

Additional Benefits for Scholarship Holders

• Short-term research stays in Germany (3-6 months, subject to availability of funding).
• Participation in DAAD Summer Schools in Germany.
• Access to online training and soft skills workshops.

Important Notes

• Scholarships are awarded for one year initially and can be extended annually (maximum 3 years).
• If already a recipient of a DAAD PhD scholarship, applicants cannot reapply.
• Selected students must provide proof of arrival at UWC before the scholarship becomes effective.

Application Procedure

Follow these step-by-step instructions to successfully apply:

Step 1: Apply via the DAAD Portal

• Register on the DAAD portal: DAAD Application Portal
• Log in and fill out the online application form.
• Upload required documents (see list below).
• Submit your completed application before the deadline: April 9, 2025.

Step 2: Apply for Admission at UWC

• Apply directly to the University of the Western Cape for PhD admission.
• Contact the Institute for Social Development (ISD) for program-specific requirements.

Required Documents for the DAAD Application

Applicants must upload the following documents to the DAAD portal:

• Completed online application form
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) in tabular format
• Two letters of recommendation (signed and stamped by university teachers)
• Certified copies of Master’s degree and transcripts
• Motivation letter (300-1000 words)
• Copy of passport or national ID
• Abstract and detailed PhD research proposal (8-10 pages)
• Work plan and timeline for PhD completion
• Proof of admission (can be submitted later)
• Confirmation of academic supervision from UWC

Selection Process for DAAD UWC PhD Scholarship 2026

• Formal review by DAAD for eligibility and completeness.
• Shortlisting by UWC based on academic qualifications and research proposal.
• Final selection by an independent DAAD panel (evaluates academic excellence, motivation, and relevance to development research).
• Notification of selection results (expected by September 2025).