If you are a highly motivated student from Sub-Saharan Africa looking to pursue a PhD in Development Studies, applications are now open for the DAAD In-Region Scholarship at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), South Africa. This prestigious scholarship, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and administered by DAAD, supports students who aim to contribute to sustainable development through academic research and teaching. Everything you need to know in this article!
DAAD In-Region Scholarship Summary
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Host University: University of the Western Cape (UWC) / South African-German Centre for Development Research
Study Level: PhD
Study Field: Development Studies
Target Group: University staff, public sector employees, and individuals intending to pursue teaching or research careers
Funding Type: Fully funded
Duration: Three years (starting February 2026)
Application Deadline: April 9, 2025
Start Date: February 2026
Eligible To: Nationals or permanent residents of Sub-Saharan African countries (excluding South Africa)
Scholarship Overview
The DAAD In-Region Scholarship Programme aims to strengthen higher education systems in Sub-Saharan Africa by supporting the training of future academic and professional leaders. The programme focuses on:
Enhancing the involvement of qualified professionals in solving development-related challenges in Africa
Strengthening research and education in the region
Promoting gender equality and diversity in higher education
Supporting networking and collaboration among African universities
The scholarship is primarily targeted at university staff, public sector employees, and individuals intending to pursue teaching or research careers. Scholars will enroll in the PhD in Development Studies at the Institute for Social Development (ISD), University of the Western Cape.
DAAD In-Region Scholarship Benefits and Coverage
Tuition Fees: Fully covered as per UWC’s official fee structure
Monthly Stipend: 700 EUR for living expenses
Study and Research Allowance: 920 EUR per year
Thesis Publishing Costs: 800 EUR (one-time payment)
Travel Allowance: Round-trip economy airfare for In-Region students
Health Insurance: Provided for In-Region students
Additional Benefits:
Short-term research stay in Germany (3-6 months) for selected scholars
Participation in summer schools and training sessions in Germany
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the DAAD In-Region Scholarship, Applicants must:
Be nationals or permanent residents of a Sub-Saharan African country (excluding South Africa)
Hold a master’s degree (at least Second Class Upper Division or equivalent) obtained within the last six years
Demonstrate strong motivation and commitment to development research
Be proficient in English
Be either: A staff member at a public university OR a candidate preparing for a teaching/research position OR A public sector employee OR An alumnus of the DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) programme
Female candidates, refugees with recognized status, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds are encouraged to apply
Application Procedure
Step 1: Apply via the DAAD Portal
Register an account on the DAAD application portal
Complete the online application form
Upload all required documents in English or German
Step 2: Apply for Admission to UWC
Submit a separate application for admission to the PhD programme at UWC
Check UWC’s website for specific application deadlines and requirements
📂 Required Documents
Completed DAAD application form
Curriculum Vitae (CV) in tabular format
Two letters of recommendation from university professors or employers
Copy of master’s degree certificate (Second Class Upper or higher)
University transcripts and proof of final grades
Letter of motivation (300–1000 words)
Copy of passport or national ID
Abstract of the proposed PhD research (one page)
Full PhD proposal (8-10 pages)
Detailed work plan and timetable
Proof of admission to UWC (if available at the time of application)
Confirmation of academic supervision from UWC
List of publications (if applicable)
Additional certificates (e.g., internships, employment records)
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed based on academic merit, motivation, research quality, and relevance to development
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for further assessment
Final selection will be conducted by an independent academic panel
Successful applicants will be notified approximately six months after the application deadline
🗓️ Important Dates
Application opens: February 2025
DAAD application deadline: April 9, 2025
UWC admission deadline: To be confirmed on the university website
Selection process: September 2025
Scholarship results announced: Late 2025
Academic year begins: February 2026
ℹ️ Contact Information
For inquiries related to the DAAD scholarship:
DAAD Contact Person: Hellen Sahlmann
Email: [sahlmann@daad.de] or visit the official website of DAAD in-Region Scholarship.
ℹ️ For inquiries related to UWC admission:
UWC Contact Person: Prof. Amiena Bayat
Email: [abayat@uwc.ac.za] or visit the official Website.
📂 Resources
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