University of the Western Cape (UWC) South Africa In-Region PhD Scholarship 2026 - Fully Funded
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).
