TRAJECTS Master’s Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded Opportunities in South Africa and Colombia)
The TRAJECTS Master’s Scholarships offer a unique and fully funded opportunity for international students to advance their academic careers in the fields of climate policy, renewable energy governance, and socio-ecological transitions. Offered by the Transnational Centre for Just Transitions in Energy, Climate and Sustainability, these scholarships are designed to foster research that bridges the Global South and North while addressing the pressing challenges of sustainable development and fossil fuel phase-out.
For the 2026–2028 cycle, TRAJECTS is offering eight fully funded scholarships distributed across three partner universities: the University of Cape Town in South Africa, the University of Magdalena in Santa Marta, Colombia, and the Institute of Environmental Studies at the National University of Colombia in Bogotá. These scholarships are tailored for students whose academic work aligns closely with the network’s core research themes and are structured to provide mobility, professional training, and collaborative research opportunities.
Degree Level
The TRAJECTS scholarships support students pursuing:
Master’s degree programs (2-year duration)
The program is designed for full-time students committed to developing applied research that contributes to just transitions in energy, climate, and sustainability.
Available Subjects
Eligible academic fields include, but are not limited to:
Climate Policy and Governance
Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Access
Fossil Fuel Phase-Out and Just Transition Policies
Socio-Ecological Transformation
Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science
Social Sciences, Development Studies, and Economics
Circular Economy and Green Industrial Development
Students must ensure that their proposed research aligns with at least one of TRAJECTS’ three thematic priorities.
Benefits
The TRAJECTS scholarships provide comprehensive financial and professional support:
Monthly stipend of EUR 1,000, paid in local currency to cover living costs and tuition
Access to TRAJECTS workshops, seminars, and cross-network training
Mobility support to participate in exchanges between partner institutions
Language funding to develop proficiency in relevant languages for host countries
Opportunities to engage in collaborative research projects across the Global South and North
Networking and mentorship within the TRAJECTS transnational research community
The scholarships are distributed as follows:
2 scholarships at the University of Cape Town (South Africa)
4 scholarships at the University of Magdalena (Colombia)
2 scholarships at the Institute of Environmental Studies, National University of Colombia, Bogotá
Eligible Nationalities
The scholarships are open to international applicants. There are no explicit nationality restrictions, but students must meet the admission requirements of their chosen host university, which may include language proficiency, residency, or academic equivalency standards.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Hold or be in the final stages of completing a Bachelor’s degree relevant to energy, climate, sustainability, or related social sciences
Secure admission or current enrolment in a qualifying Master’s program at one of the TRAJECTS partner universities
Align proposed research with at least one of the three TRAJECTS thematic areas:
Fossil fuel phase-out policies and labor/governance implications
Sustainable renewable energy integration, circular economy, or green industrial development
Socio-ecological transitions in regions dependent on extractive industries
Demonstrate capacity and willingness to actively engage with the TRAJECTS transnational network
Optional: Applicants from vulnerable, marginalised, or minority backgrounds may submit a self-declaration to strengthen their application
Application Procedure
To apply, follow these steps:
Choose your host university and Master’s program from the TRAJECTS partner institutions.
Apply directly to the university and secure proof of admission or current enrolment.
Prepare a research proposal (max 3 pages) aligned with TRAJECTS thematic priorities.
Assemble the required documents:
Bachelor’s degree or graduation certificate
Official undergraduate transcripts
University admission or enrolment proof
CV (max 2 pages)
Academic motivation letter (max 2 pages)
Research proposal (max 3 pages)
One academic letter of recommendation
Optional self-declaration of vulnerability or minority status
Submit the complete application package via the official TRAJECTS application portal before the deadline.
Important Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 4 April, 2:59 AM (GMT), effectively by 3 April to account for time zones and technical delays.
Why Apply for a TRAJECTS Scholarship
TRAJECTS scholarships are ideal for students who want their research to make a tangible impact on global sustainability and just transition policies. Scholars gain access to a transnational network of experts, receive financial and mobility support, and have the opportunity to contribute to solutions for energy transitions and socio-ecological resilience in critical regions of the Global South.
